Clothing configurations with multiple reclosable access regions

Abstract

An article of clothing is provided having a plurality of accesses for accessing, when the clothing is worn by a wearer, the area below the clothing without removing the clothing. In one example, the article of clothing is an upper-body garment with two arm accesses, an anterior torso access, and two side torso accesses. In another example, the article of clothing is a lower-body garment with two leg accesses, two knee accesses, and two hip accesses. In one example, each access is opened or closed by an incremental fastening device such as a one-way or two-way zipper.

Claims

1. A lower-body article of clothing comprising: a waistline; a first leg portion comprising a superior end and an inferior end, wherein the superior end of the first leg portion is proximal to the waistline, and wherein a hem is at the inferior end of the first leg portion; a second leg portion comprising a superior end and an inferior end, wherein the superior end of the second leg portion is proximal to the waistline, and wherein the hem is at the inferior end of the second leg portion; a first knee access extending radially about the first leg portion, wherein the first knee access allows an inferior portion of first leg portion to be fully detached from the article of clothing; a second knee access extending radially about the second leg portion, wherein the second knee access allows an inferior portion of the second leg portion to be fully detached from the article of clothing; a first leg access extending along the first leg portion through the hem and terminating at a termination point in a region of the first leg portion superior to the hem that is at least more than one half inch inferior from the first knee access; a second leg access extending along the second leg portion through the hem and terminating at a termination point in a region of the second leg portion superior to the hem that is at least more than one half inch inferior from the second knee access, wherein the first leg access is located on an outer side of the first leg portion and the second leg access is located on an outer side of the second leg portion wherein the second leg access is located opposite the first leg access on the lower-body article of clothing; a first hip access extending through the waistline and terminating at a termination point in a region of the first leg portion inferior to the waistline that is at least more than one half inch superior from the first knee access; and a second hip access extending through the waistline and terminating at a termination point in a region of the second leg portion inferior to the waistline that is at least more than one half inch superior from the second knee access, wherein the first hip access is located on an outer side of the first leg portion and the second hip access is located on an outer side of the second leg portion wherein the second hip access is located opposite the first hip access on the lower-body article of clothing; wherein a distance from the termination point of the first leg access to the termination point of the first hip access is in a range from about 2 inches to about 6 inches, and wherein a distance from the termination point of the second leg access to the termination point of the second hip access is in a range from about 2 inches to about 6 inches; a first 1-way open zipper located along the first leg access, the first 1-way open zipper extending through the hem and having a stop at the termination point of the first leg portion along the first leg access; a second 1-way open zipper located along the second leg access, the second 1-way open zipper extending through the hem and having a stop at the termination point of the second leg portion along the second leg access; a first 2-way open zipper located along the first hip access, the first 2-way open zipper extending through the waistline and having a stop at the termination point of the first leg portion along the first hip access the first 2-way open zipper opening and closing at both ends of the first 2-way open zipper; a second 2-way open zipper located along the second hip access, the second 2-way open zipper extending through the waistline and having a stop at the termination point of the second leg portion along the second hip access the second 2-way open zipper opening and closing at both ends of the second 2-way open zipper; wherein each of the first leg access, the second leg access, the first knee access, the second knee access, the first hip access, and the second hip access is configured to provide access to a body of a person wearing the article of clothing, each of the first leg access, the second leg access, the first knee access, the second knee access, the first hip access, and the second hip access being constructed and arranged for providing said access without removal of the article of clothing from the body of said person wearing the article of clothing.

2. The lower-body article of clothing as defined in claim 1, wherein the first knee access, second knee access, or both the first and second knee access comprises a 2-way separating zipper located along the first knee access, second knee access, or both the first and second knee access.

3. The lower-body article of clothing as defined in claim 1, wherein at least one of the accesses is concealed.

4. The lower-body article of clothing as defined in claim 1, wherein the lower-body article of clothing comprises antimicrobial fabric.

5. The lower-body article of clothing as defined in claim 1, wherein the lower-body article of clothing comprises knit fabric composed of at least 90% polyester.

