US20250107574A1 - Adjustable garment apparatus with supportive hammock - Google Patents

Abstract

An adjustable garment apparatus with supportive hammock includes two leg panels, a rear panel, a center panel, and a fly panel. A lower end of the fly panel extends to a front edge of the center panel. At least one hammock panel has a body section and a conduit section. The body section is connected to the center panel and/or the fly panel at or near a seam between the fly and center panels. The conduit section is positioned on a distal side of the body section relative to the seam between the fly and center panels. At least one conduit is positioned along a seam of at least a portion of the fly and leg panels and connects to the conduit section of the hammock panel. A cord is positioned within the conduit and is movable between tensioned and untensioned states.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
• This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/542,241 filed Oct. 3, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
• The present disclosure is generally related to clothing and more particularly is related to an adjustable garment apparatus with a supportive hammock.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
• Men's underwear typically suffers from several inadequacies including but not limited to: lack of support, improper positioning and isolation from direct contact with the inner thigh or perineum areas combined with a high degree of contact between such areas and improper fitting undergarments is typically known to cause friction, chaffing, and discomfort while sitting, walking, running, or other numerous activities and athletic activities. In addition to unwanted contact with the thigh or perineum region and undergarment seams, most undergarments lack appropriate support and positioning for the genitalia, limit freedom of movement, do not provide comfortable natural resting position for the genitalia, lack moisture control and lack temperature control. Currently undergarments offer limited sizes, shapes and materials without adjustability for proper fitment failing to isolate the genitalia from making direct contact with inner thighs, perineum region and legs while increasing comfort, support and positioning attributes for male genitalia.
• In recent times, men's undergarments have been developed where the wearer can adjust the support provided by a fly region of the undergarment using a drawstring system. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 10,085,492 provides an adjustable undergarment device which uses a drawstring positioned within a conduit which is formed along the seam of the fly panel, whereby the user can adjust the tension of the drawstring to adjust a constriction of the fly panel around the user's genitalia. While this device offers significant improvements to users, some users desire enhanced support.
• Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
• Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an adjustable garment apparatus with a supportive hammock. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the apparatus, among others, can be implemented as follows. Two leg panels, a rear panel, a center panel, and a fly panel, are each constructed from a fabric material. The rear panel, the center panel, and the fly panel are connected between the two leg panels. The center panel has a front, peripheral edge that defines a forward boundary of the center panel and a lower end of the fly panel extends to the front, peripheral edge of the center panel. At least one hammock panel has a body section and a conduit section. The body section is connected to at least one of the center panel or the fly panel at a location substantially proximate to a seam between the fly panel and the center panel. The conduit section is positioned on a distal side of the body section relative to the seam between the fly panel and the center panel. At least one conduit is positioned along a seam of at least a portion of the fly panel with the leg panels. The seam is formed at least between the fly panel and the two leg panels, and connects to the conduit section of the at least one hammock panel. A cord is positioned within the at least one conduit and conduit section and is movable between at least a tensioned state and an untensioned state.
• The present disclosure can also be viewed as providing a non-suspensory, genital-supportive undergarment apparatus for supporting male genitalia in a pouch. Briefly described, in architecture, another embodiment of the apparatus, among others, can be implemented as follows. A plurality of fabric panels including two leg panels, a rear panel, a center panel, and a fly panel, where each of the plurality of fabric panels is constructed from a fabric material, wherein the rear panel, the center panel and the fly panel are connected at seamed junctions thereof, respectively. At least one support panel has a body section and a conduit section. The body section has an upper part and a lower part, wherein the lower part is connected to at least one of the center panel or the fly panel. A conduit section has lateral sides and is positioned along the upper part and extends laterally from the upper part. At least one conduit is positioned along at least a bottom and side peripheral edges of the fly panel following a path of a seam of the fly panel. The seam is formed at least between the fly panel and the two leg panels and between the fly panel and the center panel. The lateral sides of the conduit section are positioned along the upper part of the at least one support panel and the conduit section extends to connect with the at least one conduit. A cord is positioned within the at least one conduit and a conduit path of the conduit section and is movable between at least a tensioned state and an untensioned state, wherein the body section is configured to move away from the center panel and towards a posterior side of a scrotum when the cord is positioned in the tensioned state.
• The present disclosure can also be viewed as providing an adjustable undergarment apparatus for supporting male genitalia. Yet another embodiment of the apparatus, among others, can be implemented as follows. A plurality of panels are used to form the undergarment. A support panel has a body section and a conduit section. The body section has an upper part and a lower part. The lower part is connected to at least one of a center panel or a fly panel of the plurality of panels forming the undergarment and the upper part is extended away from the fly panel and the center panel. The body section is a supportive hammock panel configured to move anteriorly in an anterior direction to contact a posterior side of a scrotum. The conduit section has a conduit path positioned therein and is configured to receive a cord movable between at least a tensioned state and an untensioned state.
• Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
• FIG.1A is a rear view illustration of an adjustable garment apparatus, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
• FIG.1B is a front view illustration of the adjustable garment apparatus ofFIG.1A, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
• FIG.1C is a cross-sectional side view illustration of the adjustable garment apparatus ofFIGS.1A-1B, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
• FIG.1D is an elevated isometric view illustration of the adjustable garment apparatus ofFIGS.1A-1C, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
• FIG.2 is a cross-sectional view illustration of the seam and conduit of the adjustable garment apparatus ofFIGS.1A-1D, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
• FIG.3 is a schematic illustration of the hammock panel, center panel, and fly panel of the adjustable garment apparatus ofFIGS.1A-1D, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
• FIG.4 is a rear perspective view of the hammock panel of the adjustable garment apparatus, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
• FIG.5A is a cross-sectional side view illustration of the adjustable garment apparatus showing the hammock panel in an untensioned state, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
• FIG.5B is a cross-sectional side view illustration of the adjustable garment apparatus showing the hammock panel ofFIG.5A in a simulated tensioned state, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
• FIG.6 is a schematic illustration of a pre-folded hammock panel of the adjustable garment apparatus, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
• FIG.7 is a schematic illustration of the hammock panel ofFIG.6 in a folded state, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
• FIG.8 is a schematic illustration of the hammock panel of the adjustable undergarment apparatus, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
• FIG.9 is a schematic illustration of the hammock panel of the adjustable undergarment apparatus, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
• FIG.10 is a schematic illustration of the hammock panel of the adjustable undergarment apparatus, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• To improve over the shortcomings of the prior art, the present disclosure is directed to an adjustable garment apparatus with a supportive hammock which can be used to provide enhanced support and comfort to a wearer of the adjustable garment apparatus.
• FIG.1A is a rear view illustration of anadjustable garment apparatus10, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG.1B is a front view illustration of theadjustable garment apparatus10 ofFIG.1A, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG.1C is a cross-sectional side view illustration of theadjustable garment apparatus10 ofFIGS.1A-1B, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG.1D is an elevated isometric view illustration of theadjustable garment apparatus10 ofFIGS.1A-1C, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As is shown inFIGS.1A-1D, theadjustable garment apparatus10, which may be referred to simply as ‘apparatus10’ is an article of clothing that may be worn by a human being, namely an adult or juvenile male human being where theapparatus10 can provide support to the genitals of the adult or juvenile male wearer.
• Theapparatus10 is constructed from a plurality of sections offabric materials20 which are sewn or otherwise affixed together along with other clothing features to form a completed garment. For example, the plurality of sections offabric materials20 may include arear panel22, two ormore leg panels24, acenter panel26, and afly panel28. In further detail, therear panel22 may be generally positioned over the interior sections of a user's buttocks and intergluteal cleft. The two ormore leg panels24 may be connected to the exterior, opposing sides of therear panel22 and generally cover each of the user's legs or a portion thereof. Thecenter panel26 may be positioned between the user's two legs on an underside of the user's crotch and perineum, and may extend down the interior portions of the user's legs descending from the crotch. The center panel may have one or more peripheralfront edge26A which defines a forward boundary of thecenter panel26. Thecenter panel26 may have amidpoint27, which is a location in thecenter panel26 that is substantially along a middle thereof relative to thefront edge26A and the rear edge, as shown inFIGS.1C-1D. Thefly panel28 may be generally positioned at a front of theapparatus10, formed between the forward edge sections of the twoleg panels24, and the center panel, such that thefly panel28 is positioned exterior of and over a user's genitals, and may include a fly opening or window (not shown) which may be vertical or horizontal. Thefly panel28 may extend to the front,peripheral edge26A of thecenter panel26.
• At the bottom of theapparatus10, the combination of theleg panels24 and thecenter panel26 may defineleg openings30 in which the user's mid or upper thighs are positioned when theapparatus10 is worn. At the top of theapparatus10, the combination of therear panel22, theleg panels24, and thefly panel28 may be sewn to awaistband32 which is positioned around a user's torso or waist when theapparatus10 is worn. Each of the panels offabric materials20 may be sewn together atseams12 using thread and any type of stitching, such as flatlock stitching.
• Therear panel22 andleg panels24 may be similar to equivalent panels found in the conventional art. Additionally, thecenter panel26 may be similar to the center panel described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,085,492. Thefly panel28 may have some similarities to the fly panel described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,085,492, in that, it uses aconduit40A and acord50 positioned generally along the edge of thefly panel28, which allows the user to adjust the size of thefly panel28 to constrict thefly panel28 around the genitalia of the wearer, thereby effectively creating a pouch in theapparatus10 which can support the user's genitals.
