Athletic Garment and Hygienic System

Abstract

An athletic garment and hygienic system include a body covering completely covering the torso of the wearer's body and covering all body parts between the wearer s torso and neck, between the wearer's torso and both ankles, and between the wearer's torso and both wrists. The garment includes a moisture absorbent, antimicrobial fabric to improve wicking of perspiration and moisture removal from the wearer's body and to prevent contact of the wearer's skin against the skin of other individuals and surfaces. Material reinforcement is added where the garment covers the wearer's body in at least two of the wearer's crotch, knees, elbows, and forearms. The garment can include a dispenser for storing and dispensing hygienic towels, with an outer impermeable layer to inhibit moisture loss from within the dispenser. The hygienic system can include a permeable bag for garment storage and garment sanitizing without removal from the bag during laundering.

Claims

1. An athletic garment comprising: a body covering, said body covering completely covering the torso of the wearer's body and at least covering all parts of the wearer's body between the wearer's torso and the wearer's neck, between the wearer's torso and both of the wearer's ankles, and between the wearer's torso and both of the wearer's wrists; said body covering comprising a moisture absorbent, antimicrobial fabric to improve wicking of perspiration and moisture removal from the wearer's body and to prevent the contact of the wearer's skin against the skin of other individuals; said body covering including material reinforcement of said garment where said garment covers the wearer's body in at least two of the wearer's crotch, the wearer's knees, the wearers elbows, and the wearer's forearms; and a dispenser for storing and dispensing hygienic towels, said dispenser having an outer impermeable layer to inhibit the loss of moisture from hygienic towels stored within said dispenser.

2. The athletic garment of claim 1 wherein said dispenser is positioned at a location on said garment to allow the wearer to retrieve a hygienic towel and disinfect the wearer's hands, fingers, and objects located on or near the wearer while the wearer wears said garment.

3. The athletic garment of claim 1 wherein said dispenser includes an inner impermeable layer to further inhibit moisture loss during hygienic towel storage.

4. The athletic garment of claim 1 further comprising a separate compression top and compression pants, said separate compression top and compression pants attached together when worn by a wearer.

5. The athletic garment of claim 1 wherein said garment has a one-piece construction.

6. The athletic garment of claim 1 further comprising an elastic collar.

7. The athletic garment of claim 1 further comprising an openable inner seam.

8. The athletic garment of claim 1 further comprising a cross stitch support on said body covering, said cross stitch support being located behind the calf of the wearer when said garment is being worn to reduce wearer fatigue.

9. The athletic garment of claim 1 wherein said reinforcement is folded over said antimicrobial fabric.

10. The athletic garment of claim 1 wherein said reinforcement is pleated said antimicrobial fabric.

11. The athletic garment of claim 1 wherein said reinforcement is increased durability fabric.

12. The athletic garment of claim 1 wherein said reinforcement is sacrificial material.

13. The athletic garment of claim 1 wherein said reinforcement is additional stitching.

14. The athletic garment of claim 1 wherein said reinforcement is surge stitching.

15. The athletic garment of claim 1 wherein said dispenser includes an elastic band positioned on the outer impermeable layer to reduce the amount of airflow into said dispenser and further inhibit moisture loss during hygienic towel storage.

16. The athletic garment of claim 1 wherein said dispenser includes a zipper closure to reduce the amount of airflow into said dispenser and further inhibit moisture loss during hygienic towel storage.

17. The athletic garment of claim 1 wherein said dispenser includes a VELCRO closure to reduce the amount of airflow into said dispenser and further inhibit moisture loss during hygienic towel storage.

18. The athletic garment of claim 1 wherein said dispenser includes a plastic zip closure to reduce the amount of airflow into said dispenser and further inhibit moisture loss during hygienic towel storage.

19. An athletic garment hygienic system comprising: a body covering, said body covering completely covering the torso of the wearer's body and at least covering all parts of the wearer's body between the wearer's torso and the wearer's neck, between the wearer's torso and both of the wearer's ankles, and between the wearer's torso and both of the wearer's wrists; said body covering comprising a moisture absorbent, antimicrobial fabric to improve wicking of perspiration and moisture removal from the wearer's body and to prevent the contact of the wearer's skin against the skin of other individuals; said body covering including material reinforcement of said garment where said garment covers the wearer's body in at least two of the wearer's crotch, the wearer's knees, the wearers elbows, and the wearer's forearms; and a water permeable bag, said bag being sufficiently large to accommodate said garment and to allow said garment to be sanitized in a washing machine and further sanitized and dried in a dryer while said garment remains inside said water permeable bag.