6. An upper-body article of clothing comprising: a collar; a first sleeve defining a first sleeve opening and a second sleeve defining a second sleeve opening, the first sleeve and the second sleeve comprising a front, a back, an inner side, and an outer side, wherein the outer side of the first sleeve is located opposite the outer side of the second sleeve across the upper-body article of clothing; a torso portion comprising a front, a back, two sides, a superior end, and an inferior end, wherein the superior end of the torso portion is proximal to the collar, the first sleeve, and the second sleeve, and wherein a hem is at the inferior end of the torso portion; a first arm access extending through the collar to through an edge of the first sleeve opening of the first sleeve distal to the collar and a second arm access extending through the collar to through an edge of the second sleeve opening of the second sleeve distal to the collar, wherein the first arm access is located on the outer side of the first sleeve and the second arm access is located on the outer side of the second sleeve wherein the second arm access is located opposite the first arm access on the upper-body article of clothing; a first side torso access extending along one side of the torso portion through the hem to a region of the torso portion superior to the hem, and a second side torso access extending along a second and opposite side of the torso portion through the hem to a region of the torso portion superior to the hem; wherein each of the first arm access, the second arm access, the first side torso access, and the second side torso access are configured to provide access to a body of a person wearing the upper-body article of clothing, each of the first arm access, the second arm access, the first side torso access, and the second side torso access being constructed and arranged for providing the access without removal of the upper-body article of clothing from the body of the person wearing the article of clothing; a first 2-way open zipper located along the first arm access and a second 2-way open zipper located along the second arm access, the first 2-way open zipper opening at an edge of the collar and at the first sleeve opening of the first sleeve distal to the collar, and the second 2-way open zipper also opening at an edge of the collar and at the second sleeve opening of the second sleeve distal to the collar, each of the first 2-way open zipper and the second 2-way open zipper comprising: (a) a first zipper slider having a front and a back and a second zipper slider having a front and a back, the back of the first zipper slider facing the back of the second zipper slider; wherein at least a portion of one of the first zipper slider and the second zipper slider is always in contact with the first 2-way open zipper and the second 2-way open zipper at a non-separated portion of the first 2-way open zipper and the second 2-way open zipper; a third 2-way open zipper located along the first side torso access, the third 2-way open zipper extending through the hem and having a stop at a region of the torso portion along the first side torso access that is no more than three inches inferior from an armpit region of the first sleeve or torso portion and at least one half inch inferior from the armpit region of the first sleeve or torso portion; and a fourth 2-way open zipper located along the second side torso access, the fourth 2-way open zipper extending through the hem and having a stop at a region of the torso portion along the second side torso access that is no more than three inches inferior from an armpit region of the second sleeve or torso portion and at least one half inch inferior from the armpit region of the second sleeve or torso portion wherein each of the first, second, third and fourth 2-way open zippers open and close at both ends of each of the first, second, third and fourth 2-way open zippers.

7. The upper-body article of clothing as defined in claim 6, wherein a superior end of the first side torso access is located one inch to two inches away from the armpit region of the first sleeve or torso portion.

8. The upper-body article of clothing as defined in claim 6, wherein the first arm access, the second arm access, the first side torso access, and the second side torso access are concealed.

9. The upper-body article of clothing as defined in claim 6, wherein the article comprises an antimicrobial fabric.

10. The upper-body article of clothing as defined in claim 6, wherein the article comprises a knit fabric comprised of at least 90% polyester.

11. The upper-body article of clothing as defined in claim 6, wherein the article is made from a knit fabric comprising at least 60% polyester, the fabric stretching at least 10% in one direction.

12. The upper-body article of clothing as defined in claim 6, further comprising at least one anterior torso access extending along the front of the torso portion from the collar to the hem.

13. The upper-body article of clothing as defined in claim 12, wherein the at least one anterior torso access comprises a 2-way separating zipper.

14. The upper-body article of clothing as defined in claim 12, wherein the at least one anterior torso access comprises a 1-way separating zipper.

15. The upper-body article of clothing as defined in claim 6, wherein a superior end of the first side torso access is not located at the armpit region of the first sleeve or torso portion.

16. The upper-body article of clothing as defined in claim 6, wherein a superior end of the second side torso access is not located at the armpit region of the second sleeve or torso portion.

17. The upper-body article of clothing as defined in claim 6, wherein the superior end of the second side torso access is located one inch to two inches away from the armpit region of the second sleeve or torso portion.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, including reference to the appended figures in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a frontal plan view of one embodiment of an upper-body garment configured according to the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 is a close-up perspective view of an arm access of the upper-body garment from FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 is a close-up side view of an arm. access of the upper-body garment from FIG. 1;

(5) FIG. 4 is a close-up side view of a side torso access of the upper-body garment from FIG. 1;

(6) FIG. 5 is a side view of a leg access of the lower-body garment from FIG. 10A;

(7) FIG. 6 is a side view of a leg access of the lower-body garment from FIG. 10A;

(8) FIG. 7 is a close-up perspective view of a knee access of the lower-body garment from FIG. 10A;

(9) FIG. 8 is a close-up perspective view of a hip access of the lower-body garment from. FIG. 10A;

(10) FIG. 9A is a frontal plane view of another embodiment of an upper-body garment configured according to the present invention;

(11) FIG. 9B is a rear plane view of the upper-body garment from FIG. 9A;

(12) FIG. 10A is a frontal plane view of another embodiment of a lower-body garment configured according to the present invention;

(13) FIG. 10B is a rear plane view of the lower-body garment from FIG. 10A;

(14) FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a 1-way open zipper;

(15) FIG. 11B is a perspective view of a 1-way separating ripper;

(16) FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a 2-way open zipper;

(17) FIG. 12B is a perspective view of a 2-way O-type zipper;

(18) FIG. 12C is a perspective view of a 2-way separating zipper.

(19) Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(20) It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present disclosure.

(21) In general, the present disclosure is directed to an article of clothing comprising a plurality of accesses for accessing the area below the clothing when the clothing is worn by a wearer. The present invention relates to articles of clothing that provide multiple adjustable and reclosable accesses beneath the article of clothing. Unlike conventional hospital gowns, conventional exercise wear, street wear, and medical clothing, the articles configured according to the present invention allow for a user to remain substantially clothed while providing selective access to desired regions. In one embodiment, the article of clothing can be an upper-body garment. In another embodiment, the article of clothing can be a lower-body garment.

(22) The upper-body garment generally comprises a torso portion, wherein the superior end of the torso portion is proximal to a collar and two sleeves. A sleeve of the upper-body garment can be a short sleeve, a long sleeve, or a sleeve of some length greater than the length of a short sleeve but shorter than the length of a long sleeve. The inferior edge of the torso portion can comprise at least one hem. The torso portion is generally understood to comprise a front, a back, and two sides. The upper-body garment comprises one or more accesses, which can include, for instance, one or more arm accesses, one or more anterior torso accesses, and/or one or more side torso accesses.