• Theapparatus10 further includes at least onehammock panel60 having abody section62 formed from one or more layers or pieces of fabric material, and positioned proximate to a seam between thefly panel28 and thecenter panel26. Thebody section62 of thehammock panel60 may be connected to at least one of thecenter panel26 or thefly panel28, or both of thecenter panel26 and thefly panel28, at a location substantially proximate to the seam between thefly panel28 and thecenter panel26. For example, as shown inFIGS.1C-1D, this seam may correspond to thefront edge26A of thecenter panel26 which is connected with stitching12 to the lower end of thefly panel28. Thehammock panel60 also has aconduit section64 which is positioned connected to at least part of thebody section62, generally along a top edge thereof, and may be positioned along the full distance of the top edge of thebody section62. More particularly, alower part62A of thebody section62 may connect to one or both of thefly panel28 and/or thecenter panel26, while anupper part62B is positioned remote from this connection. Apart from theconduit40A andcord50, theupper part62B may be substantially free from direct contact with the other panels of theapparatus10. Theconduit section64 may connect to theupper part62B of thebody section62. Theconduit section64, and aconduit path40B which is positioned through theconduit section64, is positioned on a distal side of thebody section62 relative to the seam between thefly panel28 and thecenter panel26. In this position, theconduit section64 formed on theupper section62B may be considered a free portion of thehammock panel60 which occupies an interior space within theapparatus10, as shown inFIG.1D, and which can change specific locations within theapparatus10 based on a tension of thecord50.
• Thisconduit40A may include a closed channel of fabric which has an elongated interior portion or elongated pocket in which acord50 can be positioned. Thecord50 may include any type of material that is used as a drawstring, which may include materials which are durable enough to be placed under tension without breaking. Thecord50 may be any size or length and may be made from a variety of materials. It is often preferable for thecord50 to be formed from a rope-like structure with a flat elastic center piece, but acord50 formed from substantially non-stretchable materials may also be used.
• Theconduit40A may be positioned along the lateral edges of thefly panel28, as depicted inFIG.1D, for instance, and through theconduit section64 of thehammock panel60 in a continuous loop. In this position, thecord50 positionable within theconduit40A may substantially be positioned along edges of thefly panel28 and along the free edge of theconduit section64 of thehammock panel60.FIG.1D illustrates thecord50 within theconduit40A positioned along the edges of thefly panel28, where the terminating lateral edges of theconduit section64 of thehammock panel60 are connected to the terminating edges of theconduit40A along thefly panel28 to form a continuous path for thecord50. In one example, theconduit40A may deviate from the later seam of thefly panel28 in a position approximately 2.0 inches above or before the lower corner of thefly panel28, e.g., where thefly panel28,center panel26, andleg panels24 contact. Thecord50 can traverse through one ormore openings36 in thewaistband32, around one side of thefly panel28, through theconduit section64 of thehammock panel60, along the other side of thefly panel28, and back through the one ormore openings36 in thewaistband32. In this figure, it is possible to see theinterior surface60A of thehammock panel60, e.g., which faces and contacts the user's genital when theapparatus10 is worn (shown in cross-hatching), and theexterior surface60B of thehammock panel60.
• The movement of thecord50 within theconduit40A may be generally described as movement between two configurations: a first configuration where thecord50 is relatively free from tension or untensioned, and a second configuration where thecord50 is placed under tension. It is noted that any additional number of configurations may be used with theapparatus10, and the first and second configurations described herein may include variations. When thecord50 is placed under tension while it is within theconduit40A, it may constrict theconduit40A and the portions of the panels which theconduit40A is positioned. For instance, tensioning thecord50 would constrict the lateral edges of thefly panel28 and theconduit section64 of thehammock panel60. To place thecord50 under tension or release it therefrom, thecord50 may be affixed at an end thereof to a structure of theapparatus10, such as thewaistband32, where the ends of thecord50 may be tied together after they are tensioned, or connected together with any type of mechanical fastener.
• At thewaistband32, theconduit40A may be directed towards a center of theapparatus10 and theconduit40A may terminate at a location at or offset from the center of theapparatus10. For example, inFIG.1D, the center of theapparatus10 is generally positioned between twoeyelets36 in thewaistband32. Thecord50 may exit the terminating end of theconduit40A and be positioned through one of theeyelets36 such that an end of thecord50 can be accessed from a location outside of theapparatus10. As is shown, thecord50 may be crossed over itself in the position between the terminating end of theconduit40A on either side of theeyelets36. The crossing of thecord50 may be important in allowing thecord50, theconduit40A of the fly panel andconduit section64 to form a fully closedpouch34 or genitalia pouch (FIG.1C), e.g., without leaving a gap at the top of thepouch34. In other words, crossing thecord50 helps draw together the opposing sides of thefly panel28 to provide a snug fit. It is further noted that theconduit40A may extend past theeyelets36 on either side of theapparatus10, such that thecord50 remains in a position within theconduit40A at the location directly below theeyelet36.
• As is shown best inFIG.1D, theconduit40A may generally be positioned along the exterior edge of thefly panel28 such that theconduit40A occupies a space substantially on theseam12 between thefly panel28 and theleg panels24. It is noted that other positions and locations of theconduit40A may also be included, including those that deviate from aseam12. Further, whileFIG.1D illustrates theseam12 about thefly panel28 as being offset from theconduit40A, it is noted that theconduit40A may be positioned over or just slightly offset from theseam12, depending on the construction of theapparatus10. In many cases, the conduit may be sewn into theseam12 such that theconduit40A generally lies over theseam12.
