US20110078839A1

US20110078839A1 - Swimsuit

Info

Publication number: US20110078839A1
Application number: US12/572,824
Authority: US
Inventors: Tina Leonard
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-10-02
Filing date: 2009-10-02
Publication date: 2011-04-07

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a bifurcated swimsuit comprising a form-fitting interior layer and an external layer, and a method of manufacturing the same. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a swimsuit comprises a form fitting interior layer formed of a stretchable synthetic fiber, the form fitting interior layer having two leg portions and a body portion; and an exterior short pant garment attached to and concealing the form fitting interior layer, the exterior short pant garment comprising a water permeable material.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a swimsuit and a method of manufacturing same. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a bifurcated swimsuit comprising a form-fitting interior layer and an external layer, and a method of manufacturing the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is not uncommon for men to prefer wearing loose fitting swimsuits or bathing suits (e.g., board shorts, swimsuits, etc.) that cover most of the thigh and typically land near or below the knee. Generally, these loose fitting bathing suits allow for freedom of movement, as well as provide a stylish appearance.
Men's loose fitting swimsuits are often lined with a fabric to protect against transparency when becoming wet. Loose bathing suits, however, lack an inner protective layer to protect against rubbing or chafing from the wet bathing suit, sea salt, sand, sweat, or the like that may irritate any surrounding skin and tissue. Chafing can be extremely painful, often causing a burning or stinging sensation or may even lead to inflammation of the skin.
One alternative to men's loose fitting swimsuits are form-fitting swimsuits (e.g., swim briefs, racing suits, wetsuits, etc.) as they offer comfortable and supportive feel. However, these form fitting bathing suits are often viewed as unfashionable, unattractive, or inappropriate as public swimwear or beachwear for men, particularly on public beaches in the United States. In addition, these form-fitting swimsuits only protect a minimal area of skin against external elements, such as UV rays from the sun.
Thus, there is a need for an improved swimsuit and a method for manufacturing the same.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a bifurcated swimsuit comprising a form-fitting interior layer and an external layer, and a method of manufacturing the same. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a swimsuit comprises a form fitting interior layer formed of a stretchable synthetic fiber, the form fitting interior layer having two leg portions and a body portion; and an exterior short pant garment attached to and concealing the form fitting interior layer, the exterior short pant garment comprising a water permeable material.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a swimsuit comprises a form fitting interior layer formed of a stretchable synthetic fiber, the form fitting interior layer having two leg portions and a body portion; an exterior short pant garment concealing the form fitting interior layer, the exterior short pant garment formed of a water permeable material; a waistband along a top surface of the swimsuit, having a drawstring interwoven therethrough; and an opening through the form fitting interior layer and the exterior short pant garment.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method of manufacturing a swimsuit, the method comprises providing a form fitting interior layer formed of a stretchable synthetic fiber, the form fitting interior layer having two leg portions and a body portion; providing an exterior short pant garment concealing the form fitting interior layer, the exterior short pant garment formed of a water permeable material; folding a top portion of the exterior short pant garment over the form fitting interior layer, extending into an inner volume of the form fitting interior layer; and stitching through the folded exterior short pant garment and the form fitting interior layer, creating a waistband.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of embodiments of the present invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of embodiments encompassed within the scope of the present invention, and, therefore, are not to be considered limiting, for the present invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a swimsuit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1 a depicts a cross-sectional view of a waistband portion of the swimsuit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 depicts a swimsuit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 depicts a flow chart of a method in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a swimsuit and a method of manufacturing same. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a bifurcated swimsuit comprising a form-fitting interior layer and an external layer, and a method of manufacturing the same.
FIG. 1 depicts a swimsuit 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The swimsuit 100 generally includes a form fitting interior layer 110, affixed to an exterior short pant garment 120, having a waistband 140, and optionally having pockets 124. The form fitting interior layer 110 is made up of two leg portions 128 and a body portion 130. The form fitting interior layer 110 may comprise any stretchable synthetic fiber fabric. Examples of synthetic fibers include, but are not limited to, spandex, lycra, nylon, polyester, or the like. For example, in one of many embodiments of the present invention, the form fitting interior layer 110 may be in the form of swim jammers. Swim jammers are generally understood as a form fitting design of a swimsuit, with material suitable for reduction of water resistance when worn.
In many embodiments, the form fitting interior layer 110 may comprise an inseam length of between about 15 inches to 18 inches (e.g., roughly 38 centimeters to 46 centimeters), but may be shorter or longer in length as needed. The inseam length of the form fitting interior layer 110 may generally be dictated by the length of the exterior short pant garment 120, whereas embodiments of the present invention generally provide the form fitting interior layer 110 remains hidden from view when the swimsuit 100 is worn. As such, a swimsuit 100 designed for younger children will comprise an inseam length significantly shorter than a swimsuit 100 designed for a grown adult.
In various embodiments, the form fitting interior layer 110 may also offer UV protection against UV rays from the sun. Optionally, the form fitting interior layer 110 may be provided with an aesthetic print design, for example, a logo, a design, or the like. Furthermore, the aesthetic design may also include, but is not limited to, various colors, striped print, plaid print, or the like.