(23) As will be explained below, the one or more accesses of the upper-body garment are, for example, useful for allowing access below the upper-body garment when the upper-body garment is worn by a user required to wear one or more medical devices, such as casts, slings, braces, and splints, and/or for accommodating such medical devices.

(24) Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, upper-body garment 50 demonstrates one embodiment of the present invention. Upper-body garment 50 comprises torso portion 66, hem 67, collar 60, sleeve 62, the edge 64 of the opening of sleeve 62 distal to collar 60, sleeve 63, and the edge 65 of the opening of sleeve 63 distal to collar 60. Sleeve 62 and sleeve 63 are shown to be long sleeves, but sleeve 62 and/or sleeve 63 can comprise sleeves of any length, such as short sleeves, long sleeves, or three-quarters length sleeves. FIG. 9A shows the front of upper-body garment 50, including the front of torso portion 66 and the front of the sides of torso portion 66. FIG. 9B shows the back of upper-body garment 50, including the back of torso portion 66 and the back of the sides of torso portion 66.

(25) As shown in at least FIGS. 9A and 9B, the upper body garment includes a first sleeve 62 that defines a first sleeve opening and a second sleeve 63 that defines a second sleeve opening. The first sleeve 62 and the second sleeve 63 have a front side, a back side, an inner side, and an outer side. The outer side of the first sleeve 62 is located opposite the outer side of the second sleeve 63 across the upper-body article of clothing.

(26) In one embodiment, the upper-body garment can be modified to look like every-day wear. For example, collar 60 of upper-body garment 50 can comprise a crew neck collar, V-neck collar, high-neck collar, turnover collar, fiat collar, stand-up collar, or other type of collar. Also, for example, upper-body garment 50 can resemble a button-up shirt or blouse by, for instance, comprising a row of buttons along the front of torso portion 66. Also, for example, upper-body garment 30 can resemble a polo shirt by, for instance, comprising a placket at collar 60. Also, for example, upper-body garment 50 can resemble a hospital gown. Also, for example, upper-body garment 50 can resemble a pajama shirt.

(27) In one embodiment, the upper-body garment comprises at least one arm access. An arm access is configured along some length of a sleeve and is constructed and arranged such that the arm access provides access to a wearer's neck, shoulder, upper arm, elbow, forearm, wrist and/or etc. without requiring the wearer to remove the upper-body garment. For example, an arm access can extend from the collar to the edge of the sleeve opening distal to the collar. Alternatively, an arm access can extend from the collar to a region of the sleeve that is distal to the collar but not at the edge of the sleeve opening distal to the collar. Alternatively, an arm access can extend from the edge of a sleeve opening distal to the collar to a region of the sleeve that is distal to said edge but not at the collar.

(28) In one embodiment, the upper-body garment comprises one arm access along each sleeve. In another embodiment, the upper-body garment comprises more than one arm access along at least one sleeve. In another embodiment, the upper-body garment comprises one or more arm accesses along a first sleeve and no arm accesses along a second sleeve.

(29) Upper-body garment 50 comprises a first arm access 52 that extends along sleeve 62 from collar 60 to the edge 64 of the opening of sleeve 62 distal to collar 60. Upper-body garment 50 also comprises a second arm access 53 that extends along sleeve 63 from collar 60 to the edge 65 of the opening of sleeve 63 distal to collar 60.

(30) In one embodiment, the article of clothing is comprised of at least one access that is opened or closed by an incremental fastening device. As used herein, an incremental fastening device is to be distinguished from an assembly of separate devices such as buttons or snaps. An incremental fastening device can comprise, for example, a zipper, a hook and loop type fastener, a sliding clasp fastener, a zip-lock fastener, or a sealing tape.

(31) In one embodiment, for example, the incremental fastening device comprises a 1-way zipper. Referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B, the 1-way zipper can be a 1-way open zipper 100 or a 1-way separating zipper 120. In FIG. 11A, 1-way open zipper 100 opens and closes at end 102. In FIG. 11B, 1-way separating zipper 120 opens and closes at end 122 and separates at end 124.

(32) In another embodiment, for example, the incremental fastening device comprises a 2-way zipper. Referring to FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C, the 2-way zipper can be a 2-way open zipper 200, a 2-way O-type zipper 210, or a 2-way separating zipper 220. In FIG. 12A, 2-way open zipper 200 opens and closes at both ends of the zipper. In FIG. 12B, 2-way O-type zipper 210 does not open or close at the ends of the zipper but rather opens and closes between slider 212 and slider 214. In FIG. 12C, 2-way separating zipper 220 opens and closes at both ends of the zipper and separates at end 222.

(33) Referring to FIG. 12A, the open zipper 200 includes a first zipper slider 201 and a second zipper slider 202. The first zipper slider 201 includes a front 203 and a back 204. The second zipper slider 202 includes a front 206 and a back 205. As shown in FIG. 12A, the back 204 of the first zipper slider 201 faces the back 205 of the second zipper slider 202. The 2-way open zipper 200 further includes a pair of opposing stops 207A and 207B located at a first end of the 2-way open zipper and a second pair of opposing stops 208A and 208B located at a second and opposite end of the 2-way open zipper 200.

