US20090038047A1 - Swimsuit having compression panels - Google Patents

Abstract

A swimsuit is provided having a hip and thigh portion and a chest portion. Various compression panels may be attached to an inside surface of the hip and thigh portion as well as the chest portion for reducing muscle vibration of the chest muscle, thigh muscle and gluteal muscles. Various urethane layers may be attached external to the hip and thigh portion and the chest portion.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This is a continuation in part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/787,735, filed Apr. 17, 2007, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
• Not Applicable
BACKGROUND
• The present invention is related to a swimsuit having compression panels positioned over one or more muscle groups of a swimmer to reduce muscle vibrations of specific muscle groups and an external urethane panel to reduce the hydrodynamic drag of the swimmer.
• Technical wear for competitive swimmers attempt to reduce, minimize or eliminate various impediments that cause a competitive swimmer to lose a race. For example, hydrodynamic drag is a major factor in the speed of a competitive swimmer. As such, technical swimwear does exist which attempt to reduce the hydrodynamic drag on a swimmer such that the swimmer is able to increase his/her speed without any additional expenditure of energy or strength. For example, technical swimwear may incorporate material which does not absorb water or is designed to provide less hydrodynamic drag.
• Technical wear additionally attempts to conserve the swimmer's energy such that the conserved energy may be directed to propelling the swimmer through the water. For example, it has been found that as the swimmer swims through the water, his/her muscles vibrate causing a loss of energy which could have been used to propel the swimmer through the water. As such, it would be desirable to prevent and/or minimize muscle vibration.
BRIEF SUMMARY
• The swimsuit of the present invention specifically addresses the needs discussed above, discussed below and those that are known in the art.
• The swimsuit may comprise a hip portion, an optional thigh portion, and an optional chest portion. The hip and thigh portion may be fabricated to have left and right thigh compression panels attached to an inside surface of the hip and thigh portion which compress thigh muscles and reduce thigh muscle vibrations of the swimmer. Additionally, the hip and thigh portion may also have buttock compression panels attached to the inside surface of the hip and thigh portion to reduce gluteal muscle vibration while the swimmer is swimming.
• The chest portion may be fabricated from a unitary material with or a separate material from the hip and thigh portion. Additionally, the chest portion may have first and second chest compression panels attached to an inside surface of the chest portion diagonally with respect to each other in a criss-cross configuration. The chest compression panels reduce muscle vibrations of the chest while the swimmer is swimming.
• The compression panels discussed herein may have an elongate configuration, linear or curved configuration. The compression panels may also be fabricated from an elastic material having a spring constant greater than the material from which the hip and thigh portion and the chest portion is fabricated. The elasticity of the compression panel may be sufficiently strong so as to compress the muscle to reduce or minimize muscle vibration.
• The compression panels may preferably be attached to an inside surface of the hip and thigh portion and/or chest portion. However, it is also contemplated that the compression panels be attached to an outside surface of the hip and thigh portion and/or chest portion.
• The swimsuit may also have one or more external urethane panels attached to the hip portion, optional thigh portion and the optional chest portion. The external urethane panels may be used to reduce the hydrodynamic drag of the swimmer in the water. It is also contemplated that the urethane panels may be replaced with a base layer coated with a generally non-water absorbent material forming a generally smooth exterior surface. Preferably, the base layer and the replacement material are generally stretchable. It is also contemplated that the replacement material may be directly coated onto one or more of the hip portion, optional thigh portion and the optional chest portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout, and in which:
• FIG. 1 is a right front perspective view of a swimsuit having compression panels for reducing muscle vibrations;
• FIG. 2 is a right rear perspective view of the swimsuit shown inFIG. 1;
• FIG. 3 is a front view of the swimsuit shown inFIG. 1 with a cut out showing buttock compression panels and portions of thigh compression panels;
• FIG. 4 is a rear view of the swimsuit shown inFIG. 1;
• FIG. 5 is a front view of the swimsuit shown inFIG. 1;
• FIG. 6 is a rear view of the swimsuit with a cut out showing thigh compression panels and chest compression panels;
• FIG. 7 is a front view of a second embodiment of a swimsuit;
• FIG. 8 is a front view of the second embodiment of the swimsuit shown inFIG. 7;
• FIG. 9 is a side view of the second embodiment of the swimsuit shown inFIG. 7;
• FIG. 10 is a front view of a fourth embodiment of a swimsuit;
• FIG. 11 is a rear view of the third embodiment of the swimsuit shown inFIG. 10;
• FIG. 12 is a side view of the third embodiment of the swimsuit shown inFIG. 10;
• FIG. 13 is a front view of a fourth embodiment of a swimsuit;
• FIG. 14 is a rear view of the fourth embodiment of the swimsuit shown inFIG. 13;
• FIG. 15 is a side view of the fourth embodiment of the swimsuit shown inFIG. 13;
• FIG. 16 is a front view of a fifth embodiment of a swimsuit;
• FIG. 17 is a rear view of the fifth embodiment of the swimsuit shown inFIG. 16;
• FIG. 18 is a side view of the fifth embodiment of the swimsuit shown inFIG. 16;
• FIG. 19 is a front view of a sixth embodiment of a swimsuit;
• FIG. 20 is a rear view of the sixth embodiment of the swimsuit shown inFIG. 19;
• FIG. 21 is a side view of the sixth embodiment of the swimsuit shown inFIG. 19;
• FIG. 22 is a front view of a seventh embodiment of a swimsuit;
• FIG. 23 is a rear view of the seventh embodiment of the swimsuit shown inFIG. 22;
• FIG. 24 is a side view of the seventh embodiment of the swimsuit shown inFIG. 22;
• FIG. 25 is a front view of an eighth embodiment of a swimsuit;
• FIG. 26 is a rear view of the eighth embodiment of the swimsuit shown inFIG. 25;
• FIG. 27 is a side view of the eighth embodiment of the swimsuit shown inFIG. 25;
• FIG. 28 is a front view of a ninth embodiment of a swimsuit;
• FIG. 29 is a rear view of the ninth embodiment of the swimsuit shown inFIG. 28;