20. The athletic garment hygienic system of claim 19 wherein said water permeable bag is a mesh bag.

21. The athletic garment hygienic system of claim 19 wherein said water permeable bag is closeable with drawstrings.

22. The athletic garment hygienic system of claim 19 wherein said water permeable bag is closeable with a VELCRO closure.

23. The athletic garment hygienic system of claim 19 wherein said water permeable bag is closeable with a zipper closure.

24. The athletic garment hygienic system of claim 19 wherein said water permeable bag is closeable with a plastic zip closure.

25. The athletic garment hygienic system of claim 19 further comprising a dispenser for storing and dispensing hygienic towels, said dispenser having an outer impermeable layer to inhibit the loss of moisture from hygienic towels stored within said dispenser.

26. The athletic garment hygienic system of claim 19 wherein said water permeable bag is sized to maximize a ball-like shape when said garment is contained therein during laundering.

27. An athletic garment hygienic system comprising: a body covering, said body covering completely covering the torso of the wearer's body and at least covering all parts of the wearer's body between the wearer's torso and the wearer's neck, between the wearer's torso and both of the wearer's ankles, and between the wearer's torso and both of the wearer's wrists; said body covering comprising a moisture absorbent, antimicrobial fabric to improve wicking of perspiration and moisture removal from the wearer's body and to prevent the contact of the wearer's skin against the skin of other individuals; said body covering including material reinforcement of said garment where said garment covers the wearer's body in at least two of the wearer's crotch, the wearer's knees, the wearers elbows, and the wearer's forearms; a dispenser for storing and dispensing a hygienic towel and at least one hygienic towel, said dispenser having an outer impermeable layer to inhibit the loss of moisture from said hygienic towel while said towel is stored within said dispenser; said dispenser being located on said garment to allow the wearer to retrieve said hygienic towel and disinfect the wearer's hands, fingers, and objects located on or near the wearer while wearing said garment; and a water permeable bag, said bag being sufficiently large to accommodate said garment and to allow said garment to be sanitized in a washing machine and further sanitized and dried in a dryer while said garment remains inside said water permeable bag.

28. The athletic garment hygienic system of claim 27 wherein said water permeable bag is a mesh bag.

29. The athletic garment hygienic system of claim 27 wherein said water permeable bag is closeable with drawstrings.

30. The athletic garment hygienic system of claim 27 wherein said water permeable bag is closeable with a VELCRO closure.

31. The athletic garment hygienic system of claim 27 wherein said water permeable bag is closeable with a zipper closure.

32. The athletic garment hygienic system of claim 27 wherein said water permeable bag is closeable with a plastic zip closure.

33. The athletic garment hygienic system of claim 27 wherein said water permeable bag is sized to maximize a ball-like shape when said garment is contained therein during laundering.

34. The athletic garment hygienic system of claim 27 wherein said dispenser is positioned at a location on said garment to allow the wearer to retrieve a hygienic towel and disinfect objects located on or near the wearer while the wearer wears said garment.

35. The athletic garment hygienic system of claim 27 wherein said dispenser includes an inner impermeable layer to further inhibit moisture loss during hygienic towel storage.

36. The athletic garment hygienic system of claim 27 further comprising a separate compression top and compression pants, said separate compression top and compression pants attached together when worn by a wearer.

37. The athletic garment hygienic system of claim 27 wherein said garment has a one-piece construction.

38. The athletic garment hygienic system of claim 27 further comprising an elastic collar.

39. The athletic garment hygienic system of claim 27 further comprising an openable inner seam.

40. The athletic garment hygienic system of claim 27 further comprising a cross stitch support on said body covering, said cross stitch support being located behind the calf of the wearer when said garment is being worn to reduce wearer fatigue.