(34) As shown in FIG. 12C, the 2-way separating zipper 220 includes a first zipper slider 223 and a second zipper slider 224. The first zipper slider 223 includes a front 225 and a back 226. The second zipper slider 224 includes a front 227 and a back 228. As shown in FIG. 12C, the back 226 of the first zipper slider 223 faces the back 228 of the second zipper slider 224. The 2-way separating zipper 220 further includes a pair of opposing stops 229A and 229B located at a first end of the 2-way separating zipper 220. A pair of opposing pin members 230A and 230B are located at a second and opposite end of the 2-way separating zipper 220 where the zipper separates at end 222.

(35) In one embodiment, an arm access is opened or closed by an incremental fastening device. For example, the arm access can comprise a 1-way separating zipper that can separate at the collar, a 1-way separating zipper that can separate at the edge of the sleeve opening distal to the collar, a 1-way open zipper that can open at the end of the arm access closest to the collar, or a 1-way open zipper that can open at the end of the arm access farthest from the collar. For example, first arm access 52 can comprise a 1-way separating zipper that separates at collar 60 or a 1-way separating zipper that separates at edge 64.

(36) Also, the arm access can comprise, for example, a 2-way O-type zipper, a 2-way separating zipper that separates at the collar, a 2-way separating zipper that separates at the edge of the sleeve opening distal to the collar, or a 2-way open zipper that can open at both ends of the arm access. For example, first arm access 52 can comprise a 2-way separating zipper that separates at collar 60, a 2-way separating zipper that separates at edge 64, or a 2-way open zipper that opens at both collar 60 and edge 64.

(37) When a 2-way separating zipper is used, and as shown in FIG. 12C, the zipper may include a slider having a front and a back, a pair of opposing stops, and a pair of opposing pin members on an end of the 2-way separating zipper opposite the end having the stops. The pair of opposing pin members may be located adjacent to the collar; and, as shown in FIG. 12C, at least a portion of the zipper slider is always in contact with the 2-way separating zipper at a non-separated portion of the 2-way separating zipper.

(38) In one embodiment, the upper-body garment comprises at least one anterior torso access. An anterior torso access is configured along some length of the front of the torso portion of the upper-body garment and is constructed and arranged such that the anterior torso access provides access to a wearer's neck, thorax, abdomen, pubic area, and/or etc. without requiring the wearer to remove the upper-body garment. For example, an anterior torso access can extend from the collar to the hem. Alternatively, an anterior torso access can extend from the collar to a region of the torso portion that is distal to the collar but not at the hem. Alternatively, an anterior torso access can extend from the hem to a region of the torso portion, that is distal to the hem but not at the collar.

(39) In one embodiment, the upper-body garment comprises only one anterior torso access along the front of the torso portion. In another embodiment, the upper-body garment comprises more than one anterior torso access along the front of the torso portion.

(40) Upper-body garment 50 comprises anterior torso access 54 that extends along the front of torso portion 66 from collar 60 to hem 67.

(41) In one embodiment, an anterior torso access is opened or closed by an incremental fastening device. For example, the anterior torso access can comprise a 1-way separating zipper that separates at the collar, a 1-way separating zipper that separates at the hem, a 1-way open zipper that can open at the end of the anterior torso access closest to the collar, or a 1-way open zipper that can open at the end of the anterior torso access closest to the hem. For example, anterior torso access 54 can comprise a 1-way separating zipper that separates at collar 60 or a 1-way separating zipper that separates at hem 67.

(42) Also, the anterior torso access can comprise, for example, a 2-way O-type zipper, a 2-way separating zipper that can separate at the collar, a 2-way separating zipper that can separate at the hem, or a 2-way open zipper that can open at both ends of the anterior torso access. For example, anterior torso access 54 can comprise a 2-way separating zipper that separates at collar 60, a 2-way separating zipper that separates at hem 67, or a 2-way open zipper that opens at both collar 60 and hem 67.

(43) In one embodiment, the upper-body garment comprises at least one side torso access. A side torso access is configured along some length of a side of the torso portion of the upper-body garment and is constructed and arranged such that the side torso access provides access to a wearer's axilla, lateral thorax, lateral abdomen, hip, and/or etc. without requiring the wearer to remove the upper-body garment. For example, a side torso access can extend from the hem to a region of the torso portion superior to the hem. Alternatively, a side torso access can extend from a region of the torso portion distal to the hem to a region of the torso portion proximal to the hem but not at the hem.

(44) In one embodiment, the superior end of the side torso access is not located at or near the underarm or armpit region of the sleeve or torso portion of the upper-body garment. For example, the superior end of the side torso access can be located at least one-half inch away from the armpit region of the upper-body garment, such as at least one inch away, such as at least one and a half inches away, such as at least two inches away, such as least three inches away, such as at least six inches away, such as at least nine inches away, such as even at least twelve inches away, but no more than twenty-four inches away from the armpit region of the upper-body garment, such as no more than eighteen inches away, such as no more than twelve inches away, such as no more than nine inches away, such as no more than six inches away, such as no more than three inches away, such as no more than two inches away, such as no more than one and a half inch away.

(45) The hem located at the inferior edge of the upper-body garment can be comprised of more than one section. For example, the hem may not be comprised of a single, continuous edge. Since both the anterior torso access and the side torso access can terminate at the hem, the hem can be separated into more than one section by, for example, the opening of either an anterior torso access terminating at the hem or a side torso access terminating at the hem.

