Sports garment

Abstract

The present invention aims to reduce form drag and provides a sports garment having a chest-covering portion (1) and an abdomen-covering portion (2) for covering the wearer's chest and abdomen respectively. The chest-covering portion includes an upper compressive zone (3) formed of a textile material having a higher modulus of elasticity than a textile material forming the abdomen-covering portion. This means that, in use, a greater compressive force is applied to the wearer's chest than the wearer's abdomen.

Claims

1. Sports garment having a chest-covering portion and an abdomen-covering portion which, in use, cover the wearer's chest and abdomen respectively, wherein the chest-covering portion includes an upper compressive zone formed of a textile material having a higher modulus of elasticity than a textile material forming the abdomen-covering portion, such that, in use, a greater compressive force is applied to the wearer's chest than the wearer's abdomen, and wherein the textile material for forming the upper compressive zone and the textile material for forming the abdomen-covering portion comprise a single layer of the same base fabric having variations in the modulus of elasticity, the upper compressive zone having an upper edge distal from the abdomen-covering portion and a lower edge proximal the abdomen-covering portion, and wherein there is a gradual increase in modulus of elasticity in the upper compressive zone from at least on of said edges to an area of maximum compressive effect in the upper compressive zone.

2. Sports garment according to claim 1 wherein the upper compressive zone is dimensioned and positioned such that, in use, it compresses the wearer's breasts.

3. Sports garment according to claim 1 wherein the abdomen-covering portion provides substantially no compressive force to the abdomen.

4. Sports garment according to claim 1 further comprising a lower body-covering portion which, in use, covers at least part of the wearer's thighs, hips and/or buttocks wherein the lower body-covering portion includes a lower compressive zone formed of a textile material having a higher modulus of elasticity than the textile material forming the abdomen-covering portion such that, in use, a greater compressive force is applied to at least part of the wearer's thighs, hips and/or buttocks than the wearer's abdomen.

5. Sports garment according to claim 4 wherein the lower compressive zone is dimensioned and positioned such that, in use, it covers the wearer's hips, thighs and buttocks.

6. Sports garment according to claim 4 wherein the textile material for forming the lower compressive zone and the textile material for forming the abdomen-covering portion comprise the same base fabric having variations in the modulus of elasticity.

7. Sports garment according to claim 6 wherein the variations in the modulus of elasticity are obtained by incorporating varying amounts and/or densities of elastic threads in the base fabric.

8. Sports garment according to claim 6 wherein the variations in the modulus of elasticity are obtained by variations in stitch type in the base fabric.

9. Sports garment according to claim 6 wherein the variations in the modulus of elasticity are obtained by variations in base fabric weight.

10. Sports garment according to claim 6 comprising at least one base fabric panel which includes at least part of the upper and/or lower compressive zones and at least part of the abdomen-covering portion.

11. Sports garment according to claim 1 wherein the garment is a swimsuit.

12. Sports garment having a lower body-covering portion which, in use, covers at least a part of the wearer's body below the abdomen and an abdomen-covering portion which, in use, covers the wearer's abdomen, wherein the lower body-covering portion includes a lower compressive zone formed of a textile material having a higher modulus of elasticity that the textile forming the abdomen-covering portion, such that, in use, a greater force is applied to at least a part of the wearer's body below the abdomen than the wearer's abdomen, wherein the textile material for forming the lower compressive zone and the textile material for forming the abdomen-covering portion comprise a single layer of the same base fabric having variations in the modulus of elasticity, the lower compressive zone having a lower edge distal from the abdomen-covering portion and an upper edge proximal to the abdomen-covering portion, and wherein there is a gradual increase in the modulus of elasticity in the lower compressive zone from at least one of said edges to an area of maximum compressive effect in the lower compressive zone.

13. Sports garment according to claim 12, wherein the lower body-covering portion is dimensioned and positioned such that it covers and compresses the wearer's thighs.

14. Sports garment according to claim 12, wherein the lower body-covering portion is dimensioned and positioned such that it covers and compresses the wearer's hips.

15. Sports garment according to claim 12, wherein the lower body-covering portion is dimensioned and positioned such that it covers and compresses the wearer's buttocks.

16. Sports garment according to claim 12, wherein the textile material for forming the lower compressive zone and the textile material for forming the abdomen-covering portion comprise the same base fabric having variations in the modulus of elasticity.

17. Sports garment according to claim 16, wherein the variations in the modulus of elasticity are obtained by incorporating varying amounts and/or densities of elastic threads in the base fabric.

18. Sports garment according to claim 16, wherein the variations in the modulus of elasticity are obtained by variations in stitch type in the base fabric.

19. Sports garment according to claim 16, wherein the variations in the modulus of elasticity are obtained by variations in base fabric weight.

20. Sports garment having a chest-covering portion and an abdomen-covering portion which, in use, cover the wearer's chest and abdomen respectively, wherein the chest-covering portion includes an upper compressive zone formed of a textile material having a higher modulus of elasticity than a textile material forming the abdomen-covering portion, such that, in use, a greater compressive force is applied to the wearer's chest than the wearer's abdomen, and wherein the textile material for forming the upper compressive zone and the textile material for forming the abdomen-covering portion comprise a single layer of the same base fabric having variations in the modulus of elasticity, the upper compressive zone having an upper edge distal from the abdomen-covering portion and a lower edge proximal the abdomen-covering portion, and wherein the amount, density, stitch-type and/or weight of the basic fabric gradually varies in the upper compressive zone from at least one of said edges to an area of maximum compressive effect in the upper compressive zone to provide a gradual increase in the modulus of elasticity in the upper compressive zone from the said one edge to the said area of maximum compressive effect.

21. Sports garment according to claim 20, wherein the increase in the amount, density, stich-type and/or weight of the basic fabric from the at least one edge to the area of maximum compressive effect is continuous.

22. Sports garment according to claim 20, wherein the increase in the amount, density, stich-type and/or weight of the basic fabric from the at least one edge to the area of maximum compressive effect is stepped.

23. Sports garment according to claim 20, wherein the at least one edge is the lower edge proximal to the abdomen-covering portion.

24. Sports garment according to claim 20, wherein the variation in the basic fabric varies gradually from both of said edges to said area of maximum compressive effect.

25. Sports garment having a lower body-covering portion which, in use, covers at least a part of the wearer's body below the abdomen and an abdomen-covering portion which, in use, covers the wearer's abdomen, wherein the lower body-covering portion includes a lower compressive zone formed of a textile material having a higher modulus of elasticity that the textile forming the abdomen-covering portion, such that, in use, a greater force is applied to at least a part of the wearer's body below the abdomen than the wearer's abdomen, wherein the textile material for forming the lower compressive zone and the textile material for forming the abdomen-covering portion comprise a single layer of the same base fabric having variations in the modulus of elasticity, and wherein the amount, density, stitch-type and/or weight of the basic fabric gradually varies in the lower compressive zone from at least one of said edges to an area of maximum compressive effect in the lower compressive zone to provide a gradual increase in the modulus of elasticity in the lower compressive zone from the said one edge to the said area of maximum compressive effect.

26. Sports garment according to claim 25, wherein the increase in the amount, density, stich-type and/or weight of the basic fabric from the at least one edge to the area of maximum compressive effect is continuous.

27. Sports garment according to claim 25, wherein the increase in the amount, density, stich-type and/or weight of the basic fabric from the at least one edge to the area of maximum compressive effect is stepped.

28. Sports garment according to claim 25, wherein the at least one edge is the upper edge proximal to the abdomen-covering portion.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of the present invention;

(2) FIG. 2 is a side view of a prior art racer backed swim suit;

(3) FIG. 3 is a side view of the first embodiment;

(4) FIG. 4 is a front view of a second embodiment of the present invention;

(5) FIG. 5 is a side view of a prior art knee skin swim suit;

(6) FIG. 6 is a side view of the second embodiment;

(7) FIG. 7 is a front view of a third embodiment of the present invention;

(8) FIG. 8 is a side view of a prior art full body swim suit;

(9) FIG. 9 is a side view of the third embodiment;

(10) FIG. 10 is a front view of a fourth embodiment; and

(11) FIG. 11 is a rear view of the fourth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(12) FIGS. 1 and 3 show a first embodiment of the present invention which is a racer backed swim suit. FIG. 1 shows a front view of the first embodiment whilst FIG. 3 shows a side view.

(13) The swim suit includes a chest-covering portion 1 and an abdomen-covering portion 2. An upper compressive zone 3 is provided on the chest-covering portion in the area for covering the swimmer's chest. The swim suit also includes a lower body covering portion 4 which includes a lower compressive zone 5 (shown in FIG. 3). The lower compressive zone 5 is arranged to cover the wearer's buttocks.

(14) When a conventional racer backed swim suit is worn by a female swimmer, the chest and buttocks form high points 6 on the body (see FIG. 2), which induce form drag as the swimmer moves through the water.

(15) The present invention aims to reduce this form drag by compressing at least the chest. FIG. 3 shows a side view of the first embodiment on a female torso. It can be seen that the high points 6 present when a conventional suit is worn (see FIG. 2) are compressed by the upper and lower compressive panels. The wearer's abdomen remains substantially uncompressed so that the wearer's body profile approximates a cylinder or tube. Such a tubular/cylindrical shape reduces drag form as the swimmer moves through the water.

(16) FIGS. 4 and 6 show a second embodiment of the present invention which is a knee skin swim suit. FIG. 4 shows a front view of the second embodiment whilst FIG. 6 shows a side view.

(17) The swim suit includes a chest-covering portion 1 and an abdomen-covering portion 2. An upper compressive zone 3 is provided on the chest-covering portion in the area for covering the swimmer's chest. The swim suit also includes a lower body covering portion 4 which includes a lower compressive zone 5 (shown in FIG. 3). The lower body-covering zone extends over the wear's hip, buttocks and upper thighs. The lower compressive zone 5 is arranged to cover the wearer's buttocks, hips and the front of the thighs but it could also extend to cover the rear of the thighs.

(18) When a conventional knee skin swim suit is worn by a female swimmer, the chest and buttocks form high points 6 on the body (see FIG. 5) which induce form drag as the swimmer moves through the water.

(19) The present invention aims to reduce this form drag by compressing at least the chest. FIG. 6 shows a side view of the second embodiment on a female torso. It can be seen that the high points 6 present when a conventional suit is worn (see FIG. 5) are compressed by the upper and lower compressive panels. The wearer's abdomen remains substantially uncompressed so that the wearer's body profile approximates a cylinder or tube. Such a tubular/cylindrical shape reduces drag form as the swimmer moves through the water.

(20) FIGS. 7 and 9 show a third embodiment of the present invention which is a full body swim suit. FIG. 7 shows a front view of the third embodiment whilst FIG. 9 shows a side view.

(21) The swim suit includes a chest-covering portion 1 and an abdomen-covering portion 2. An upper compressive zone 3 is provided on the chest-covering portion in the area for covering the swimmer's chest. The swim suit also includes a lower body covering portion 4 which includes a lower compressive zone 5 (shown in FIG. 8). The lower body-covering zone extends over the wear's hips, buttocks and legs, down to the wearer's ankles. The lower compressive zone 5 is arranged to cover the wearer's buttocks, hips and the front of the thighs but it could also extend to cover the rear of the thighs.

(22) When a conventional full body swim suit is worn by a female swimmer, in particular, the chest and buttocks form high points 6 on the body (see FIG. 8) which induce form drag as the swimmer moves through the water.

(23) The present invention aims to reduce this form drag by compressing at least the chest. FIG. 9 shows a side view of the third embodiment on a female torso. It can be seen that the high points 6 present when a conventional suit is worn (see FIG. 8) are compressed by the upper and lower compressive panels. The wearer's abdomen remains substantially uncompressed so that the wearer's body profile approximates a cylinder or tube. Such a tubular/cylindrical shape reduces drag form as the swimmer moves through the water.

(24) Preferably, the s suits of the first, second and third embodiment are formed of a single base fabric (such as an elastic stretch base fabric) having variations in the modulus of elasticity. To clarify, the upper compressive zone 3, lower compressive zone 5 and abdomen-covering portion 2 are all formed of the same base fabric which is modified in certain areas i.e. in the compressive zones 3, 5, to introduce the necessary variations in the modulus of elasticity.

(25) The variations in the modulus of elasticity in the first, second and third embodiments are obtained by incorporating differing amounts and differing linear mass density of elastic threads in the base fabric. The number of threads of the elastic thread and the linear mass density of the elastic thread is greater at the areas of higher modulus of elasticity (compressive zone(s) 3, 5) than at the abdomen-covering portion 2.

(26) The base fabric is a warp knit fabric including both inelastic threads (nylon 60 wt %) and elastic threads (Lycra (RTM) 40 wt %). The elastic threads have an effective linear mass density of 120 dtex (with double 60 dtex threads being used). This gives a textile having a weight of 200 gm.sup.2. In the compressive zone(s) 3, 5, the percentage of elastic threads increases first to 52 wt % and then 60 wt % with a corresponding increase in linear mass density of the threads and in the number of threads. This is achieved by knitting additional elastic threads having a linear mass density of around 310 dtex into the base fabric in the compressive zones. In the areas of maximum compressive effect in the compressive zones yet further double threads of 310 dtex (giving an effective liner mass density of 620 dtex) are knitted into the base fabric. This gives a stepped increase in the compressive effect of the compressive zones from proximal the abdomen-covering portion to the area of maximum compressive effect. The maximum textile weight in the compressive zones 3, 5 is 400 gm.sup.2.

(27) It should be noted that any of the methods previously described for achieving the variations in modulus of elasticity can be used in any of the embodiments.

(28) FIG. 10 shows a fourth embodiment which is similar to the second but which shows the various panels of base fabric making up the suit. The panels are joined to one another by bonded seams which have been found to have a particularly low profile and resultant low drag properties in the water.

(29) The fourth embodiment comprises a side panel 7 which includes part of both the upper and lower compressive zones 3, 5 (and part of the abdomen-covering portion), the base fabric being modified at the upper and lower compressive zones 3, 5 to increase the modulus of elasticity in those zones.

(30) The edges of the compressive zones are defined by dotted lines in the Figures whilst solid lines denote the panel edges (seams)

(31) The panel is configured to extend from the chest-covering portion 1 (including part of the upper compressive zone 3), over at least part of the abdomen-covering portion 2 and down to the lower body-covering portion 4 (including part of the lower compressive zone 5). The panel includes a part of the upper compressive zone 3 which, in use, extends to cover (and flatten) one side of the wearer's chest. The panel includes a part of the lower compressive zone 5 which, in use, extends over the greater trochanter and buttock and the outer side of the thigh. The garment also includes a further side panel 7 for the other side of the body.

(32) Having a side panel 7, 7 including part of both compressive zones and at least part of the abdomen-covering portion helps maintain a smooth body profile, which further reduces drag form and minimises water resistance of seams. It also facilitates manufacturing of the garment since the number of seams is reduced.

(33) The panels 7, 7, are joined to one another on the front side of the suit through a front panel 8 which extends from the sternum to the crotch over the front of the abdomen. This panel also includes part of both compressive zones 3, 5.

(34) The base fabric forming the side panels 7, 7 and the front panel is modified in the compressive zones 3, 5 by increasing the number/density of elastic threads to increase the modulus of elasticity. There is a gradual increase in modulus of elasticity from the abdomen-covering portion to the area of maximum compression in the compressive zone(s).

(35) The panels 7, 7 are joined to one another on the rear side of the suit through two rear panels 9, 9 which include part of the lower compressive zone 5. The lower compressive zone also continues in two leg panels 10, 10, which encircle the wearer's thighs and join to the lower end of the side panels 7, 7.

(36) Thus it can be seen that the upper compressive zone 3 extends across the two side panels 7, 7 and the front panel 8 to compress the wearer's chest. The lower compressive zone 5 extends across the two side panels 7, 7, the two rear panels 9, 9 and the two leg panels 10, 10 to compress the wearer's hips, thighs and buttocks. This squashes the wearer's body into a profile approximating a cylinder/tube which helps reduce form drag as the swimmer moves through the water.

(37) The skilled person will appreciate that the suits illustrated in the Figures and described above are examples embodying inventive concepts described herein and that many and various modifications can be made without departing from the invention.