• FIG.2 is a cross-sectional view illustration of theseam12 andconduit40A of the adjustable garment apparatus ofFIGS.1A-1D, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As can be seen inFIG.2, theseam12 may be formed between two or more pieces of fabric material. Here, the two pieces of fabric material are illustrated, and include thewaistband32 and thefly panel28, where the two structures are connected together at theseam12 withstitching14. As also shown, theconduit40A may be positioned directly over thestitching14 of theseam12 such that thesame stitching14 may be used to retain theconduit40A to theseam12 as is used to retain thewaistband32 to thefly panel28. Theconduit40A may include a fold-over design or a non-sandwiched design, whereby theconduit40A is formed from a piece of fabric material that is folded upon itself to the point where its edges meet. The part of theconduit40A where the edges meet is sewn at theseam12 to provide a sewnedge44 of theconduit40A, whereas the opposing edge of theconduit40A may be understood as a foldededge42. The interior space of theconduit40A in which thecord50 is located may be located proximate to the foldededge42. Theconduit40A may have the foldededge42 and the sewnedge44 along its entire length or a portion thereof. In contrast, a sandwiched conduit design may include two separate pieces of material that are sewn together at their opposing edges, resulting in aconduit40A that is formed from a sandwiching of two structures. In manufacturing theapparatus10, the use of thenon-sandwiched conduit40A design may significantly lessen expenses as compared to sandwiched conduit designs.
• With reference toFIG.1D, In some examples, theconduit40A of thefly panel28 may include different features, characteristics, or designs to improve the functioning and use of theapparatus10. For example, theconduit40A of the fly panel may include a single conduit structure which connects with theconduit structure64 of thehammock panel60, and the single conduit structure may extend fully in an unbroken manner between terminating ends of theconduit40A of thefly panel28 as shown inFIG.1D. Other designs may include anchoring thecord50 within theconduit40A of thefly panel28 at a specific location to prevent thecord50 from inadvertently being withdrawn fully from theconduit40A. Additionally, anchoring thecord50 within theconduit40A of thefly panel28 may allow thecord50 to constrict thefly panel28 at a selected point on theconduit40A of thefly panel28.
• In some examples, theconduit40A of thefly panel28 may have terminating ends at two locations adjacent to thewaistband32. Thecord50 passed through, travelling through, or positioned within theconduit40A of thefly panel28 and theconduit structure64 of thehammock panel60 may have two ends, where the two ends of thecord50 exit at the terminating ends of theconduit40A of thefly panel28 through arespective opening36 or eyelet within thewaistband32. In other words, thecord50 may be positioned by feeding thecord50 through one of two, or afirst opening36 or eyelet, through a first side of theconduit40A of thefly panel28, into thehammock panel60conduit path40B of theconduit structure64 of thehammock panel60, then into a second side of theconduit40A of thefly panel28. Thecord50 may then emerge or exit from the conduit structures through one of two, or asecond opening36 or eyelet. In doing this, to improve the ability of a user to tighten thecord50, and thus decrease the length of the conduit structures, thecord50, when emerging from theconduit40A of thefly panel28, may be understood to have a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of thecord50 may cross over a second portion of thecord50 in a position between the terminating ends of theconduit40A of thefly panel28 and before the cord is positioned or passed through theopenings36 or eyelets.
• FIG.3 is a schematic illustration of thehammock panel60,center panel26, and flypanel28 of the adjustable garment apparatus ofFIGS.1A-1D, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Thecenter panel26 of theapparatus10 may be connected to thefly panel28, theleg panels24, and therear panel22 withstitching14 at a number ofseams12. Thehammock panel60 may be connected atseam12 to thefly panel28 and/or the portion of thecenter panel26 which substantially occupies a central region corresponding to thefly panel28. InFIG.3, it is noted that the perimeter of thehammock panel60 which is not connected to thefly panel28 or thecenter panel26 is not stitched or otherwise connected to the center panel, and as such,FIG.3 notably depicts the absence of stitching14 along theupper part62B of thehammock panel60.
• To this end,FIG.4 is a rear perspective view of thehammock panel60 of theadjustable garment apparatus10, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, where thehammock panel60 is depicted without other panels, for clarity in disclosure. As shown, thebody section62 of thehammock panel60 is depicted with theupper part62B positioned proximate to theconduit section64, while thelower part62A of thebody section62 is depicted withstitching14, which is used to connect thehammock panel60 to thefly panel28 and/or thecenter panel26. Theconduit section64 is depicted with thecord50 positioned in theconduit path40B, which extends along the length of theconduit section64. When thecord50 is tensioned, the exerted force on thecord50 may cause the lateral sides66 of thehammock panel60 to curve inwards, such that apocket68 or genitalia pouch is formed along theinterior surface60A of thehammock panel60, between thelateral sides66, and between the stitching14 on thelower part62A of thebody section62 and theconduit section64. When worn by a user, thepocket68 may be moved to a position where the fabric ofbody section62 forms a hammock structure which provides a cradling or cupping support to the user's scrotum, as discussed relative toFIG.5B.
• FIG.5A is a cross-sectional side view illustration of theadjustable garment apparatus10 showing thehammock panel60 in an untensioned state, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG.5B is a cross-sectional side view illustration of theadjustable garment apparatus10 showing thehammock panel60 ofFIG.5A in a simulated tensioned state, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular,FIG.5A is depicted without the cord, theconduit40A and theconduit path40B, where thehammock panel60 is positioned with theupper portion62B located in the interior area of theapparatus10, with the terminating, lower edge of thelower part62A connected to thefly panel28 and/or thecenter panel26. As can be seen, thepocket68 is formed along theinterior surface60A of thebody section62.