(46) In one embodiment, the upper-body garment comprises one side torso access along each side of the torso portion of the upper-body garment. In another embodiment, the upper-body garment comprises more than one side torso access along at least one side of the torso portion. In another embodiment, the upper-body garment comprises one or more side torso accesses along a first side of the torso portion and no side torso accesses along a second side of the torso portion.

(47) Upper-body garment 50 comprises a first side torso access 56 that extends along the side of torso portion 66 that is closest to sleeve 62. First side torso access 56 extends from hem 67 to a region of torso portion 66 that is superior to hem 67. Upper-body garment 50 also comprises a second side torso access 57 that extends along the side of torso portion 66 that is closest to sleeve 63. Second side torso access 57 extends from hem 67 to a region of torso portion 66 that is superior to hem 67. Neither first side torso access 56 nor second side torso access 57 extend into the armpit region of upper-body garment 50.

(48) In one embodiment, a side torso access is opened or closed by an incremental fastening device. For example, the side torso access can comprise a 1-way separating zipper that can separate at the hem or a 1-way open zipper that can open at the hem. For example, first side torso access 56 can comprise a 1-way separating zipper that separates at hem 67 or 1-way open zipper that opens at hem 67.

(49) Also, the side torso access can comprise, for example, a 2-way O-type zipper, a 2-way separating zipper that can separate at the hem, or a 2-way open zipper that can open at both ends or the side torso access. For example, first side torso access 56 can comprise a 2-way separating zipper that separates at hem 67 or a 2-way open zipper that opens both at hem 67 and at the end of first side torso access 56 that is distal to hem 67.

(50) Referring to FIG. 1, shirt 10 demonstrates another embodiment of an upper-body garment configured according to the present invention. As demonstrated in FIGS. 1 through 3, shirt 10 has a first arm access 12 and a second arm access 16 configured along the length of shirt sleeve 22. First arm access 12 extends up into the collar area 20 of shirt 10. Second arm access 16 extends downward to the wrist region 26 of sleeve 22. Specifically, second arm access 16 extends to the edge of the opening of sleeve 22 distal to collar area 20. As can be seen in FIG. 2, first arm access 12 is constructed and arranged such that the shoulder and upper arm portion is accessible outside of shirt 10 without the need to remove shirt 10. As can be seen in FIG. 3, second arm access 16 becomes equally accessible to expose a portion up into and including a majority of the arm of a wearer.

(51) In this embodiment, first arm access 12 is considered to be an access created by the slider of the 2-way zipper along sleeve 22 that, is proximal to collar area 20 and the second arm access 16 is considered to be the access created by the slider of the 2-way zipper along sleeve 22 that is distal to collar area 20. However, together, first arm access 12 and second arm access 16 can be considered to form a single arm access along sleeve 22. This single arm access comprises a 2-way zipper that, for example, can be a 2-way open zipper, a 2-way separating zipper that separates at collar area 20, or a 2-way separating zipper that separates at wrist region 26.

(52) The shirt farther is configured to have first anterior torso access 14 and second anterior torso access 18 configured along the front of shirt 10. First anterior torso access 14 extends upward and terminates at collar 20. Second anterior torso access 18 extends downward and terminates along shirt hem 24. Together, first anterior torso access 14 and second anterior torso access 18 can be considered to form a single anterior torso access along the front of shirt 10. This single anterior torso access comprises a 2-way zipper that, for example, can be a 2-way open zipper, a 2-way separating zipper that separates at collar area 20, or a 2-way separating zipper that separates at shirt hem 24.

(53) Shirt 10 is further constructed and arranged, with side torso access 28 configured as opposing access means on both sites of shirt 10. Side torso access 28 extends from shirt hem 24 to a region of shirt 10 superior to shirt hem 24. As can be seen in FIG. 4, side torso access 28 is constructed and arranged such that it provides access to a wearer's hip, lateral abdomen, and lateral thorax.

(54) Shirt hem 24 is comprised of three separate sections since side torso access 28 terminates at shirt hem 24 on both sides of shirt 10 and second anterior torso access 18 terminates at shirt hem 24 in the front of shirt 10.

(55) In one norm-limiting example, a user wearing shirt 10 of the present invention in need of access to one or more specific regions, will open any one or more of the access openings and be provided with access underneath shirt 10. For example, if access is needed to a forearm in order to administer or maintain an intravenous port, second arm access 16 provides access to the forearm of a user.

(56) Although demonstrated that each access of shirt 10 is configured as a zipper, it is contemplated that any reclosable means can be incorporated into shirt 10. Additionally, it is contemplated in one embodiment that shirt 10 can be constructed and arranged with different types of reclosable access means.

(57) The present invention also contemplates configuration as a pair of pants. The lover-body garment contemplated by this invention generally comprises two leg portions, wherein the superior end of the leg portions is proximal to a waistline. The inferior edge of each leg portion can comprise at least one hem. The lower-body garment comprises one or more accesses, which can include, for instance, one or more leg accesses, one or more knee accesses, and/or one or more hip accesses.

(58) Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, pants 30 demonstrate one embodiment of a lower-body garment configured according to the present invention. Pants 30 comprise waistline 40, leg portion 42, hem 44 at the inferior edge of leg portion 42, leg portion 43, and hem 45 at the inferior edge of leg portion 43. FIG. 10A shows the front of pants 30. FIG. 10E shows the back of pants 30.