41. The athletic garment hygienic system of claim 27 wherein said reinforcement is folded over said antimicrobial fabric.

42. The athletic garment hygienic system of claim 27 wherein said reinforcement is pleated said antimicrobial fabric.

43. The athletic garment hygienic system of claim 27 wherein said reinforcement is increased durability fabric.

44. The athletic garment hygienic system of claim 27 wherein said reinforcement is sacrificial material.

45. The athletic garment hygienic system of claim 27 wherein said reinforcement is additional stitching.

46. The athletic garment hygienic system of claim 27 wherein said reinforcement is surge stitching.

47. The athletic garment hygienic system of claim 27 wherein said dispenser includes an elastic band positioned on the outer impermeable layer to reduce the amount of airflow into said dispenser and further inhibit moisture loss during hygienic towel storage.

48. The athletic garment hygienic system of claim 27 wherein said dispenser includes a zipper closure to reduce the amount of airflow into said dispenser and further inhibit moisture loss during hygienic towel storage.

49. The athletic garment hygienic system of claim 27 wherein said dispenser includes a VELCRO closure to reduce the amount of airflow into said dispenser and further inhibit moisture loss during hygienic towel storage.

50. The athletic garment hygienic system of claim 27 wherein said dispenser includes a plastic zip closure to reduce the amount of airflow into said dispenser and further inhibit moisture loss during hygienic towel storage.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] For a more complete understanding and appreciation of this invention, and its many advantages, reference will be made to the following Detailed Description of the Invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0009] FIG. 1 depicts an athletic garment according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0010] FIG. 2 depicts an athletic garment according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0011] FIG. 3 depicts the compression pants of an athletic garment according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0012] FIG. 4 depicts an arm portion of an athletic garment according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0013] FIG. 5 depicts a leg portion of an athletic garment according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0014] FIG. 6 depicts a front view of an athletic garment according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0015] FIG. 7 depicts a rear view of an athletic garment according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0016] FIG. 8A depicts a hygienic towel dispenser positioned on an athletic garment according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0017] FIG. 8B depicts a hygienic towel dispenser positioned on an athletic garment according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0018] FIG. 8C depicts a hygienic towel dispenser positioned on an athletic garment according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0019] FIG. 8D depicts a hygienic towel dispenser positioned on an athletic garment according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0020] FIG. 8E depicts a hygienic towel dispenser positioned on an athletic garment according to one embodiment of the invention; and

[0021] FIG. 9 a water permeable bag according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF TIE INVENTION

[0022] Referring to the drawings, some reference numerals are used to designate the same or corresponding parts through several of the embodiments and figures shown and described. Variations in corresponding parts are denoted in specific embodiments with the addition of lowercase letters. Subsequent variations in components that are depicted in the figures but not described are intended to correspond to the specific embodiments mentioned earlier and are discussed to the extent that they vary in form or function. It will be understood generally that variations in the embodiments could be interchanged without deviating from the intended spirit and scope of the invention.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 1, a wrestling garment 10a of the invention is a full skin surface coverage body garment that includes a body covering 11a completely covering the torso of the wearer's body and at least covering all parts of the wearer's body between the wearer's torso and the wearer's neck, between the wearer's torso and both of the wearer's ankles, and between the wearer's torso and both of the wearer's wrists. The garment 10a is divided into a compression top 12a and compression pants 14a to be fitted on an athlete's body (not shown). The compression top 12a includes arm covering portions 16a and an elastic collar 18a to allow the garment 10a to fit sufficiently snug around the athlete's neck without causing choking or discomfort. Elastic cuffs 20a also comprise elastic bands that fit around the athlete's wrists to prevent fabric slippage. A waist fabric belt 22a comprising VELCRO material is positioned around the lower body opening 22a of the compression top 12a.

[0024] With further reference to FIG. 1, the compression pants 14a of the garment 10a include an elastic waistband 26a having a plurality of waist tabs 28a comprising VELCRO material and spaced apart from each other. This spacing of the waist tabs 28a allows the elastic waistband 26a to maintain waistline elasticity while still allowing the waist tabs 28a to engage, stick against, and anchor to the corresponding VELCRO material of the waist fabric belt 22a of the upper body portion 12a. The compression pants 14a also include elastic leg cuffs 30a comprising elastic bands to fit around the athlete's ankles to prevent fabric slippage. Elastic stirrups 32a positioned at the leg cuffs 30a provide additional ability to prevent fabric slippage.