The exterior short pant garment 120 generally comprises two leg portions 128 and a body portion 130, and may comprise any cut and/or design capable of covering and concealing the form fitting interior layer 110. In many embodiments, the exterior short pant garment 120 comprises a water permeable material 122. Examples of such water permeable material 122 may include, but are not limited to, woven or non-woven fabrics or the like, suitable for allowing water to pass through with minimal resistance. The exterior short pant garment 120 may be provided with select areas being water permeable, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, to allow for a vent-like feature. Alternatively, however, the entire exterior short pant garment 120 comprises the water permeable material 122.
Various embodiments of the exterior short pant garment 120 may optionally comprise a compartment 124 (e.g., pocket, cargo pocket) attached to the exterior short pant garment 120 for design and usability. In one embodiment, the compartment 124 may be attached to one side of the exterior short pant garment 120. In another embodiment, multiple compartments 124 may be positioned on either side of the exterior short pant garment 120. The compartments 124 may close by means of a button, a plurality of buttons, a zipper, hook and loop fasteners, or the like.
Furthermore, the exterior short pant garment 120 may be provided with an aesthetic print design as discussed above. In view of the fashionable nature of swimsuits, it may be desirable to include an aesthetically pleasing design on the exterior short pant garment 120 to increase marketability of the swimsuit 100.
In various embodiments of the present invention, the exterior short pant garment 120 may include a drawstring, an elastic, a button, or the like, often interweaved through the waistband 140 for ease of loosening or tightening the swimsuits 100 and 200.
The exterior short pant garment 120 and the form fitting interior layer 110 generally attach at a waistband 140. FIG. 1 a depicts a cross-sectional view of the waistband 140 of the swimsuit 100 of FIG. 1. In various embodiments of the present invention, a waistband 140 may comprise an exterior short pant garment 120 folded over a form fitting interior layer 110 and stitched together at a seam 142. In other embodiments, the exterior short pant garment 120 and the form fitting interior layer 110 may be folded inward together and affixed together at a seam 142.
Alternative embodiments of the present invention provide for various forms of waistbands 140. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the waistband 140 comprises a multiple attachment means between the form fitting interior layer 110 and the exterior short pant garment 120. Such attachment means may comprise, for example, stitching, hook and loop fasteners, zippers, snaps, buckles, woven drawstring, or the like. In certain embodiments, the waistband comprises a particular attachment means for a back portion of the waistband (e.g., stitching) and another attachment means for a front portion of the waistband (e.g., a zipper). By providing various attachment means for the waistband, a user may be able to put on and take off the swimsuit 100 more easily.
As depicted in FIG. 2, another embodiment of the present invention may comprise a shorter form fitting interior layer 110 (e.g., swim briefs, racing suits, square briefs, or the like). The inseam (not shown) of a shorter form fitting interior layer 110 generally stops at the top of the thigh. Various embodiments of the present invention may include a form fitting interior layer 110 with an inseam (not shown) ending anywhere from the top of the thigh to the top of the knee.
Many embodiments of the swimsuits of the present invention may also include an opening 126 as provided with many common swimsuits. The opening 126 generally extends through to the form fitting interior layer. In certain embodiments, the structure of the form fitting interior layer 110 allows for an opening to pass through the entire swimsuit 100, providing easier accessibility when an individual is putting on the swimsuit 100. In such an embodiment, the waistband 140 may effectively extend around the opening, such that form fitting interior layer 110 is affixed to the exterior short pant garment 120 around the opening 126. As understood by embodiments of the present invention, the opening 126 may also comprise a sealing means. The sealing means may comprise a plurality of buttons, a plurality of fasteners, a zipper, hook and loop fasteners, or the like.
FIG. 3 depicts a flow chart of a method 300 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The method 300 begins at step 310. At step 320, a form fitting interior layer is provided. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a form fitting interior layer comprises a synthetic fiber, which may include, but is not limited to, spandex, lycra, nylon, polyester, or the like, having two leg portions and a body portion. In one embodiment, the form fitting interior layer may comprise swim jammers, swim briefs, racing suits, or the like.
At step 330, an exterior short pant garment is provided. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, an exterior board short layer comprises a water permeable fabric, such as mesh, or the like, having two leg portions and a body portion. In most embodiments of the present invention, the exterior short pant garment is longer in length than the provided form fitting interior layer. Optionally, the exterior short pant garment further comprises a compartment means, such as cargo pockets or the like, for securing personal items.
At step 340, a top portion of the exterior short pant garment is folded over the form fitting interior layer, extending into an inner volume of the form fitting interior layer. Alternatively, at step 340, the top portion of the exterior short pant garment may be positioned over a corresponding top portion of the form fitting interior layer, and both layers may be folded inward together. In yet another alternate step, the top portion of the exterior short pant garment may merely lay flat over a corresponding top portion of the form fitting interior layer.
At step 350, the exterior short pant garment and the form fitting interior layer are stitched together to form a waistband. Stitching may comprise of knitting, hand sewing, machine sewing, straight stitching, gather stitching, or the like. In optional embodiments of the present invention, the waistband may also be provided with a drawstring, elastic, or the like, before the layers are stitched together.
In certain embodiments of the present invention, the swimsuit may comprise an opening cut through the exterior short pant garment and the form fitting interior layer. In such embodiments, the waistband may be generally positioned around the opening, so as to allow the ability to open and close the opening using a sealing means, such as a zipper, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, or the like. Alternatively, where the waistband comprises multiple attachment means At step 360, the method 300 ends.
While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. Alternative embodiments of the present invention generally incorporate the structures and methods described in the embodiments above, with minor additions and/or modifications. The previous embodiments may be considered independently or in combination with any other embodiment contained herein.