(59) In one embodiment, the lower-body garment, can be modified to look like every-day wear. For example, pants 30 can comprise a permanent press fabric and/or one or more creases. Also, for example, pants 30 can comprise a fly opening extending down from waistline 40. Also, for example, pants 30 can comprise pleats at waistline 40. Also, for example, pants 30 can comprise belt loops at waistline 40. Also, for example, pants 30 can comprise elastic and/or one or more drawstrings about waistline 40. Also, for example, pants 30 can resemble pajama pants and can match an upper-body garment made according to the present invention that resembles a pajama shirt.

(60) In one embodiment, the lower-body garment comprises at least one leg access. A leg access is configured along some length of a leg portion of the lower-body garment and is constructed and arranged such that the leg access provides access to a wearer's foot, ankle, lower leg, knee, upper leg, hip, and/or etc. without requiring the wearer to remove the lower-body garment. For example, a leg access can extend from the hem to a region of the leg portion that is superior to the hem. Alternatively, a leg access can extend from a region of the leg portion distal to the hem to a region of the leg portion proximal to the hem but not at the hem.

(61) The hem located at the inferior edge of a leg portion of the lower-body garment can be comprised of more than one section. For example, the hem may not be comprised of a single, continuous edge. Since the leg access can terminate at the hem, the hem can be separated into more than one section by, for example, the opening of two leg accesses terminating at the hem of a single leg portion of the lower-body garment.

(62) In one embodiment, a leg access extends from the hem to the waistline.

(63) In one embodiment, a leg access extends from the hem to a region of the leg portion that is, when the lower-body garment is worn by a wearer, superior to the wearer's knee. For example, the leg access can extend from the hem to a region of the leg portion that is superior to the hem and distanced from the hem by at least 40% of the length of the hem to the waistline, such as at least 45%, such as at least 50%, such as at least 55%, such as at least 60%, such as at least 65%, such as even at least 70% of the length of the hem to the waistline, but less than 99% of the length of the hem to the waistline, such as no more than 90%, such as no more than 80%, such as no more than 70%, such as no more than 60%, such as no more than 55%, such as no more than 50%, such as no more than 45%,

(64) In one embodiment, a leg access extends from the hem to a knee access. In another embodiment, a leg access extends from the hem to a region of the leg portion that is substantially adjacent to a knee access. For example, the leg access can extend from the hem to a region of the leg portion that is less than two inches from the knee access, such as less than one and a half inches, such as less than one inch, such as even less than one-half inch from, the knee access, but at least just more than zero inches from the knee access, such as at least more than one-half inch, such as at least one inch, such as at least one and a half inches. In another embodiment, a leg access extends from the hem to a region of the leg portion that is substantially separated from a knee access. For example, the leg access can extend from the hem to a region of the leg portion that is at least two inches from the knee access, such as at least two and a half inches, such as at least three inches, such as at least four inches, such as at least five inches, such as at least six inches, such as even at least seven inches from the knee access, but no more than twenty-four inches from the knee access, such as no more than eighteen inches, such as no more than twelve inches, such as no more than nine inches, such as no more than six inches, such as no more than three inches.

(65) In one embodiment, the lower-body garment comprises one leg access along each leg portion of the lower-body garment. In another embodiment, the lower-body garment comprises more than one leg access along at least one leg portion. In another embodiment, the lower-body garment comprises one or more leg accesses along a first leg portion and no leg accesses along a second leg portion.

(66) Pants 30 comprise first leg access 32 that extends along leg portion 42 from hem 44 to a region of leg portion 42 that is superior to hem 44. First leg access 32 can extend to a region of leg portion 42 that is superior to the wearer's knee, substantially adjacent to a knee access, and/or substantially separated from a knee access. Pants 30 are constructed and arranged with first leg access 32 in order to provide access to portions of a wearer's leg, such as the calf region as demonstrated in FIG. 5 or the shin region as demonstrated in FIG. 6. First leg access 32 can be constructed and arranged not only to provide access to the calf region as demonstrated in FIG. 5 or the shin region as demonstrated in FIG. 6, but to provide access to the entirety of a wearer's leg up into and including the hip portion. Pants 30 also comprise second leg access 33 that extends along leg portion 43 from hem 45 to a region of leg portion 43 that is superior to hem 45. Similar to first leg access 33, second leg access 33 can also extend to a region of leg portion 43 that is superior to the wearer's knee, substantially adjacent to a knee access, and/or substantially separated from a knee access. Also, second leg access 33 can be constructed and arranged in any way that first leg access 32 can be constructed and arranged.

(67) In one embodiment, a leg access is opened or closed by an incremental fastening device. For example, the leg access can comprise a 1-way separating zipper that can separate at the hem or a 1-way open zipper that can open at the hem. For example, first leg access 32 can comprise a 1-way separating zipper that separates at hem 44 or a 1-way open zipper that opens sit hem 44.

(68) Also, the leg access can comprise, for example, a 2-way O-type zipper, a 2-way separating zipper that can separate at. the hem, or a 2-way open zipper that can open at both ends of the leg access. For example, first leg access 32 can comprise a 2-way O-type zipper, a 2-way separating zipper that separates at hem 44, or a 2-way open zipper that opens both at hem 44 and the end of first leg access 32 that is distal to hem 44.

(69) In one embodiment, the lower-body garment comprises at least one hip access. A hip access is configured along some length of the side of the lower-body garment and is constructed and arranged such that the hip access provides access to a wearer's lateral thorax, lateral abdomen, hip, pelvic area, upper leg, knee, and/or etc. without requiring the wearer to remove the lower-body garment. For example, a hip access can extend from the waistline to a region of the leg portion inferior to the waistline. Alternatively, a hip access can extend from a region of the leg portion proximal to the waistline to a region of the leg portion distal to the waistline.