[0025] The compression top and pants 12a and 14a of the garment 10a are constructed of an absorbent fabric compression material capable of removing moisture through wicking to enhance skin-to-skin and skin-to-surface protection and reduce potential infection. Suitable fabrics can include any of several durable and commercially available materials such as Lycra and Spandex, garment materials sold under the UNDER ARMOUR or HEATGEAR trademarks, or other like materials that support sufficient wicking. It is further contemplated that the materials utilized also inherently contain antimicrobial properties or be treated with chemicals or cidal materials to possess such properties. For example, an especially suitable fabric possessing such antimicrobial properties is that sold under the GRAPPLETC trademark as is available from Caro Wrestling, LLC of Erie, Pa. GRAPPLETECT Fabric is treated with polyhexamethylene (PHMB) to enhance its antimicrobial properties.

[0026] When an athlete is fully dressed in the full garment 10a with the compression top 12a and compression pants 14a secured via the VELCRO waist fabric belt 22a and waist tabs 28a, the athlete's arms, legs, and body are almost completely covered by the fabric compression material, thereby shielding most of the body from skin-to-skin or environmental contact. The body covering 11a completely covers the torso of the wearer's body and covers all parts of the wearer's body between the wearer's torso and the wearer's neck, between the wearer's torso and both of the wearer's ankles, and between the wearer's torso and both of the wearer's wrists.

[0027] The compression properties of the material combined with the elastic collar 18a, elastic cuffs 20a, elastic leg cuffs 30a, and stirrups 32a, as well as the interlocking of the waist fabric belt 22a and waist tabs 28a, all allow for the garment 10a to remain in place to shield the athlete's skin during both strenuous wrestling, martial arts, and other athletic contests as well as during less strenuous conditioning and training exercises, especially where skin-to-skin or environmental body contact is prolonged. The compression fabric of the garment 10a, having full skin surface coverage, also allows for the wearing of traditional practice clothing over the garment 10a. In such cases, the garment 10a acts as an additional protective layer to the athlete's skin, allowing the skin to retain its maximum effectiveness in providing protection for the athlete.

[0028] FIG. 2 depicts a garment 10b of the invention in which the compression top 12b and compression pants 14b are combined into a one-piece construction 34b. An athlete enters the garment by opening a VELCRO fabric seam 36b that extends vertically along the front of the garment 10b and an opening VELCRO elastic waistline 38b extending horizontally at the base of the vertical fabric seam 36b. The VELCRO material is stitched to the waistband and a vertically positioned reinforcement strip 39b to improve durability of the seam 36b and to allow for more efficient garment changing by the athlete. The one-piece construction 34b enhances the securement of the compression top 12b to the compression pants 14b and allows for easy dressing and undressing of the athlete with full body skin surface coverage.

[0029] Although the invention has been shown and described using VELCRO material to construct openable seams, it will be appreciated that other similar devices such as zippers, drawstrings, button or snaps, and other fastening devices can also be implemented within the anticipated scope of the invention.

[0030] Further, although the invention has been shown and described with dressing openings along the garment waist, it will be appreciated that other types of openings are also within the contemplated scope of the invention. For example, FIG. 3 depicts the compression pants 14c of a garment 10c of the invention in which an openable inner seam 40c is positioned vertically along the inside legs of the pants 14c to an openable crotch 42c. The inner seam 40e also includes VELCRO material including inseam tabs 44c allowing for stretchable securement of the inner seam 40e to further reduce restriction to the athlete's movement while keeping the inner seam 40c securely closed.

[0031] It will be further appreciated that in some contemplated embodiments, additional reinforcement can be added to improve wear resistance of the garment. Referring now to FIG. 4, the arm covering portion 16d of a garment 10d of the invention includes an elbow patch 46d to reinforce the elbow portion of the compression top 12d. The elbow patch 46d can comprise one or more extra layers of the same fabric compression material from which the garment 10d is constructed or, alternatively, can comprise a different durable or sacrificial material that is sewn, mounted, or adhered to the top surface of the existing garment material. One example of such appropriately implemented materials could include 2-way stretch performance fabric, although it will be appreciated that other materials could also be implemented within the contemplated invention scope.