Claims

1. A swimsuit comprising:

a form fitting interior layer formed of a stretchable synthetic fiber, the form fitting interior layer having two leg portions and a body portion; and

an exterior short pant garment attached to and concealing the form fitting interior layer, the exterior short pant garment comprising a water permeable material.

2. The swimsuit of claim 1, further comprising a waistband having at least one attachment means along a top edge of the swimsuit.

3. The swimsuit of claim 2, wherein the attachment means comprises a drawstring interwoven through the waistband.

4. The swimsuit of claim 1, further comprising an opening through the form fitting interior layer and the exterior short pant garment.

5. The swimsuit of claim 4, further comprising a sealing means around the opening.

6. The swimsuit of claim 5, wherein the sealing means comprises at least one of a plurality of buttons, a plurality of fasteners, a zipper, or hook and loop fasteners.

7. The swimsuit of claim 1, further comprising at least a compartment on an exterior surface of the exterior short pant garment.

8. The swimsuit of claim 1, wherein the stretchable synthetic fiber comprises at least one of spandex, elastane, lycra, nylon, neoprene, or polychloroprene.

9. A swimsuit comprising:

a form fitting interior layer formed of a stretchable synthetic fiber, the form fitting interior layer having two leg portions and a body portion;

an exterior short pant garment concealing the form fitting interior layer, the exterior short pant garment formed of a water permeable material;

a waistband along a top surface of the swimsuit, having a drawstring interwoven therethrough; and

an opening through the form fitting interior layer and the exterior short pant garment.

10. The swimsuit of claim 9, further comprising a sealing means around the opening.

11. The swimsuit of claim 10, wherein the sealing means comprises at least one of a plurality of buttons, a plurality of fasteners, a zipper, or hook and loop fasteners

12. The swimsuit of claim 9, further comprising at least a compartment on an exterior surface of the exterior short pant garment.

13. The swimsuit of claim 9, further comprising an at least one pocket positioned on the exterior short pant garment.

14. The swimsuit of claim 9, wherein the stretchable synthetic fiber comprises at least one of spandex, elastane, lycra, nylon, neoprene, or polychloroprene.

15. A method comprising:

providing a form fitting interior layer formed of a stretchable synthetic fiber, the form fitting interior layer having two leg portions and a body portion;

providing an exterior short pant garment concealing the form fitting interior layer, the exterior short pant garment formed of a water permeable material;

folding a top portion of the exterior short pant garment over the form fitting interior layer, extending into an inner volume of the form fitting interior layer; and

stitching through the folded exterior short pant garment and the form fitting interior layer, creating a waistband.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising interweaving a drawstring through the waistband.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising providing an opening through the form fitting interior layer and the exterior short pant garment.

18. The method of claim 15, further comprising providing a sealing means around the opening.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the sealing means comprises at least one of a plurality of buttons, a plurality of fasteners, a zipper, or hook and loop fasteners

20. The method of claim 15, further comprising providing at least a compartment on an exterior surface of the exterior short pant garment.