(70) The waistline located at the superior end of the lower-body garment can be comprised of more than one section. For example, the waistline may not be comprised of a single, continuous edge. In one embodiment, the waistline comprises elastic, which can be comprised of more than one continuous section of elastic. Since a hip access can terminate at the waistline, the waistline or elastic included in the waistline can be separated into more than one section by, for example, the opening of a hip access terminating at the waistline of the lower-body garment.

(71) In one embodiment, a hip access extends from the waistline to the hem.

(72) In one embodiment, a hip access extends from the waistline to a region of the leg portion that is, when the lower-body garment is worn by a wearer, superior to the nearer's knee. For example, the leg access can extend from the waistline to a region of the leg portion that is inferior to the waistline but distanced from the waistline by less than 60% of the length of the hem to the waistline, such as less than 55%, such as less than 50%, such as less than 45%, such as less than 40%, such as less than 35%, such as even less than 30% of the length of the hem to the waistline, but at least more than 1% of the length of the hem to the waistline, such as at least more than 10%, such as at least more than 20%, such as at least more than 30%, such as at least more than 40%, such as at least more than 45%, such as at least more than 50%, such as at least more than 55%.

(73) In one embodiment, a hip access extends from the waistline to a knee access. In another embodiment, a hip access extends from the waistline to a region of the leg portion that is substantially adjacent to a knee access. For example, the hip access can extend from the waistline to a region of the leg portion that is less than two inches from the knee access, such as less than one and a half inches, such as less than one inch, such as even less than one-half inch from the knee access, but at least just more than zero inches from the knee access, such as at least more than one-half inch, such as at least more than one inch, such as at least more than one and a half inches. In another embodiment, a hip access extends from the waistline to a region of the leg portion that is substantially separated from the knee access. For example, the leg access can extend from the waistline to a region of the leg portion that is at least two inches from the knee access, such as at least two and a half inches, such as at least three inches, such as at least four inches, such as at least five inches, such as at least six inches, such as even at least seven inches from the knee access, but no more than twenty-four inches from the knee access, such as no more than eighteen inches, such as no more than twelve inches, such as no more than nine inches, such as no more than six inches, such as no more than three inches.

(74) In one embodiment, the lower-body garment comprises one hip access along each side of the lower-body garment. In another embodiment, the lower-body garment comprises more than one hip access along a single side of the lower-body garment. In another embodiment, the lower-body garment comprises one or more hip accesses along a first side of the lower-body garment and no hip accesses along a second side of the lower-body garment.

(75) Pants 30 comprise first hip access 36 that extends along the side of pants 30 from waistline 40 to a region of leg portion 42 that is inferior to waistline 40. First hip access 36 can extend to a region, of leg portion 42 that is superior to the wearer's knee, substantially adjacent to a knee access, and/or substantially separated from a knee access. As shown in FIG. 8, pants 30 are constructed and arranged with first hip access 36 in order to provide access to the hip and upper leg region of a wearer's body. Pants 30 can also be constructed and arranged with first hip access 36 such as to provide access to other portions of a wearer's body, such as to the entirety of the leg down into and including the ankle and foot portion. Pants 30 also comprise second hip access 37 that extends along the other side of pants 30 from waistline 40 to a region of leg portion 43 that is inferior to waistline 40. Similar to first hip access 35, second hip access 37 can also extend to a region of leg portion 43 that is superior to the wearer's knee, substantially adjacent to a knee access, and/or substantially separated from a knee access. Also, second hip access 37 can be constructed and arranged in any way that first hip access 36 can be constructed and arranged.

(76) The waistline 40 of pants 30 is separated into at least two sections since first hip access 36 and second hip access 37 both terminate at waistline 40. The waistline 40 of pants 30 can comprise elastic, which would also be separated into at least two sections since first hip access 36 and second hip access 37 both terminate at waistline 40.

(77) In one embodiment, a nip access is opened or closed by an incremental fastening device. For example, the hip access can comprise a 1-way separating zipper that separates at the waistline, a 1-way separating zipper that separates at a region of the leg portion substantially adjacent to a knee access, a 1-way open zipper that opens at the end of the nip access closest to the waistline, or a 1-way open zipper that opens at the end of the hip access furthest from the waistline. For example, first hip access 36 can comprise a 1-way separating zipper that separates at waistline 40, a 1-way separating zipper that separates at a region of leg portion 42 that is substantially adjacent to first knee access 34, a 1-way open zipper that opens at the end of first hip access 36 that is closest to waistline 40, or a 1-way open zipper that opens at the end of first hip access 36 that is furthest from waistline 40.

(78) Also, the hip access can comprise, for example, a 2-way O-type zipper, a 2-way separating zipper that separates at the waistline, a 2-way separating zipper that separates at a region of the leg portion substantially adjacent to a knee access, or a 2-way open zipper that opens at both ends of the hip access. For example, first hip access 36 can comprise a 2-way O-type zipper, a 2-way separating zipper that separates at waistline 40, a 2-way separating zipper that separates at a region of leg portion 42 that is substantially adjacent to first knee access 34, or a 2-way open zipper that opens at both ends of first hip access 36.