• When a user is positioned within theapparatus10, and in particular, a male user having male genitalia, the user's genitalia may occupy theinterior pouch34 formed interior of thefly panel28 and thepocket68 formed interior of thehammock panel60. In this position, in particular, the user's scrotum may generally occupy thepocket68 and rest against theinterior surface60A of thehammock panel60, while the user's penis is positioned substantially within the interior pouch and is positioned against the interior surface of thefly panel28. Once the user is wearing theapparatus10, the user or another individual may apply tension to thecord50, which acts to constrict theconduit40A, thereby gently constricting the user's genitalia within theinterior pouch34 and thepocket68.
• For instance,FIG.5B depicts theapparatus10 with thecord50 positioned in a tensioned state with simulated male genitalia70 positioned within thepocket68 and theinterior pouch34 of thefly panel28. In this position, thecord50 has been constricted within theconduit structures40A,64, which pulls thebody section62 of thehammock panel60 towards thefly panel28, such that theinterior surface60A of thehammock panel60 substantially wraps around the backside or posterior side of the user's scrotum and is lifted under the scrotum such that thehammock panel60 effectively cups or cradles the scrotum from the posterior side thereof. Thehammock panel60 may also contact a bottom side of the user's scrotum, or a portion thereof. In this position, theconduit section64 of thehammock panel60 may be positioned proximate to the base of the scrotum, keeping the scrotum in front of thecenter panel26, while the perineum region of the user is positioned behind thehammock panel60 and proximate to thecenter panel26. Thepouch34 and thepocket68, collectively referred to as the genitalia pouch, can house the entirety of a male user's genitals together, without separation, i.e., so the testicles and penis of the user are constricted within the space between thepouch34 and thehammock panel60 together. Thus, when theapparatus10 is worn and thecord50 is tensioned to form apouch34 in thefly panel28 and raise thehammock panel60, the testicles and penis of the male user may be fully positioned within thepouch34 and thepocket68.
• This positioning of the scrotum in thepocket68 ensures that thehammock panel60 provides an enhanced scrotal lift compared to prior art devices, where a cord in a conduit positioned along the seam of the fly panel and center panel often caused discomfort due to the cord pressing on the backside of the scrotum, causing pinching of the scrotum and causing the scrotum to slip outside of the pouch. In the present disclosure, the use of thehammock panel60 ensures that the user's scrotum is nested within thepocket68 in a comfortable, stable position. Moreover, since theconduit path40B of theconduit section64 is connected to theconduit40A positioned on the lateral edges of thefly panel28, the lateral sides66 of thehammock panel60 may curve inwards to provide side stability to the user's scrotum. Accordingly, in the tensioned or constricted position of thecord50, the user's scrotum can be maintained within thepocket68 during all activities or movement of the user.
• FIG.6 is a schematic illustration of a pre-folded hammock panel60 (hereinafter “support panel60”) of theadjustable garment apparatus10, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.6, thesupport panel60 is depicted in the pre-folded or constructed state. Thesupport panel60 may be described or referred to as a genitalia support panel, or scrotal support panel. With reference toFIG.5B-6, thesupport panel60 may be made of any material that is feasible for use within an underwear and to support male genitalia70 or the scrotum. Thesupport panel60 may be made of the same material as allother panels22,24,26,28 of theapparatus10. Here, thesupport panel60 may be a continuation of the fabric of thecenter panel26 or flypanel28, or it may be of the same fabric material that is separately connected to, stitched to, or adhered to thecenter panel26 or thefly panel28. In other examples, thesupport panel60 may be made of a different material and stitched onto thecenter panel26 or thefly panel28. Thesupport panel60 may have a solid or mesh construction and may be made of a polyester, viscose, or other feasible material conventionally used for undergarments.
• FIG.7 is a schematic illustration of thesupport panel60 ofFIG.6 in a folded state, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.7, thebody section62 and theconduit section64 of thesupport panel60 may be folded over acenter line72. Here, the dual layer of fabric of thesupport panel60 allows for the formation of thesupport panel60conduit path40B through theconduit section64, and thebody section62 may have overlapping fabric layers. These overlapping fabric layers may provide increased durability in thebody62 of thesupport panel60. In some examples, one of the fabric layers may be trimmed such that thebody section62 has only one fabric layer. This configuration may provide less long-term durability; however, this decreases the layers of fabric that may contact genitalia, thus potentially reducing heat or moisture retention in the undergarment. Thesupport panel60conduit path40B formed by folding over thesupport panel60 may be such that it extends for the entirety of a length of theconduit section64. Furthermore, theconduit section64 itself may extend for the entirety of a length of eachlateral side66 of the at least onesupport panel60. Thesupport panel60conduit path40B may be sized and configured to receive a cord (not illustrated). Further details and aspects of this are described herein.
• Thebody62 also has anupper part62B which is positioned near theconduit section64 and alower part62A positioned along the edge of thesupport panel60. Thebody62 section of thesupport panel60 may have a substantially trapezoidal shape. This is understood to mean that the shape of thebody section62 may resemble that of a trapezoid, but need not be a perfect trapezoid. For example, the legs of a trapezoid are linear, whereas the equivalent border or edge in thebody section62 is nonlinear, however, still forms a trapezoidal-like shape. In other examples, thebody section62 may be square or rectangular-like, or may even be a bell-like shape, an oval shape or any other feasible shape.