• FIG. 30 is a side view of the ninth embodiment of the swimsuit shown inFIG. 28;
• FIG. 31 is a front view of a tenth embodiment of a swimsuit;
• FIG. 32 is a rear view of the tenth embodiment of the swimsuit shown inFIG. 31;
• FIG. 33 is a side view of the tenth embodiment of the swimsuit shown inFIG. 31;
• FIG. 34 is a front of an eleventh embodiment of a swimsuit;
• FIG. 35 is a rear view of the eleventh embodiment of the swimsuit shown inFIG. 34;
• FIG. 36 is a side view of the eleventh embodiment of the swimsuit shown inFIG. 34;
• FIG. 37 is a front view of a twelfth embodiment of a swimsuit having an external urethane layer disposed on a frontal side of the swimsuit;
• FIG. 38 is a rear view of the twelfth embodiment of the swimsuit shown inFIG. 37; and
• FIG. 39 is a side view of the twelfth embodiment of the swimsuit shown inFIG. 37.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• Referring now toFIGS. 1-6, aswimsuit10 is provided for reducing muscle vibration of a swimmer to allow the swimmer's strength and energy to be focused on the race and not lost due to muscle vibration. In particular, the swimsuit may havevarious compression panels28a, b(seeFIG. 6),38a, b(seeFIG. 3),42a, b(seeFIG. 6) attached to a hip andthigh portion14 or achest portion40 at a chest area, thigh areas, and buttock area to reduce or minimize muscle vibrations of the chest, thigh and buttocks muscles. Additionally, thecompression panels28a, b,38a, b,42a, bmay be attached to the hip andthigh portion14 and thechest portion40 on aninside surface30,44 ofsuch portions14,40 to minimize the hydrodynamic drag on theswimsuit10.
• The hip andthigh portion14 and/orchest portion40 may be fabricated from various materials. By way of example and not limitation, the hip andthigh portion14 and/orchest portion40 may be fabricated from a stretchable material, an elastic material, fabric, cotton, nylon, spandex, and/or blends thereof. Additionally, thecompression panels28a, b,38a, b,42a, bmay be fabricated from various materials. By way of example and not limitation, thecompression panels28a, b,38a, b,42a, bmay be fabricated from a stretchable material, an elastic material, fabric, cotton, nylon, spandex, and/or blends thereof. Also, thecompression panels28a, b,38a, b,42a, bmay be fabricated from a material which is less easily stretchable compared to the material from which the hip andthigh portion14 and/orchest portion40 is fabricated.
• Referring now toFIG. 1, a first embodiment of aswimsuit10 is shown. The hip andthigh portion14 of theswimsuit10 may have left and righttubular members24a, bwhich fit around the left and right thighs of the swimmer. Additionally, the hip andthigh portion14 may also have anupper tubular member26 sized to fit around the hips of the swimmer. The left and righttubular members24a, bare attached to a lower end of theupper tubular member26 such that thetubular members24a, band26 may be worn by the swimmers in a similar manner compared to a pair of shorts. The left and righttubular members24a, bmay be sized to fit snuggly about the thighs of the swimmer as well as theupper tubular member26 may be sized to fit snuggly around the hips of the swimmer.
• Preferably, the hip andthigh portion14 may be fabricated from an elastic material and sized such that the hip andthigh portion14 slightly expands when worn by the swimmer such that the hip andthigh portion14 may conform to the curves of the swimmer's body.
• Left and rightthigh compression panels28a, bmay be attached to aninside surface30 of the hip andthigh portion14, as shown inFIG. 6. By way of example and not limitation, the leftthigh compression panel28amay extend from an upper leftlateral hip area32a(seeFIGS. 1,5 and6), across aleft thigh area34a(seeFIGS. 1,5 and6), to a lower left medial thigh area36a(seeFIGS. 5 and 6). Similarly, as shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, a rightthigh compression panel28bmay be attached to an inside surface30 (seeFIG. 6) of the hip andthigh portion14 which extends from an upper rightlateral hip area32b, across aright thigh area34b, to a lower rightmedial thigh area36b. The left and rightthigh compression panels28a, bmay be positioned over and compress any one or combination of the following thigh muscles, including but not limited to, a rectus femoris muscle, vastos intermedius muscle, vastos lateralis muscle, and vastos medialis muscle. Since the left and rightthigh compression panels28a, bare positioned over one or more of these muscles when theswimsuit10 is worn by the swimmer, the muscle(s) over which the left and rightthigh compression panels28a, bare positioned are compressed to reduce vibration of such muscle(s) while the swimmer is swimming. Hence, the swimmer loses less energy and strength during competition. Such conserved energy and strength may be directed and focused to propelling the swimmer forward to win the race.
• Theleft compression panel28amay be sewn to the inside surface30 (seeFIG. 6) of the hip andthigh portion14. In particular,left compression panel28amay be defined by thebottom end27a(seeFIGS. 1,5 and6),seam lines29a, b(seeFIGS. 1,2,5 and6), andseam line29c(seeFIGS. 1 and 3). As can be seen fromFIG. 6, theleft compression panel28amay comprise twosmaller panels31a, b. In this regard, it is contemplated that one or more of thecompression panels28a, b,38a, band42a, bmay comprise one or more panels for providing better compression to the muscle group at issue and/or to provide a better conforming fit. Alternatively, thecompression panels28a, b,38a, b, and42a, bmay extend across one or more smaller panels. Theright compression panel28bmay have the same structure as theleft compression panel28a.
• The bottom ends27a, bmay have an elastic band attached thereto. The elastic bands may pull the left and rightthigh compression panels28a, bdown such that the left and rightthigh compression panels28a, bmay apply compressive forces on one or more of the thigh muscles.
• In addition to or in the alternative, referring now toFIG. 3, left and rightbuttock compression panels38a, bmay be attached to aninside surface30 of the hip andthigh portion14. Theleft compression panel38amay be defined byseam lines39a, b, c, d. Also, theright compression panel38bmay be defined byseam lines39a, e, f, g. The left and rightbuttock compression panels38a, bmay be positioned over and compress gluteal muscles of the swimmer when theswimsuit10 is worn by the swimmer. The left and rightbuttock compression panels38a, bpress against the gluteal muscles so as to reduce vibration of the gluteal muscles while the swimmer is swimming. Such reduction of muscle vibration reduces energy loss due to gluteal muscle vibration such that the swimmer has more energy and strength to direct to winning the race. More particularly, the left and rightbuttock compression panels38a, bmay be positioned over a portion of at least one or more of a gluteus minimus muscle, gluteus maximus muscle and a gluteus medius muscle. Also, the leftbuttock compression panel38amay extend from an upperleft buttock area41ato a lower medial buttock area43aof the left buttock. The rightbutton compression panel38bmay extend from an upperright buttock area41bto a lowermedial buttock area43bof the right buttock.