(79) In one embodiment, the lower-body garment comprises at least one knee access. A knee access is configured radially about a leg portion of the lower-body garment and is constructed and arranged such that the knee access provides access to a wearer's knee, lower leg, upper leg, and/or etc. without requiring the wearer to remove the lower-body garment. For example, a knee access can extend completely around a leg portion of the lower-body garment. Alternatively, a knee access can extend only partially around a leg portion of the lower-body garment.

(80) In one embodiment, a leg portion of the lower-body garment comprises either no knee access or a knee access that extends only partially around the leg portion. In such an embodiment, a leg access and hip access can together comprise a single access that extends from the waistline or a region proximal to the waistline to the hem of the leg portion or a region proximal to the hem of the leg portion. In one embodiment, this single access is opened or closed by an incremental fastening device. For example, this single access can comprise a 1-way separating zipper that separates at the waistline, a 1-way separating zipper than separates at the hem, a 1-way open zipper that opens at the waistline, or a 1-way open zipper that opens at the hem. Also, this single access can comprise, for example, a 2-way O-type zipper, a 2-way separating zipper that separates at the waistline, a 2-way separating zipper that separates at the hem, or a 2-way open zipper that opens at both ends of the single access.

(81) In one embodiment, a knee access is located around a region of the leg portion that is, when the lower-body garment is worn by a wearer, superior to the wearer's knee. For example, the knee access can be located along the leg portion at a region of the leg portion that is superior to the hem and distanced from the hem by at least 40% of the length from the hem to the waistline, such as at least 45%, such as at least 50%, such as at least 55%, such as at least 60%, such as at least 65%, such as even at least 70% of the length of the hem to the waistline, but less than 99% of the length of the hem to the waistline, such as no more than 90%, such as no more than 80%, such as no more than 70%, such as no more than 60%,such as no more than 55%, such as no more than 50%, such as no more than 45%.

(82) In one embodiment, the lower-body garment comprises one knee access radially about each leg portion, of the lower-body garment. In another embodiment, the lower-body garment comprises more than one knee access radially about at least one leg portion of the lower-body garment. In another embodiment, the lower-body garment comprises one or more knee accesses along a first leg portion of the lower-body garment and no knee access along a second leg portion of the lower-body garment.

(83) Pants 30 comprise first knee access 34 that extends radially about leg portion 42, First knee access 34 can extend completely or only partially around leg portion 42 and can be located at, superior to, or inferior to a wearer's knee. As shown in FIG. 7, pants 30 are constructed and arranged with first knee access 34 in order to provide access to the knee region of a wearer's body. Pants 30 can also be constructed and arranged with first knee access 34 such as to provide access to other portions of a wearer's body, such as to the upper leg portion or lower leg portion of a wearer's body. Pants 30 also comprise second knee access 35 that extends radially about leg portion 43. Similar to first knee access 34, second knee access 35 can extend completely or only partially around leg portion 43 and can be located at, superior to, or inferior to a wearer's knee.

(84) In one embodiment, a knee access is opened or closed by an incremental fastening device. For example, the knee access can comprise a 1-way separating zipper or a 1-way open zipper. For example, first knee access 34 can comprise a 1-way separating zipper or a 1-way open zipper.

(85) Also, the knee access can comprise, for example, a 2-way O-type zipper, a 2-way separating zipper, or a 2-way open zipper. For example, first knee access 54 can comprise a 2-way O-type zipper, a 2-way separating zipper, or a 2-way open zipper.

(86) In one embodiment, a knee access extends completely around a leg portion of the lower-body garment and is constructed and arranged such that the knee access allows for an inferior portion of said leg portion to be completely detached from a superior portion of said leg portion. In this embodiment, said knee access can comprise, for example, a 1-way separating zipper or a 2-way separating zipper. For example, first knee access 34 can extend completely around leg portion 42 and can comprise a 1-way separating zipper or a 2-way separating zipper, such that first knee access 34 allows for the portion of leg portion 42 that is inferior to first knee access 34 to be completely detached from the portion of leg portion 42 that is superior to first knee access 34.

(87) In some embodiments, the accesses are located along the seams of the article of clothing.

(88) It is contemplated that access configurations of the present invention are constructed and arranged so as to not be readily noticeable by an observer. For example, in one embodiment, at least one access of the present invention is concealed. In these configurations, clothing configured according to the present invention appears to be like any other conventional article of clothing. The configurations in which the access openings are not readily noticeable are achieved by clothing design configurations as are known in the art. For example, it is known how to configure clothing such that a zipper is not readily noticeable. It is contemplated that such clothing design techniques are incorporated into the present invention.

(89) In one embodiment, the article of clothing is comprised of a knit fabric. In one embodiment, the article of clothing is comprised of a fabric composed of at least 50% polyester, such as at least 60% polyester, such as at least 70% polyester, such as at least 80% polyester, such as at least 90% polyester, such as at least 95% polyester, such as even at least 100% polyester. In one embodiment, the article of clothing is comprised of anti-microbial fabric. In one embodiment, the article is comprised of a wicking fabric.

(90) In one embodiment, the article of clothing is comprised of fabric that, in one direction or at least two directions, stretches at least 3%, such as at least 5%, such as at least 10%, such as at least 15%, but generally not more than 500%, such as not more than 300%, such as not more than 200%, as measured by ASTM D2594 “Standard Test Method for Stretch Properties of Knitted Fabrics Having Low Power.”

(91) While the invention has been described with, some degree of particularity, it is understood that this description has been given only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction, fabrication, and use, including the combination and arrangement of parts, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.