• FIG.8 is a schematic illustration of thesupport panel60 of theadjustable undergarment apparatus10, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular,FIG.8 illustrates the foldedsupport panel60 connected to thefly panel28. Thesupport panel60 has abody section62 and aconduit section64, where thebody section60 is connected to thefly panel28 at a location substantially proximate to aseam12 between thefly panel28 and the center panel (not illustrated). Theconduit section64 is positioned on a distal side of thebody62 relative to theseam12 between thefly panel28 and the center panel (not illustrated). In another example, thesupport panel60 can be described as follows. The edge of thebody section62 at thelower part62A may be connected to the lower, terminating edge of thefly panel28 withstitching14. When the cord (not shown) is positioned within theconduit path40B, the lateral sides66 of thesupport panel60 may move closer to, or connect, or substantially connect to theends42 of theconduit path40B in thefly panel28. The ends42 of theconduit path40B may be positioned at a predetermined distance above theseam12. The predetermined distance may be any feasible distance for use in an undergarment, and in some examples may be approximately 2.0 inches above theseam12. This may allow thesupport panel60 to achieve the position depicted inFIGS.1C and5B. Further aspects of this positioning are discussed hereinafter, with reference toFIGS.1C-1D andFIGS.5A-5B.
• FIG.9 is a schematic illustration of thesupport panel60 of theadjustable undergarment apparatus10, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Illustrated inFIG.9 is a similar version of thesupport panel60, however, where thesupport panel60 is formed together with thefly panel28 as a single panel structure denoted as hammock/fly panel80 (with previous notations for thesupport panel60 and flypanel28 maintained for clarity). As can be seen here, there is no stitched connection between the structures of thesupport panel60 and thefly panel28, but rather, the structure is a single support/fly panel80 which includes all features discussed relative toFIG.8. In this example, thesupport panel60 and thefly panel28 may be made of the same fabric material.
• For any construction of thesupport panel60, thefly panel28, or a combined hammock/fly panel80, it is noted that any type of fly opening design may be used, including horizontal, vertical, overlapping layers, buttons, or a combination thereof. The type of fabric material used to make any of the panels may be the same or dissimilar as other panel fabrics. For instance, thesupport panel60 may be constructed from a solid or mesh material, or a polyester, viscose, or other type of fabric, while thefly panel28 is constructed from a different type of fabric or different fabric material. Thesupport panel60, thefly panel28, or a combined hammock/fly panel80 may have any layers of fabric, such as continuous inner layers and an outer layer, or a multi-layered design, or with only a single layer for some or all of the panels. For instance, thefly panel28 could be formed from a dual layer of fabric while thesupport panel60 may be formed from a single mesh layer. For the combined hammock/fly panel80, the same fabric material may be used since it is constructed as a single, continuous piece.
• FIG.10 is a schematic illustration of thesupport panel60 of theadjustable undergarment apparatus10, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In this example, the different panels, such as thefly panel28,body section62 of thesupport panel60 and theconduit section64 may be constructed as separate parts. However,conduit path40B of theconduit section64 may be formed as a single structure which is sewn along the lateral edges of thefly panel28 and theconduit section64 of thesupport panel60. In one example, it may be possible to extend the lateral sides66 of the support panel60 a significant distance, such that when thesupport panel60 is folded, the length of theconduit path40B formed within theconduit section64 of thesupport panel60 is sufficient to be used as theconduit40B along the entirety of theconduit path40A,40B, e.g., from the waistband32 (not shown), along thefly panel28, along theconduit section64 of thesupport panel60, and back along thefly panel28 to thewaistband32 again. In this design, it may be possible to omit theseparate conduit40A on thefly panel28, since theconduit path40B within the extendedlateral sides66 of thesupport panel60 are long enough to extend up the sides of thefly panel28 to thewaistband32.
• With reference toFIGS.1C-1D andFIGS.4-8, further details and aspects of thesupport panel60 and theundergarment apparatus10 are described. In one example, theadjustable garment apparatus10 is formed from twoleg panels24, arear panel22, acenter panel26, and afly panel28. Each of the panels are constructed fromfabric material20, where therear panel22, thecenter panel26, and thefly panel28 are connected between the twoleg panels24. The center panel has a front,peripheral edge26A defining a forward boundary of thecenter panel26 and a lower end of thefly panel28 extends to the front,peripheral edge26A of thecenter panel26. Theapparatus10 may have at least onesupport panel60 with abody section62 and aconduit section64. The body section may be connected to either one or, or both of thecenter panel26 or thefly panel28 at a location substantially proximate to aseam12 between thefly panel28 and thecenter panel26. Theconduit section64 of thebody section62 may be positioned on a distal side of thebody section62 relative to theseam12 between thefly panel28 and thecenter panel26. At least oneconduit40A may be positioned along aseam12 of at least a portion of thefly panel28 with theleg panels24. Theseam12 may be formed at least between thefly panel28 and the twoleg panels24, and along theconduit section64 of the at least onesupport panel60. Acord50 may be positioned within the at least oneconduit40A andconduit path40B of theconduit section64, and may be movable between at least a tensioned state and untensioned state.
• The untensioned state is understood to be the state of the cord released, where it exerts minimal force on thesupport panel60, and where the cord has a larger length when positioned in the at least oneconduit40A and theconduit path40B of theconduit section64. In the tensioned state, the cord is pulled, such that the length or amount of cord in the at least oneconduit40A and theconduit path40B of theconduit section64 is decreased relative to the untensioned state. In the tensioned state, thesupport panel60 may be moved upwards towards a perineum, scrotum, or generally towards the genitalia70 of a user. In some examples, when thecord50 is positioned in the tensioned state, theinterior surface60A of theupper part62B of thesupport panel60 may contact a posterior side of the user's scrotum. Similarly, when thecord50 is positioned in the tensioned state, theinterior surface60A of thelower part62A of thesupport panel60 may contact an under side or bottom side of the user's scrotum.
• As previously described, thesupport panel60conduit path40B may be formed by folding over thesupport panel60, and thesupport panel60conduit path40B may be such that it extends for the entirety of a length of theconduit section64. Along with this, theconduit section64 itself may extend for the entirety of a length of eachlateral side66 of the at least onesupport panel60. The lateral sides66 of the at least onesupport panel60 may extend to connect with the at least oneconduit40A of thefly panel28. This is commensurate with the understanding presented above regarding the tensioning and untensioning of thecord50, and how such tensioning and untensioning may affect the position of thesupport panel60.
• In some examples, theconduit40A may include different features, characteristics, or designs to improve the functioning and use of theapparatus10. For example, theconduit40A may include asingle conduit40A structure which extends fully in an unbroken manner between terminating ends of theconduit40A, as shown inFIG.1D. Other designs may include anchoring thecord50 within theconduit40A at a specific location to prevent thecord50 from inadvertently being withdrawn fully from theconduit40A. Additionally, anchoring thecord50 within theconduit40A may allow thecord50 to constrict thefly panel28 at a selected point on theconduit40A.
• In another example, theapparatus10 withpouch34 is formed using a plurality of fabric panels. The plurality of fabric panels may include the two leg panels,24, therear panel22, the center panel,26, and thefly panel28. Each of the plurality of panels may be constructed using afabric20, polyester, or any other feasible material which would generally be used for clothing or undergarments.
• With regard to the positioning of the plurality of fabric panels, therear panel22,center panel26, and flypanel28 are connected at their respective seamedjunctions12. In this example, there is at least onesupport panel60, which may be described as having abody section62 and aconduit section64, where thebody section62 has anupper part62B and alower part62A. Thelower part62A may be connected to at least one of thecenter panel26 or thefly panel28. Aconduit section64 may havelateral sides66 which may be positioned along theupper part62B, where the lateral sides66 may extend laterally from theupper part62B or characterized by the lateral sides66 extending from thebody section62 of the at least onesupport panel60. In some examples, the lateral sides66 may be described as extending laterally from thesupport panel60 itself.
• There may be at least oneconduit40A of thefly panel28 positioned along at least a bottom and side peripheral edges of thefly panel28 and following a path of aseam12 of thefly panel28. Theseam12 may be formed between thefly panel28 and the twoleg panels24 and between thefly panel28 and thecenter panel26. The lateral sides66 of theconduit section64 may be positioned along theupper part62B of the at least onesupport panel60 to extend and connect with the at least oneconduit40A of thefly panel28. Acord50 may be positioned within the at least oneconduit40A of thefly panel28 and within theconduit path40B of theconduit section64. Thecord50 may be movable or adjustable between at least the tensioned state and the untensioned state, or between a partially tensioned state and a partially untensioned state. Thesupport panel60 may be configured to move away from thecenter panel26 and towards a posterior side of the scrotum when thecord50 is positioned in the tensioned state, or partially tensioned state. In some examples, thesupport panel60 may also contact the bottom or underside and backside of the user's scrotum. Thelower part62A and theupper part62B of thebody section62 of thesupport panel60 may be configured to contact a posterior side of the scrotum. In another example, the movement of thebody section62 can be described such that when thecord50 is moved to the tensioned state or partially tensioned state, thebody section62 of thesupport panel60 moves anteriorly in an anterior direction to contact a posterior side of the scrotum. In another example, the movement of thebody section62 can be described such that when thecord50 is moved to the tensioned state or partially tensioned state, thebody section62 moves anteriorly in an anterior direction away from the perineum. In yet another example, this movement can be described as thebody section62 moving away from a buttocks of the user or moving away from the posterior of the user as thecord50 is moved to the tensioned state or partially tensioned state.
• When thecord50 is moved to the tensioned state or the partially tensioned state, thebody section62 gently constricts the user's genitalia70 within theinterior pouch34 and thepocket68, which may be collectively referred to as the genitalia pouch. This occurs as the user's scrotum may generally occupy thepocket68 and rest against theinterior surface60A of thesupport panel60, while the user's penis is positioned substantially within theinterior pouch34 and is positioned against the interior surface of thefly panel28. Once the user is wearing theapparatus10, the user or another individual may apply tension to thecord50, which acts to constrict both conduit structures, which includes theconduit40A of thefly panel28 and thesupport panel60conduit path40B of theconduit structure64. In particular, the constriction of theconduit structure64 causes thebody62 of thesupport panel60 to move anteriorly in an anterior direction to gently contact the posterior side of the user's scrotum, thereby limiting movement of the scrotum, and genitalia70 as a whole. Part of the user's scrotum may be positioned to be cupped by thepocket68 formed by the tensedbody structure62. This may prevent the genitalia70 from falling outside of theinterior pouch34 and thepocket68, and due to the positioning of theconduit structure64 relative to scrotal anatomy, may prevent chafing, pinching, or otherwise sensitive contact with the genitalia70.
• Any combination of materials, manufacturing techniques, construction configurations, or other variations may be used, all of which are within the scope of the present disclosure.
• It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the disclosure without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present disclosure and protected by the following claim.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:

1. An adjustable garment apparatus with a supportive hammock comprising:

two leg panels, a rear panel, a center panel, and a fly panel, each constructed from a fabric material, wherein the rear panel, the center panel, and the fly panel are connected between the two leg panels, wherein the center panel has a front, peripheral edge defining a forward boundary of the center panel, and wherein a lower end of the fly panel extends to the front, peripheral edge of the center panel;

at least one hammock panel having a body section and a conduit section, wherein the body section is connected to at least one of the center panel or the fly panel at a location substantially proximate to a seam between the fly panel and the center panel, and wherein the conduit section is positioned on a distal side of the body section relative to the seam between the fly panel and the center panel;

at least one conduit positioned along a seam of at least a portion of the fly panel with the leg panels, wherein the seam is formed at least between the fly panel and the two leg panels, and connects to the conduit section of the at least one hammock panel; and

a cord positioned within the at least one conduit and conduit section, the cord movable between at least a tensioned state and an untensioned state.

2. The adjustable garment apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the body section of the at least one hammock panel has a substantially trapezoidal shape.

3. The adjustable garment apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising a conduit path extending an entirety of a length of the conduit section, wherein the conduit section extends for an entirety of a length of each lateral side of the at least one hammock panel.

4. The adjustable garment apparatus ofclaim 3, wherein each lateral side of the at least one hammock panel extends to the at least one conduit.

5. The adjustable garment apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising a conduit path formed within the conduit section by a fold-over hammock panel.

6. The adjustable garment apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein a lower part of the body section of the at least one hammock panel is stitched to the fly panel.

7. The adjustable garment apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one conduit has terminating ends at two locations adjacent to a waistband, and wherein the cord has two ends, wherein the two ends of the cord exit the terminating ends of the at least one conduit and are each positioned through a respective eyelet within the waistband.

8. The adjustable garment apparatus ofclaim 6, wherein a first portion of the cord crosses over a second portion of the cord in a position between the terminating ends of the at least one conduit and before the cord is positioned through the at least one eyelet.

9. The adjustable garment apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the fly panel and the hammock panel form a genitalia pouch when the cord is positioned in the tensioned state.

10. The adjustable garment apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the genitalia pouch is configured to contact a posterior side of a scrotum.

11. A non-suspensory, genital-supportive undergarment apparatus for supporting male genitalia in a pouch, the genital-supportive undergarment apparatus comprising:

a plurality of fabric panels including two leg panels, a rear panel, a center panel, and a fly panel, wherein each of the plurality of fabric panels is constructed from a fabric material, wherein the rear panel, the center panel and the fly panel are connected at seamed junctions thereof, respectively;

at least one support panel having a body section and a conduit section, wherein the body section has an upper part and a lower part, wherein the lower part is connected to at least one of the center panel or the fly panel, and a conduit section having lateral sides is positioned along the upper part and extending laterally from the upper part;

at least one conduit positioned along at least a bottom and side peripheral edges of the fly panel following a path of a seam of the fly panel, wherein the seam is formed at least between the fly panel and the two leg panels and between the fly panel and the center panel, and wherein the lateral sides of the conduit section are positioned along the upper part of the at least one support panel and the conduit section extends to connect with the at least one conduit; and

a cord positioned within the at least one conduit and a conduit path of the conduit section, and movable between at least a tensioned state and an untensioned state, wherein the body section is configured to move away from the center panel and towards a posterior side of a scrotum when the cord is positioned in the tensioned state.

12. The genital-supportive undergarment apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein the fly panel and the support panel form a genitalia pouch when the cord is positioned in the tensioned state, wherein the genitalia pouch is configured to support the scrotum by contacting an underside and backside of the scrotum.

13. The adjustable garment apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein the body and the conduit section are formed by a fold-over support panel.

14. The adjustable garment apparatus ofclaim 13, wherein a folded-over body section of the at least one support panel has a substantially trapezoidal shape.

15. The adjustable garment apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein the conduit path of the conduit section extends for an entirety of a length of each lateral side of the at least one support panel.

16. An adjustable undergarment apparatus for supporting male genitalia comprising:

a plurality of panels forming the undergarment; and

a support panel having a body section and a conduit section, wherein the body section has an upper part and a lower part, wherein the lower part is connected to at least one of a center panel or a fly panel of the plurality of panels forming the undergarment and the upper part is extended away from the fly panel and the center panel, wherein the body section is a supportive hammock panel configured to move anteriorly in an anterior direction to contact a posterior side of a scrotum, wherein the conduit section has a conduit path positioned therein, the conduit path configured to receive a cord movable between at least a tensioned state and an untensioned state.

17. The adjustable undergarment apparatus for supporting male genitalia ofclaim 16, wherein the body section of the support panel has a substantially trapezoidal shape.

18. The adjustable undergarment apparatus for supporting male genitalia ofclaim 16, wherein when the cord is moved to the tensioned state, the support panel is positioned to contact a bottom of the scrotum.

19. The adjustable garment apparatus ofclaim 16, wherein the conduit path is formed within the conduit section by a fold-over support panel.

20. The adjustable garment apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein a lower part of the body section of the at least one support panel is stitched to the fly panel.

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