[0032] Anticipated embodiments of the invention would include such material reinforcement in at least two areas of the garment, such as those areas adjacent the wearer's elbow, forearm, knees, and crotch.

[0033] FIG. 5 depicts one leg of the compression pants 14e of another garment 10e of the invention in which a knee patch 48e is added for reinforcement, similar to the elbow patch 46d depicted in FIG. 4. Although the knee patch 48e is shown and described in FIG. 5 as an added layer of material at the knee area of the compression pants 14e, it will be further appreciated that any suitable reinforcing means can also be added at other locations of the garment 10e within the contemplated scope of the invention.

[0034] For example, FIG. 6 is a front view of a garment 10f of the invention having the compression top 12f and compression pants 14f combined into a one-piece construction. In this embodiment, non-crotch reinforced areas 50 (represented generally in grey) are positioned next to the knees, forearms, and elbows of the wearer. A zipper 54 allows the wearer to easily enter and exit the garment 10f. Now comparing FIG. 6 with the back view of the same garment 10f in FIG. 7, other covered areas 52 (represented generally in black) of the body covering 11f can be 195 g/m.sup.2 of cationic polyester material. The reinforced areas 50 can be 220 g/m.sup.2 or 240 g/m.sup.2 cationic polyester. The crotch area 58f can also be reinforced with 220 g/m.sup.2 or 240 g/m.sup.2 cationic polyester as well. Some contemplated embodiments can include flatlock stitching along seams using elastic nylon thread. Alternatively, the reinforced areas 50 and/or crotch area 58f could also be reinforced with the addition of folded, pleated, or multiple layered fabric, other durable or sacrificial material, additional stitching and/or surge stitching, or other methods of material reinforcement within the intended invention scope.

[0035] In addition to reinforcement, additional material can also be added for wearer support. For example, cross stitching 56 can be provided behind the wearer's calf to help avert cramping during athletic activities. Although shown and described in this location in FIG. 7, it will be appreciated that such cross stitching or other wearer support structures can also be located or added at other positions on a garment within the intended scope of the invention.

[0036] The invention further contemplates such athletic garments can be integrated into a hygienic and disinfection system to further protect wearers from microbial-based infections and skin diseases. Referring now to FIG. 8A, a dispenser 48g is affixed to a garment 10g of the invention to allow for the storage and dispensing of one or more hygienic towels (not shown). Comparing FIG. 8A with FIGS. 1, 2, and 6, the dispensers 48g, 48a, 48b, and/or 48f are positioned on the front of the garments 10g, 10a, 10b, and 10f or at another location allowing easy access and towel dispensing to the wearer. Referring specifically to FIG. 8A, the dispenser 48g includes an outer impermeable layer 60g that is attached with stitches 62g to outer surface of the body covering 11g. A dispenser opening 64g is located at the top of the dispenser 48g through which a stored hygienic towel is dispensed. An elastic band 64g is positioned on the outer impermeable layer 60g along the dispenser opening 64g to minimize the size of the opening 64g while a towel is being stored and to reduce the amount of airflow that would tend to more quickly remove moisture from within the dispenser 48g.

[0037] The outer impermeable layer 60g of the dispenser 48g is constructed of a material to prevent moisture loss. For example, the impermeable layer 60g may be constructed to include a lining of 60GSM Yarn fused with 0.015 mm clear thermoplastic Urethane, as available from the CMS China Company of Shenzhen, Guangdong, China. Such a construction would typically inhibit moisture loss and preserve the usable life of a disinfectant cloth (not shown) for approximately two hours or for the duration of a wrestling, martial arts, or other athletic training session. Such a duration would also be expected when using hygienic wipes sold under the MATGUARD trademark. Although the invention has been shown and described using such impermeable wipes in conjunction with specific impermeable layer materials for a dispenser itself it will be appreciated that other moisture resistant fabrics or dispenser materials can also be appropriately implemented within the intended scope of the invention. Such dispensers can be located at a position on the garment to allow the wearer to retrieve the hygienic towel and disinfect objects located on or near the wearer while the wearer wears the garment.