• The leftthigh compression panel28amay be joined to the leftbuttock compression panel38ain that they both share acommon seam line29cand39b(seeFIG. 3). Similarly, the rightthigh compression panel28bmay be joined to the rightbuttock compression panel38bin that they both share acommon seam line39e(seeFIG. 3).
• Referring toFIG. 6, theswimsuit10 may also comprise achest portion40. Thechest portion40 fits around the chest of the swimmer12. Preferably, thechest portion40 may be fabricated from an elastic material and sized such that thechest portion40 slightly expands when worn by the swimmer such that thechest portion40 may conform to the curves of the swimmer's body. It is contemplated that thechest portion40 may be independent from the hip andthigh portion14 or fabricated as a unitary piece with the hip andthigh portion14.
• Thechest portion40 may have first and secondchest compression panels42a, battached to aninside surface44 of thechest portion40. The firstchest compression panel42amay extend from an upperleft area48a(e.g., adjacent left shoulder) of the chest to a lowerright area50b(e.g., lower right ribs) of the chest when thechest portion40 of theswimsuit10 is worn by the swimmer. The secondchest compression panel42bmay extend from an upperright area48b(e.g., adjacent right shoulder) of the chest to a lowerleft area50a(e.g., lower left ribs) of the chest of the swimmer when thechest portion40 of theswimsuit10 is worn by the swimmer. The first andsecond compression panels42a, bmay extend diagonally across the swimmer's chest in a criss-cross configuration, as shown inFIG. 6. The firstchest compression panel42amay be positioned over and compress a portion of at least one or more of a left major pectoral muscle and a left minor pectoral muscle. Similarly, the secondchest compression panel42bmay be positioned over and compress a portion of at least one or more of a right major pectoral muscle and a right minor pectoral muscle.
• The firstchest compression panel42amay be sewn to theinside surface44 of thechest portion40 as shown by seam lines45a, b, c, d. Thesecond compression panel42bmay also be sewn to theinside surface44 of the chest portion as shown byseam lines45e, f, g, h. When thesecond compression panel42bis attached to theinside surface44 of thechest portion40,seam lines45fand45halso sew thefirst compression panel42ato theinside surface44 of thechest portion40. Conversely, it is contemplated that thesecond compression panel42bbe attached to theinside surface44 of the chest portion first before thefirst compression panel42ais attached to theinside surface44 of thechest portion40. Also,seam lines45b, dattaches thesecond compression panel42bto the inside surface.
• Thechest portion40 may have a tubular configuration so as to fit snugly around the chest of the swimmer. Moreover, thechest portion40 may have left andright apertures46a, b(seeFIGS. 1 and 2) through which the swimmer may insert his/her left and right arms. The left andright arm apertures46a, bmay be sized to fit snuggly about the shoulder of the swimmer. In particular, the left andright peripheries47a, bof the left andright arm apertures46a, bmay fit snuggly about the under armpit of the swimmer and extend over the shoulders of the swimmer. Additionally, theperipheries47a, bof the left andright arm apertures46a, bmay have an elastic band to resist pulling from the first and secondchest compression panels42a, B. In this manner, elastic bands attached to theperipheries47a, bpull the first andsecond chest panels42a, bsuch that the first andsecond compression panels42a, bare able to compress the chest muscles of the swimmer to reduce muscle vibration. The first and secondchest compression panels42a, bare not shown as being attached to theperipheries47a, bof thearm apertures46a, B. However, it is contemplated that the first and second chest compression panels may be extended so as to be attached to theperipheries47a, bof thearm apertures46a, B.
• Referring now toFIGS. 7-9, a second embodiment of theswimsuit10 known as a Male Jammers is shown. Theswimsuit10 may comprise only the hip andthigh portion14 and may have left and rightthigh compression panels28a, band/or left and rightbuttock compression panels38a, battached to the hip andthigh portion14. The figures presented herein may only show the leftthigh compression panel28aby hatching for the purposes of clarity. Likewise, the figures may only show the leftbuttock compression panel38afor the purpose of clarity.
• The leftthigh compression panel28a(shown by hatching overfit panels54c, d) may extend from a leftlateral hip area32a(seeFIG. 9) across aleft thigh area34a(seeFIG. 7) and terminate at a left lower medial thigh area36a(seeFIG. 7). More generally, the leftthigh compression panel28amay extend diagonally across and compress any one or combination of the following thigh muscles, including but not limited to, rectus femoris muscle, vastos intermedius muscle, vastos lateralis muscle, and vastos medialis muscle. Similarly, the rightthigh compression panel28bmay extend from a rightlateral hip area32b, across aright thigh area34band terminate at a right lowermedial thigh area36b. More generally, the rightthigh compression panel28bmay extend diagonally across one or a combination of the following thigh muscles, including but not limited to, a rectus femorus muscle, vastos intermidius muscle, vastos laterus muscle, and vastos medialis muscle. Since the left and rightthigh compression panels28a, bare positioned over one or more of these muscles when theswimsuit10 is worn by the swimmer, the muscle(s) over which the left and rightthigh compression panels28a, bare positioned and are compressed to reduce vibration of such muscle(s) while the swimmer is swimming. Hence, the swimmer loses less energy and strength during competition. Such conserved energy and strength may be directed and focused to propelling the swimmer forward to win the race.
• In addition to, or in the alternative, left and rightbuttock compression panels38a, b(seeFIG. 8) may be attached to the hip andthigh portion14. The left and rightbuttock compression panels38a, bmay be vertically positioned with respect to the spine of the swimmer over a portion of at least one or more of a gluteus minimus muscle, gluteus maximus muscle and a gluteus medius muscle. The leftbuttock compression panel38ais shown by the hatching placed over thefit panel54g. An outer periphery of the leftbuttock compression panel38amay be attached to the outer periphery offit panel54g. The rightbuttock compression panel38b, although not shown, may have a mirror configuration to the leftbuttock compression panel38a. Also, the right buttock compression panel may coincide or extend overfit panel54m. Accordingly, the rightbuttock compression panel38bmay define an outer periphery which may be attached to the outer periphery of thefit panel54m. Alternatively, the left and rightbuttock compression panels38a, bmay be fabricated from a unitary material having an inverted v-shape configuration. The outer periphery of the collective left and rightbuttock compression panels38a, bmay be attached to theseam lines56f,56m,56g,56n,upper end58 of theupper tubular member26 and bottom ends27a, b.
• Theswimsuit10 shown inFIGS. 7-9 may be fabricated from a plurality offit panels54a-mattached (sewn, stitched, adhered, etc.) to each other atseam lines56a-n. Theswimsuit10 conforms to the swimmer's body better than a swimsuit having fewer fit panels. The reason is that thefit panels54a-mmay be customized to fit and form around the shape of the muscles of the swimmer, instead of relying on the elastic nature of the swimsuit material to conform to the swimmer's body shape. Thefit panels54b-emay have a generally spiral configuration about a left leg of the swimmer. Thefit panels54h-kabout a right leg of the swimmer may have a reverse spiral configuration compared to that offit panels54b-e.
• The leftthigh compression panel28amay extend across or coincide withfit panel54c,fit panel54d, orfit panel54candd(seeFIG. 7). If the leftthigh compression panel28aextends across or coincides withfit panel54c, then the outer periphery of the leftthigh compression panel28ais attached toseam lines56b,56c,56g, and abottom end27aof theleft tubular member24a. If the leftthigh compression panel28aextends across or coincides with thefit panels54cand54d, then the outer periphery of the rightthigh compression panel28amay be attached to the fit panels atseam line56b,56d,bottom end27a,seam line56gandupper end58 of uppertubular member26. More broadly, it is also contemplated that the leftthigh compression panel28amay extend across or coincide with one or more of thefit panels54b-e.
• The rightthigh compression panel28bmay have the same configuration as the leftside compression panel28abut in a reverse orientation. The rightthigh compression panel28bmay coincide withfit panels54i,fit panel54j, orfit panels54jandi. More broadly, it is also contemplated that the rightthigh compression panel28bmay coincide with one or more of thefit panels54h-k.
• Referring now toFIGS. 10-12, a third embodiment of theswimsuit10 known as a male tight is shown. Theswimsuit10 of the fourth embodiment may have or incorporate all of the features discussed in relation to the second embodiment (seeFIGS. 7-9) of the swimsuit. Also, the left and righttubular members24a, bmay extend to the calves or ankles or the swimmer. In this regard, the left and rightbuttock compression panels38a, bmay also extend to the calves or the ankles of the swimmer. As shown inFIG. 10, the left and rightthigh compression panels28a, bmay extend below the knees of the swimmer. If the left and rightthigh compression panels28a, bcoincides with at leastfit panels54eand54k, then the left and rightthigh compression panels28a, bmay extend to the calves or ankles of the swimmer.
• Referring now toFIGS. 13-15 a fourth embodiment of theswimsuit10 known as a male zip short is shown. The swimsuit shown inFIGS. 13-15 may have a plurality offit panels54a-f, g-l, andm-s. Thefit panels54a-smay be attached (sewn, stitched, adhered, etc.) to each other atseam lines56a-r. Theswimsuit10 may additionally have left andright arm apertures46a, bdefined by left and rightinner peripheries60a, bas well as aneck aperture62 defined by aninner periphery64.
• Theswimsuit10 may have a leftthigh compression panel28awhich may coincide withfit panel54b,54corfit panels54bandc. In the event that the leftthigh compression panel28acoincides withfit panels54band54c, the leftthigh compression panel28awill extend frombottom end27ato a left back area of the swimmer, as shown inFIG. 14. Moreover, the leftthigh compression panel28awill contact the leftbuttock compression panel38aatintersection point70a(seeFIG. 14). In contrast, as shown inFIGS. 1-6, the leftthigh compression panel28ashares acommon seam line29c(seeFIG. 3) with the leftbuttock compression panel38a. It is also contemplated that the leftthigh compression panel28amay coincide with one or more of thefit panels54b, c, d. Thefit panels54b-dmay have a spiral configuration and the leftthigh compression panel28amay have a corresponding spiral configuration. Theswimsuit10 may also have a rightthigh compression panel28bwhich coincides with one or more of thefit panels54h-jin a similar manner to the leftthigh compression panel28a. By way of example and not limitation, the rightthigh compression panel28amay coincide withfit panel54h,fit panel54i, orfit panels54handi. The rightthigh compression panel28amay have a mirror configuration compared to the leftthigh compression panel28b.
• Theswimsuit10 may also have a leftbuttock compression panel38awhich coincides withfit panel54h. The leftbuttock compression panel38amay extend from a waist of the swimmer (i.e., atseam line56g) to about the left knee of the swimmer (i.e.,bottom end27a). It is also contemplated that the leftbuttock compression panel38amay coincide withfit panel54f,fit panels54fande, orfit panels54f, eandd.
• Theswimsuit10 may additionally have a rightbuttock compression panel38b(not shown for purpose of clarity) which may have a mirror configuration compared to the leftbuttock compression panel38a. Although now shown, it is contemplated that thechest portion40 of the swimsuit shown inFIGS. 13-15 may havechest compression panels42a, b. It is contemplated that first and secondchest compression panels42a, bmay be incorporated into the swimsuit shown inFIGS. 13-15 as discussed herein.
• Referring now toFIGS. 16-18, a fifth embodiment of theswimsuit10 known as a male zip longjohn is shown. Theswimsuit10 of the fifth embodiment may have or incorporate all the features discussed in relation to the fourth embodiment of theswimsuit10. Also, the left and righttubular members24a, bmay extend to the calves or ankles of the swimmer. In this regard, the left and rightbuttock compression panels38a, bmay also extend to the calves or the ankles of the swimmer. As shown inFIG. 16, the left and rightthigh compression panels28a, bmay extend below the knees of the swimmer. If the left and rightthigh compression panels28a, bcoincides with at leastfit panels54dand54j, then the left and rightthigh compression panels28a, bmay extend to the calves or ankles of the swimmer.
• Referring now toFIGS. 19-21, a sixth embodiment of theswimsuit10 known as a male racier is shown. Theswimsuit10 may comprise a plurality offit panels54a-jattached to each other atseam lines56a-jand bounded byupper end58 and left andright peripheries66a, bof left andright leg openings68a, b. The sixth embodiment of theswimsuit10 may have onlybuttock compression panels38a, b. The leftbuttock compression panel38amay coincide withfit panels54d, e,fit panel54dorfit panel54e. More broadly, it is contemplated that the leftbuttock compression panel38amay coincide with one or more of thefit panels54b-f.
• Also, the rightbuttock compression panel38bmay coincide withfit panels54g, h,fit panel54gorfit panel54h. More broadly, it is contemplated that the rightbuttock compression panel38bmay coincide with one or more of the followingfit panels54f-j. The left and rightbuttock compression panels38a, bpreferably may be separated by a gap therebetween. Also, the left and rightbuttock compression panels38a, bmay be curved outwardly instead of being vertically oriented as shown inFIGS. 14 and 17. It is also contemplated that theswimsuit10 may have a compression panel which surrounds the entireupper tubular member26 such that the compression panel coincides withfit panels54a-j. The compression panel, in this instance, is attached to theswimsuit10 at theupper end58 and theinner periphery66a, b.
• Referring now toFIGS. 22-24, a seventh embodiment of theswimsuit10 known as a zip back short John is shown. Theswimsuit10 may have left and rightthigh compression panels28a, b, left and rightbuttock compression panels38a, band/or first and secondchest compression panels42a, b. Theswimsuit10 may comprise a hip andthigh portion14 and achest portion40. The hip andthigh portion14 may be joined to thechest portion40 so as to form a one piece swimsuit.
• The hip andthigh portion14 may comprise a plurality offit panels54a-oattached to each other atseam lines56a-p.
• The leftthigh compression panel28amay coincide withfit panel54d,fit panel54e, orfit panel54dand54e. The rightthigh compression panel28bmay coincide withfit panel54k, fit panel54l, orfit panel54kand54l. The left and rightthigh compression panels28a, bmay have reverse spiral configurations. Moreover, the left and rightthigh compression panels28a, bmay share acommon point70a, bwith the left and rightbuttock compression panels38a, b. It is also contemplated that the leftthigh compression panel28amay coincide with one or morefit panels54c, d, eorfand the right thigh compression panel coincide with one or morefit panels54j, k, l, m. It is also contemplated that a compression panel coincides with thefit panels54c, d, c, f, gandhsuch that the compression panel compresses the entire circumference of the swimmers left leg. Also, it is contemplated that a compression panel coincide withfit panels54j-osuch that the compression panel circumscribes the entire right leg of the swimmer. The compression panels surrounding or circumscribing the left and right legs of the swimmer simultaneously functions as athigh compression panel28a, bandbuttock compression panels38a, b.
• Theswimsuit10 may have a leftbuttock compression panel38awhich extends acrossfit panel54h. It is also contemplated that the buttock compression panel may extend across one or morefit panels54f-h. Additionally, the rightbuttock compression panel38bmay extend across one or morefit panels54m-o.
• Theswimsuit10 may additionally have first and secondchest compression panels42a, bincorporating all of the features discussed in relation to the swimsuit shown inFIGS. 1-6
• Referring now toFIGS. 25-27, an eighth embodiment of theswimsuit10 is shown. The eighth embodiment of theswimsuit10 may incorporate all of the features discussed in relation to the seventh embodiment discussed in relation toFIGS. 23-25. The eighth embodiment of theswimsuit10 incorporates a hip andthigh portion14 which may extend passed the knees of the swimmer to the calves or ankles of the swimmer. In this regard, the left and nightbuttock compression panels38a, bmay extend to the calves or ankles of the swimmer. Also, if the left and rightthigh compression panels28a, bextends over at leastfit panels54m, f, then the left and rightthigh compression panels28a, bmay extend to the calves or ankles of the swimmer.
• Referring now toFIGS. 28-30, a ninth embodiment of theswimsuit10 is shown. The ninth embodiment of theswimsuit10 may have left and rightbuttock compression panels38a, bas described in relation to the seventh embodiment of theswimsuit10. Moreover, the ninth embodiment of theswimsuit10 may also incorporate first and secondchest compression panels42a, bas discussed in relation to the swimsuit shown inFIGS. 1-6. The left and rightthigh compression panels28a, bmay have a similar configuration as that described in relation to the seventh embodiment of theswimsuit10. In the seventh embodiment of theswimsuit10, the left and rightthigh compression panels28a, bextends upwards to a rear of the swimmer and contacts the left and rightbuttock compression panels38a, bat intersection points70a, b, as shown inFIG. 23. In contrast, in the ninth embodiment of theswimsuit10, the left and rightthigh compression panels28a, bextends to the rear of the swimmer, contacts the left and rightbuttock compression panels38a, bat intersection points70a, band extends upward to the back of swimmer. However, due to the design of theswimsuit10 shown inFIGS. 28-30, the upper periphery at the rear of thechest portion40 does not extend upward to a neck of the swimmer. Rather, it terminates at the mid-back portion of the swimmer. Also, the ninth embodiment of theswimsuit10 may also have anaperture74. Accordingly, the left and rightthigh compression panels28a, bdo not extend as far upward as the seventh embodiment of theswimsuit10.
• Referring now toFIGS. 31-33, a tenth embodiment of theswimsuit10 is shown. Theswimsuit10 may comprise a plurality offit panels54a-oattached to each other atseam lines56a-p. The left and rightthigh compression panels28a, bmay coincide with one or more of the followingfit panels54c, d, c, fandgas well asfit panels54j, k, l, m, n, respectively. The left and rightbuttock compression panels38a, bmay coincide withfit panels54h, o, respectively. The tenth embodiment of the swimsuit may additionally incorporate the first and secondchest compression panels42a, bdiscussed in relation toFIGS. 1-6 above. Theswimsuit10 may have left and right shoulder straps72a, bandrear opening74. The left and rightthigh compression panels38a, bmay terminate at therear opening74. Alternatively, if the left and right thigh compression panels coincide additionally withfit panels54c, j, then the left and rightthigh compression panels28a, bmay extend up to the rear upper end of thechest portion40. The compression panels may also be disposed adjacent at inner surface of theswimsuit10 orfit panels54 or disposed adjacent an outer surface of theswimsuit10 orfit panels54.
• Referring now toFIGS. 35-37, an eleventh embodiment of theswimsuit10 is shown. The eleventh embodiment of theswimsuit10 may have left and rightbuttock compression panels38a, band/or first and secondchest compression panels42a, b. The first and secondchest compression panels42a, bmay incorporate all of the features discussed in relation to the first and secondchest compression panels42a, bdiscussed in relation toFIGS. 1-6 above. The left and rightbuttock compression panels38a, bmay coincide with one or more of thefit panels54b, cor54e, f. Preferably, the left and rightbuttock compression panels38a, bare mirror configurations of each other. It is also contemplated that the left and rightbuttock compression panels38a, bmay coincide with one or morefit panels54b-dor54e-g. It is also contemplated that one compression panel may coincide withfit panels54a-g.
• The compression panels discussed herein may have an elongate configuration. These compression panels may also have a constant width, narrowing width, or widening width. It is also contemplated that the configuration of the compression panels may have a linear or curved configuration.
• In an aspect of theswimsuit10, the same may have a zipper52 (seeFIG. 2) extending from anupper head periphery54 of thechest portion40 to a lower back portion. The swimmer may wear theswimsuit10 by unzipping thezipper52. The swimmer may then place his/her left and right legs into left and righttubular members24a, b. The left and right arms of the swimmer may then be inserted into left andright arm apertures46a, b. Thereafter, thezipper52 may be zipped up. Also, theswimsuit10 may have a draw string (seeFIG. 7).
• In an aspect of theswimsuit10 described herein, although the compression panels have been described as coinciding with various fit panels in that the outer periphery of the compression panel is attached to the outer periphery of certain fit panels, it is not required that the entire outer periphery of the compression panel be attached to the entire outer periphery of the particular fit panels. Rather, as long as only a portion of the outer periphery of the compression panel is attached to a portion of the outer periphery of the fit panels, then the compression panel may be characterized as coinciding with those particular fit panels. By way of example and not limitation, the opposed distal ends of the first and secondchest compression panels42a, b, the left and rightthigh compression panels28a, band the left and rightbuttock compression panels38a, bmay be attached to the fit panels or theswimsuit10. Thecompression panels28a, b,38a, band42a, bpreferably provides a compression force against certain muscles of the swimmer in the longitudinal direction of thecompression panels28a, b,38a, band42a, b.
• In those embodiments of theswimsuit10 having a hip andthigh portion14, left and rightthigh compression panels28a, bmay be positioned over and compress any one or combination of the following thigh muscles, including but not limited to, a rectos femorus muscle, a femorus muscle, vastos intermidius muscle, vastos laterus muscle, and vastos medialis muscle. Preferably, the left and rightthigh compression panels28a, bextend diagonally across one or more of the above mentioned thigh muscles for reducing vibration of such muscles while the swimmer is swimming. The left and rightthigh compression panels28a, bmay be attached to the inside surface of the hip andthigh portion14, or to outer surface of the hip andthigh portion14.
• In those embodiments of theswimsuit10 having a hip andthigh portion14, left and rightbuttock compression panels38a, bmay be positioned over and compress one or more of the following gluteal muscles, including but not limited to, a gluteus minimus muscle, a gluteus maximus muscle and a gluteus medius muscle. The left and rightbuttock compression panels38a, bmay be positioned generally over the buttocks of the swimmer, extend vertically from the waist of the swimmer and extend downward over the gluteal muscle of the swimmer and terminate at a knee, calves or ankle of the swimmer. Alternatively, the left and rightbuttock compression panels38a, bmay extend outwardly from the waist to the lower portion of the gluteal muscles.
• In those embodiments of theswimsuit10 having achest portion40, first and second chest compression panels may be positioned over and compress one or more of the following muscles, including but not limited to, left and right major pectoral muscles and left and right minor pectoral muscles. Preferably, the first and secondchest compression panels42a, bextend diagonally across the swimmer's chest in a criss-cross configuration.
• In those embodiments having left and righttubular members24a, b, it is contemplated that a compression panel extend or circumscribe entire left and right leg of the swimmer and be attached to the left and right tubular members on an inside surface or outside surface thereof. The compression panel may compress the gluteal muscles or thigh muscles to reduce vibration thereof during swimming.
• In an aspect of theswimsuit10, the chest portion and the hip and thigh portion may be fabricated from multiple fit panels to provide a better conforming fit to the swimmer's bodyshape.
• In an aspect of theswimsuit10, a urethane layer80 may be disposed exteriorly to one or more portions of theswimsuit10. The urethane layer80 may include but is not limited to a polyurethane thermoplastic elastomer and the like. Preferably, the urethane layer80 covers a majority of a frontal side of thechest portion40 and may optionally cover a portion of a frontal side of a crotch area of theswimsuit10. By way of example and not limitation, the urethane layer80 may be exteriorly attached to thechest portion40. The outer periphery of the urethane layer80 may be sewn, bonded or otherwise attached to the seam lines of a fit panel of thechest portion40. Moreover, it is contemplated that the urethane layer80 may be disposed exteriorly on the hip andthigh portion14. By way of example and not limitation, the urethane layer80 may coincide with various fit panels ontubular member24aas well as the correspondingfit panels54 of the oppositetubular member24b. Preferably, the urethane layer80 is disposed exteriorly to the left and righttubular members24a, bof the hip andthigh portion14 in a symmetrical manner. Preferably, the urethane layer80 extends longitudinally from a lower portion of theswimsuit10 to an upper portion of theswimsuit10. The urethane layer80 may reduce hydrodynamic drag between the water and the swimmer as the swimmer swims through the water such that the swimmer expends less energy fighting the hydrodynamic friction as the swimmer races through the water.
• Theswimsuit10 shown inFIGS. 37-39 may have a plurality offit panels54a-e,54f-jand54k-p. Thesefit panels54a-pmay be attached (sewn, stitched, adhered, etc.) to each other atseam lines56a-e,56f-j, and56k-q. Theswimsuit10 conforms to the swimmer's body better than a swimsuit having fewer fit panels. The reason is that thefit panels54a-pmay be customized to fit and form around the shape of the muscles of the swimmer, instead of relying on the elastic nature of the swimsuit material to conform to the swimmer's body shape. As discussed in the prior embodiments, thefit panels54a-emay have a generally spiral configuration about the left leg of the swimmer. Thefit panels54f-jdisposed about a right leg of the swimmer may have a reverse spiral configuration compared to that of thefit panels54a-c. Theswimsuit10 shown inFIGS. 37-39 may have optional compression panels as discussed herein. For example, left and rightthigh compression panels28a, bmay respectively coincide with one or more of thefit panels54a, band one or more of thefit panels54f, g. The left and rightbuttock compression panels38a, bmay respectively coincide with one or morefit panels54d, eand one or morefit panels54i, j. The left and rightthigh compression panels28a, band the left and rightbuttock compression panels38a, bmay be attached to an internal side of the respective fit panels. Optionally, first and secondchest compression panels42a, bmay be incorporated into thechest portion40 of theswimsuit10 on an internal side of the respective fit panels.
• Theswimsuit10 shown inFIGS. 37-39 may additionally have a urethane layer80 generally disposed on a frontal side of theswimsuit10 exterior to one or more of thefit panels54. By way of example and not limitation, thechest portion40 may have aurethane layer80awhich coincides withfit panel54k. In particular, the outer periphery of theurethane layer80amay be attached to theseam lines56k, q, theinner periphery64 of theneck aperture62 as well as thecrotch seam line82. Moreover, it is contemplated that the left and righttubular members24a, bmay each have aurethane layer80b, c. In particular, theurethane layer80bmay coincide withfit panel54b. In this regard, theurethane layer80bmay extend in a spiral configuration about the swimmer's left leg. Optionally, theurethane layer80bmay coincide withfit panels54aor54a, b, or54a, b, c. Similarly, the fit panel80cmay have a mirror configuration as compared to thefit panel80b. In use, as the swimmer swims through the water, the urethane layers80a, bandcreduce hydrodynamic drag between the swimmer and the water as the swimmer swims through the water. Since the swimmer experiences less hydrodynamic drag, the swimmer is able to swim at a faster rate. Additionally, in the event that the compression panels are incorporated into theswimsuit10, the swimmer's muscles are less likely to vibrate during a race. Such reduced vibration permits the swimmer to focus his or her energy on winning the race.
• Although theswimsuit10 shown inFIGS. 37-39 is configured for a female, it is also contemplated that theswimsuit10 may be configured for a male body. Additionally, the urethane layers80a, bandcmay be incorporated into the other embodiments ofswimsuits10 shown inFIGS. 1-36. The urethane layers80a, bandcshown in relation toFIGS. 37-39 are merely exemplary and are not meant to limit urethane layers80a, bandcto the specific type of swimsuit shown inFIGS. 37-39.
• Theswimsuit10 may comprise a plurality offit panels54 such that theswimsuit10 conforms to the wearer's body. Alternatively, theswimsuit10 may have a front panel attached to a rear panel wherein theswimsuit10 relies more on the elastic nature of the front and rear panel than the contoured fit of the plurality of fit panels discussed above. Theswimsuit10 may optionally incorporate thechest compression panels42a, b, optionally incorporate the left and rightthigh compression panels28a, band optionally incorporate the left and rightbuttock compression panels38a, b. Additionally, as discussed above, theswimsuit10 may also incorporate one ormore urethane panels80a, bandc. In the event that theurethane panels80a, bandcare incorporated along with thecompression panels28a, b,38a, band42a, b, theurethane panels80a, bandcmay be disposed exterior to thefit panels54 and thecompression panels28a, b,38a, band42a, b. It is also contemplated that in the event that theurethane panels80a, borcare incorporated along with thecompression panels28a, b,38a, band42a, binto theswimsuit10, theurethane panels80a, bandcmay be disposed exterior to thefit panels54 and thecompression panels28a, b,38a,band42a, b. In the event that theurethane panels80a, borcare incorporated into theswimsuit10 but thecompression panels28a, b,38a, band42a, bare not incorporated into theswimsuit10, then theurethane panels80a, bandcshould be attached to theswimsuit10 exterior to thefit panels54.
• Theswimsuit10 shown inFIGS. 37-39 is described as havingurethane panels80a, bandc. However, it is also contemplated that thepanels80a, bandcmay be fabricated from other types of material as long as they exhibit similar properties compared to theurethane panels80a, b, cfor the purposes of reducing hydrodynamic drag of the swimmer as the swimmer swims through the water. By way of example and not limitation, thepanels80a, bandcmay be fabricated by coating a base layer (e.g., combination 70% nylon and 30% lycra material) with a material that forms a generally non water absorbent barrier. Alternatively or additionally, the material coated on the base layer may form a generally smooth surface wherein the generally smooth surface is disposed exterior to the swimsuit and directly contacts the water during use. By way of example and not limitation, the external surface of the urethane layer80 may be preferably smoother compared to the material of thefit panels54. The non water absorbent characteristic as well as the smooth characteristic of the coating assists in reducing the hydrodynamic drag of the swimmer while swimming. Moreover, the coating may be stretchable. To this end, by way of example and not limitation, the material may be a polyurethane material and may be coated onto a stretchable woven fabric such as a combination 70% nylon and 30% lycra base layer.
• It is also contemplated that the material coated onto the base layer may form a generally rough exterior surface. It is also contemplated that the material for reducing hydrodynamic drag may be directly coated to the fit panels or a portion thereof. In this instance, the compression panels may be attached to the interior of the swim suit. The material for reducing hydrodynamic drag may be disposed on the exterior of the fit panels or the swim suit.
• The above description is given by way of example, and not limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention disclosed herein. Further, the various features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to the specific combination described herein. Thus, the scope of the claims is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments.

Claims (31)

1. A swimsuit for reducing muscle vibration of a swimmer, the swimsuit comprising:

a hip and thigh portion; and

left and right thigh compression panels fabricated from a material which is less easily stretchable compared to the material of the hip and thigh portion, the left and right thigh compression panels attached to the hip and thigh portion from upper lateral hip areas, across the thigh areas, to lower medial thigh areas;

wherein the left and right thigh compression panels pushes against quadracep muscles of the swimmer when the hip and thigh portion is worn by the swimmer for reducing muscle vibration while the swimmer is swimming.

2. The swimsuit ofclaim 1 further comprising a urethane layer disposed externally to the hip and thigh portion and on a front side of the hip and thigh portion.

3. The swimsuit ofclaim 1 wherein the left and right thigh compression panels are elongate strips.

4. The swimsuit ofclaim 3 wherein each of the left and right thigh compression panels have a narrowing configuration.

5. The swimsuit ofclaim 3 wherein each of the left and right thigh compression panels have a constant width.

6. The swimsuit ofclaim 1 wherein the left and right thigh compression panels are positioned over and compress the rectus femoris.

7. The swimsuit ofclaim 1 wherein the left and right thigh compression panels are positioned over and compress at least one of the rectus femoris, vastos intermedius, vastos lateralis, and vastos medialis.

8. The swimsuit ofclaim 1 further comprising left and right buttock compression panels positioned over and compress gluteal muscles.

9. The swimsuit ofclaim 8 wherein the left and right buttock compression panels are positioned over and compress the gluteus maximus muscle.

10. The swimsuit ofclaim 7 wherein the left and right buttock compression panels are positioned over and compress at least one of a gluteus minimus, a gluteus maximus and a gluteus medius.

11. The swimsuit ofclaim 7 wherein the left and right buttock compression panels and the left and right thigh compression panels are attached to an inside surface of the hip and thigh portion.

12. The swimsuit ofclaim 1 wherein the hip and thigh portion comprises:

a plurality of fit panels, the left thigh compression panel extending across one or more of the fit panels, the right thigh compression panel extending across one or more of the fit panels.

13. The swimsuit ofclaim 11 wherein an outer periphery of the left thigh compression panel is attached to an outer periphery of the fit panel over which the left thigh compression panel is extended over.

14. A swimsuit for reducing muscle vibration of a swimmer, the swimsuit comprising:

a hip and thigh portion; and

left and right buttock compression panels fabricated from a material which is less easily stretchable compared to the material of the hip and thigh portion, the left and right buttock compression panels attached to the hip and thigh portion from upper lateral buttock areas to lower medial buttock areas;

wherein the left and right buttock compression panels pushes against gluteal muscles of the swimmer when the hip and thigh portion is worn by the swimmer for reducing muscle vibration while the swimmer is swimming.

15. The swimsuit ofclaim 1 further comprising a urethane layer disposed externally to the hip and thigh portion and on a front side of the hip and thigh portion.

16. A swim suit for reducing muscle vibration of a swimmer, the swimsuit comprising:

a chest portion; and

first and second chest compression panels extending diagonally across the swimmer's chest in a crisscross configuration;

wherein the first and second chest compression panels pushes against pectoral muscles of the swimmer when the chest portion is worn by the swimmer for reducing muscle vibration while the swimmer is swimming.

17. The swimsuit ofclaim 1 further comprising a urethane layer disposed externally to the chest portion and on a front side of the chest portion.

18. The swimsuit ofclaim 14 wherein the first and second compression panels are positioned over and compress pectoralis major muscles.

19. The swimsuit ofclaim 14 wherein the first and second compression panels are positioned over and compress at least one of a major pectoral muscle and a minor pectoral muscle.

20. The swimsuit ofclaim 14 wherein the first and second compression panels are elongate strips.

21. The swimsuit ofclaim 17 wherein the elongate strips have a narrowing configuration.

22. The swimsuit ofclaim 17 wherein the elongate strips each have a constant width.

23. The swimsuit ofclaim 14 wherein the first and second chest compression panels are attached to an inside surface of the chest portion.

24. A swim suit for reducing friction while swimming, the swimsuit comprising:

a chest portion; and

a hip portion;

a first generally smooth and generally non water absorbent material disposed externally to the chest portion and on a front side of the chest portion.

25. The swim suit ofclaim 24 further comprising:

a thigh portion;

a second generally smooth and generally non-water absorbent material disposed externally to the thigh portion and on a front side of the thigh portion.

26. The swim suit ofclaim 24 wherein the first material is a polyurethane material.

27. The swim suit ofclaim 24 wherein the first material is generally stretchable.

28. The swim suit ofclaim 24 wherein the first material is a coating on the chest portion.

29. The swim suit ofclaim 24 further comprising a base layer attached to the chest portion, the base layer being coated with the first material.

30. The swim suit ofclaim 24 further comprising a base layer attached to the hip portion, the base layer being coated with the first material.

31. The swim suit ofclaim 25 further comprising a base layer attached to the thigh portion, the base layer being coated with the second material.

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