[0038] It will be further appreciated that additional variations in dispenser construction are also possible within the contemplated scope of the invention. For example, FIG. 8B depicts a dispenser 48h mounted on the body covering 11h of a garment 10h of the invention and stretched open to insert or dispense a hygienic towel (not shown). The dispenser 48h includes an additional inner impermeable layer 68h positioned directly against the body covering 11h of the garment 10h. The inner impermeable layer 68h has a material construction similar to the outer impermeable layer 60h to further reduce moisture loss during hygienic towel storage.

[0039] It is also contemplated that additional closure means may be desired to further reduce or inhibit moisture loss by the dispenser. For example, FIG. 8C depicts a garment 10i of the invention having a drawn open dispenser 48i with a zipper 70 positioned at the dispenser opening 64i along the tops of the outer and inner impermeable layers 60i and 68i. FIG. 8D depicts a similar garment 10j of the invention having an open dispenser 48j with a VELCRO closure 72 positioned at the dispenser opening 64j along the tops of the outer and inner impermeable layers 60j and 68j. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to even further reduce dispenser moisture loss with a closure that is itself more impermeable. For example, FIG. 8E depicts a similar garment 10k of the invention having a partially open dispenser 48k with a plastic zip closure 74 positioned at the dispenser opening 64k along the tops of the outer and inner impermeable layers 60k and 68k. It will be appreciated that other dispenser and closure variations are also possible within the contemplated scope of the invention.

[0040] Referring now to FIG. 9, a water permeable bag 76 is provided as part of an integrated hygienic and disinfection system to further protect wearers from microbial-based infections and skin diseases. The water permeable bag 76 is machine washable and machine dryable with mesh sides 78. The bag 76 and bag opening 80 are of a sufficient size to allow an entire athletic garment, such as those garments 10a-k depicted in any of FIGS. 1-8E, to be entirely stuffed within the bag 76 and the closure 82 closed with drawstrings 84 and drawstring lock 86. Although the bag is shown and described with mesh sides and drawstrings, it will be appreciated that other permeable bag constructions are possible as are other types of closures, including but not limited to zippers, plastic zips, and VELCRO closures and are all within the contemplated scope of the invention.

[0041] During normal use, and to minimize bodily contact with a garment 10a-k after use during a practice or athletic event, a wearer will stuff the garment 10a-k inside the permeable bag 76, close the bag 76 with drawstrings 84 and drawstring lock 86, and transport the garment 10a-k to the location of laundering. The bag 76 would then be put into a washing machine and washed with the garment 10a-k still contained within the bag 76. The garment 10a-k would also be dried in a dryer while still in the bag 76. During washing, antiseptic or antimicrobial detergent could also be utilized to enhance disinfection. Machine drying would also contribute to the disinfection process.

[0042] The rolled-up or ball stuffing of the garment 10a-k during laundering cycles would also contribute to the preservation of the garment 10a-k by preventing machine-caused damage from each washing and drying machine cycle. The bag 76 prevents overexposure of the garment 10a-k to heat and minimizes fabric wear and tear during washing and drying cycles. Optimally, the bag 76 would be sized to maximize a ball-like shape during laundering when a garment 10a-k is contained therein. For example, it has been determined that for a normal youth through adult sized garment 10a-k of the invention, a 1717 mesh bag will tend to retain an optimal ball-like shape during laundering for this purpose. After drying, the garment 10a-k would then be immediately ready for use and transport by the wearer to the next practice or athletic event without further sanitizing or preparation. In this way the system would allow the garment 10a-k to be laundered and sanitized with minimal preparation and effort, minimal wear or damage to the garment 10a-k, and minimal risk of disease transmission from contact with the garment 10a-b before sanitizing.

[0043] Those skilled in the art will realize that this invention is capable of embodiments different from those shown and described. It will be appreciated that the detail of the structure of the disclosed apparatuses and methodologies can be changed in various ways without departing from the invention itself. Accordingly, the drawings and Detailed Description of the Invention are to be regarded as including such equivalents as do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention.