WO2017156377A1

WO2017156377A1 - Foldless fly

Info

Publication number: WO2017156377A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/021755
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bruce Y. Moore
Original assignee: Hurley Phantom C.V.; Hurley International Llc
Priority date: 2016-03-11
Filing date: 2017-03-10
Publication date: 2017-09-14
Also published as: AU2017230808B2; AU2017230808A1; US20190029344A1; CN108778018A; EP3426084A1

Abstract

An article of clothing (10) is provided and includes a body (12) having a first panel (18) and a second panel (20) cooperating to define a pair of leg openings that receive respective legs of a person during use, whereby at least one of the first panel (18 and the second panel (20) is formed from a first material having a first modulus of elasticity. A waistband (14) is coupled to the first panel (18) and the second panel (20) and includes a waist opening that is positioned at a waist of a person during use. The waistband (14) includes a first portion partially surrounding a first length of the waist opening and formed of a second material having a second modulus of elasticity and a second portion partially surrounding a second length of the waist opening and formed of a third material having a third modulus of elasticity greater than the second modulus of elasticity.

Description

FOLDLESS FLY

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/307,253, filed March 11, 2016 the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an article of clothing and more particularly to athletic shorts, such as board shorts, having a fly region formed without a fold of material.

BACKGROUND

[0003] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure and is not necessarily prior art.

[0004] It is common for an article of clothing, such as pants, shorts, or swimming apparel, to include a fly closure. The fly closure can make it easier for a person to put on and take off the article of clothing by allowing a wait of the article of clothing to selective expand. The fly closure can also ensure a comfortable and secure fit when the person is wearing the article of clothing, while also providing an aesthetically acceptable appearance.

[0005] While conventional fly closures adequately permit a person to easily put on and take off a pair of shorts and, further, maintain the shorts in a desired position during use, requiring a flap of material at a fly region of the shorts increases the cost and complexity associated with manufacturing the shorts. Further, such material increases the overall weight of the shorts and, further, provides an additional material source that can absorb water during use, thereby further adding to the overall weight of the shorts during use. DRAWINGS

[0006] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an article of clothing having a so-called "foldless" fly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0008] FIG. 2 is a close-up perspective view of the foldless fly of FIG. 1;

[0009] FIG. 3 is a close-up perspective view of the foldless fly of FIG. 1 from inside the article of clothing; and

[0010] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a portion of the article of clothing of FIG. 1.

[0011] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and the example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0013] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a," "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having," are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0014] When an element is described as including a "material," the material could be a textile having uniform properties or, alternatively, a textile having specified properties when oriented in a specific direction. Further, the material may exhibit different properties at different zones of the material where the material is provided with an additional layer or layers of the same and/or different material. Likewise, the material may exhibit different properties at different zones of the material where the material includes a different knit or weave that provides each zone with a specified modulus of elasticity. The orientation of the different layers of material may likewise contribute to the overall elasticity of the layered construction by aligning or offsetting a testing orientation of the various layers (i.e., a testing orientation as used in, for example, ASTM D4964 and/or ASTM D6614). Use of multiple layers of the same and/or different material may be used to provide the layered construction with an effective modulus of elasticity that is different than the moduli of elasticity of the individual materials that make up the layered construction. Further, providing a material having a zonal construction may likewise provide a material having an effective modulus of elasticity as a whole that is different than individual zones of the material where the individual zones include a different weave, a different knit, and/or an additional layer of material.

[0015] As used herein, a "panel" may refer to a segment made from a material that provides the panel with a desired effective modulus of elasticity. Accordingly, a panel may be a zone of an integrally formed section of the article of clothing described herein generally corresponding to a specified location and geometry shown in the drawings, and referred to as a panel. Referring to a "panel" therefore does not necessarily mean that the identified portion of the article of clothing is a separately formed then assembled portion of the article. Rather, the panel could be a portion of an integrally formed panel that has a specified effective modulus of elasticity by providing the panel with a material having a desired effective modulus of elasticity.

[0016] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "engaged to," "connected to," "attached to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," "directly attached to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0017] The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations.

[0018] An article of clothing is provided and includes a body having a first panel and a second panel cooperating to define a pair of leg openings that receive respective legs of a person during use, whereby at least one of the first panel and the second panel is formed from a first material having a first modulus of elasticity. A waistband is coupled to the first panel and the second panel and includes a waist opening that is positioned at a waist of a person during use. The waistband includes a first portion partially surrounding a first length of the waist opening and formed of a second material having a second modulus of elasticity and a second portion partially surrounding a second length of the waist opening and formed of a third material having a third modulus of elasticity greater than the second modulus of elasticity.

[0019] In one configuration, the first portion and the second portion cooperate to define the waist opening.

[0020] The first portion may include a first distal end and a second distal end and the second portion may include a third distal end and a fourth distal end, whereby the first distal end is attached to the third distal end and the second distal end is attached to the fourth distal end to define the waist opening. The third distal end and the fourth distal end may be formed at a first angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the second portion. Further, the first distal end and the second distal end may be formed at a second angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the first portion, whereby the second angle is supplementary to the first angle. The first distal end and the second distal end may flare out in a direction from the first panel and the second panel toward the waist opening. The third distal end and the fourth distal end may taper down in a direction from the waist opening toward the first panel and the second panel.

[0021] A fly panel may be coupled to the first panel and may be formed at least in part of a fourth material having a fourth modulus of elasticity different than the first modulus of elasticity. The fourth modulus of elasticity may be greater than the first modulus of elasticity. The first panel may include a first panel portion and a second panel portion, whereby the fly panel extends between and connects the first panel portion and the second panel portion. In one configuration, the first panel includes a first panel portion and a second panel portion with the fly panel extending between and connecting the first panel portion and the second panel portion.

[0022] A securement mechanism may extend at least partially over the second portion of the waistband and may selectively constrict the waistband.

[0023] In another configuration, an article of clothing is provided and includes a body having a first panel and a second panel cooperating to define a pair of leg openings that receive respective legs of a person during use, whereby at least one of the first panel and the second panel is formed from a first material having a first modulus of elasticity. A waistband is coupled to the first panel and the second panel and includes a waist opening that is positioned at a waist of a person during use. The waistband includes a first portion partially surrounding a first length of the waist opening and a second portion partially surrounding a second length of the waist opening. The first portion includes a first distal end and a second distal end and the second portion includes a third distal end and a fourth distal end that are respectively attached to the first distal end and the second distal end and taper down in a direction from the waist opening toward the first panel and the second panel. [0024] The first distal end and the second distal end may flare out in a direction away from the first panel and the second panel toward the waist opening.

[0025] In one configuration, the first distal end may be formed at a supplementary angle relative to the third distal end and the second distal end may be formed at a supplementary angle relative to the fourth distal end.

[0026] The first portion may be formed of a second material having a second modulus of elasticity and the second portion may be formed of a third material having a third modulus of elasticity, the third modulus of elasticity being greater than the second modulus of elasticity.

[0027] In one configuration, the first portion and the second portion cooperate to define the waist opening.

[0028] The third distal end and the fourth distal end may be formed at a first angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the second portion. The first distal end and the second distal end may be formed at a second angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the first portion, with the second angle being supplementary to the first angle.

[0029] A fly panel may be coupled to the first panel and may be formed at least in part of a fourth material having a fourth modulus of elasticity different than the first modulus of elasticity. The fourth modulus of elasticity may be greater than the first modulus of elasticity. The first panel may include a first panel portion and a second panel portion, whereby the fly panel extends between and connects the first panel portion and the second panel portion. The first panel may include a first panel portion and a second panel portion with the fly panel extending between and connecting the first panel portion and the second panel portion.

[0030] A securement mechanism may extend at least partially over the second portion of the waistband and may selectively constrict the waistband. [0031] A method of manufacturing an article of clothing is provided and includes providing a body including a first panel and a second panel that cooperate to define a pair of leg openings that are operable to receive respective legs of a person during use and also includes forming at least one of the first panel and the second panel from a first material having a first modulus of elasticity. The method additionally includes coupling a waistband to the first panel and the second panel including providing the waistband with a waist opening that is positioned at a waist of a person during use. The waistband is formed to include a first portion partially surrounding a first length of the waist opening and a second portion partially surrounding a second length of the waist opening. The method further includes forming the first portion of a second material having a second modulus of elasticity and forming the second portion of a third material having a third modulus of elasticity greater than the second modulus of elasticity.

[0032] Forming the waistband may include defining the waist opening by the first portion and the second portion.

[0033] In one configuration, forming the waistband may include providing the first portion with a first distal end and a second distal end and the second portion with a third distal end and a fourth distal end, whereby the first distal end is attached to the third distal end and the second distal end is attached to the fourth distal end to define the waist opening.

[0034] The method may additionally include forming the third distal end and the fourth distal end at a first angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the second portion and forming the first distal end and the second distal end at a second angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the first portion, whereby the second angle is supplementary to the first angle.

[0035] The first distal end and the second distal end may be flared out in a direction from the first panel and the second panel toward the waist opening. The third distal end and the second distal end may be tapered down in a direction from the waist opening toward the first panel and the second panel.

[0036] A fly panel may be coupled to the first panel, whereby the fly panel is formed at least in part of a fourth material having a fourth modulus of elasticity different than the first modulus of elasticity. The fourth modulus of elasticity may be provided with a greater elasticity than the first modulus of elasticity. The first panel may be provided with a first panel portion and a second panel portion, whereby the fly panel extends between and connects the first panel portion and the second panel portion.

[0037] A securement mechanism may extend at least partially over the second portion of the waistband and may selectively constrict the waistband.

[0038] With reference to FIG. 1, an article of clothing 10 is provided. While the article of clothing 10 is illustrated and described herein as being a pair of board shorts, the article of clothing 10 may include other forms, such as pants or shorts, within the scope of the present disclosure. In this regard, the article of clothing 10 may include any form of clothing that is adapted to be worn around a user's waist.

[0039] The article of clothing 10 includes a body 12 and a waistband 14. The body 12 may include a right front panel 18, a left front panel 20, and a central or fly panel 22, whereby the right front panel 18 and the left front panel 20 cooperate to define a front panel 17 of the body 12 that opposes a rear panel 19 of the body 12.

[0040] With reference to FIG. 4, the right front panel 18 may include a left medial edge 24 and the left front panel 20 may include a right medial edge 26. In some implementations, the right medial edge 26 may include a first or upper portion 28, a second or intermediate portion 30 extending from the upper portion 28, and a lower portion 32 extending from the intermediate portion 30. In particular, the upper portion 28 may extend in a first direction, the intermediate portion 30 may extend in a second direction transverse to the first direction, and the lower portion 32 may extend in a third direction transverse to the first and/or second directions. In this regard, the upper portion 28 and the intermediate portion 30 define an angle al therebetween, and the intermediate portion 32 and the lower portion 32 may define an angle a2 therebetween. The angle al may be between ninety degrees (90°) and one hundred seventy-five degrees (175°). In some configurations, the angle al may be equal to one hundred thirty-five degrees (135°). The angle a2 may be between ninety degrees (90°) and one hundred seventy-five degrees (175°). In some configurations, the angle a2 may be equal to one hundred thirty-five degrees (135°). Accordingly, the upper portion 28 may be substantially parallel to the lower portion 32. In some implementations, the upper portion 28 may be offset from the lower portion 32 in a direction extending substantially perpendicular to the first and/or third directions. In particular, the upper portion 28 may be offset from the lower portion 32 by a distance substantially equal to a width (W) of the fly panel 22.

[0041] The right front panel 18 may include a first type of material. The left front panel 20 may include a second type of material. In some implementations, the first type of material may be the same as the second type of material, such that the right and left front panels 18, 20 are formed from the same type of material. In this regard, the right and/or left front panels 18, 20 may be formed from a material having a first modulus of elasticity. Alternatively, the panels 18, 20 may be formed from different materials such that the left front panel is formed from a second material having a second modulus of elasticity that is different than the first modulus of elasticity of the right front panel 18. [0042] The fly panel 22 may include a right lateral edge 34 and a left lateral edge 36, such that the width (W) of the fly panel 22 extends from the right lateral edge 34 to the left lateral edge 36. In some implementations, the left lateral edge 36 may include a first or upper portion 38 and a second or lower portion 40 extending from the upper portion 38. In particular, the upper portion 38 may extend in a first direction and the lower portion 40 may extend in a second direction transverse to the first direction such that the upper portion 38 and the lower portion 40 define an angle β therebetween. The angle β may be between ninety degrees (90°) and one hundred seventy- five degrees (175°). In some configurations, the angle β may be equal to one hundred thirty-five degrees (135°). In this regard, the angle β may be substantially equal (+/-5 degrees) to the angle a. As will be explained in more detail below, the configuration of the upper and lower portions 38, 40 of the left lateral edge 36, including the angle β, can cooperate with the configuration of the left and right medial edges 24, 26 of the right and left front panels 18, 20, including the angles al and a2, to allow the user to more easily put on and take off the article of clothing 10, while also providing for improved comfort and appearance for the user.

[0043] The fly panel 22 may include a third type of material that is the same or different than the first and/or second materials of the right and left front panels 18, 20, respectively. The third material may have a third modulus of elasticity that is the same or greater than the first modulus of elasticity and/or the second modulus of elasticity. As will be explained in more detail below, the first, second, and third moduli of elasticity, including the relationship (e.g., ratio) therebetween, can allow the user to move easily put on and take of the article of clothing 10, while also providing for improved comfort and appearance for the user.

[0044] In comparing the moduli of elasticity of the right front panel 18, the left front panel 20, and the fly panel 22, the moduli of elasticity may be measured in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the fly panel 22 and along a line traversing the right front panel 18, the fly panel 22, and the left front panel 20 (i.e., in a direction of stretch when the article of clothing 10 is put on or taken off by a user). The materials of the various panels 18, 20, 22 may be positioned to provide maximum stretch in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fly panel 22 to allow the article of clothing 10 to be easily put on and taken off by a user. Namely, the panels 18, 20, 22 may be positioned relative to one another such that the testing orientation of the materials of the panels 18, 20, 22 are aligned (i.e., a testing orientation as used in, for example, ASTM D4964 and/or ASTM D6614).

[0045] In an assembled configuration, (i) the left medial edge 24 of the right front panel 18 may be coupled to one or both of the right lateral edge 34 of the fly panel 22 and the right medial edge 26 of the left front panel 20 and (ii) the right medial edge 26 of the left front panel 20 may be coupled to one or both of the left medial edge 24 of the right front panel 18 and the left lateral edge 36 of the fly panel 22, such that the right front panel 18, the left front panel 20, and the fly panel 22 cooperate to define a collinear upper edge 42. In particular, in some implementations, (i) an upper portion of the left medial edge 24 of the right front panel 18 may be coupled to the right lateral edge 34 of the fly panel 22, (ii) the lower portion 32 of the left front panel 20 may be coupled to a lower portion of the left medial edge 24 of the right front panel 18, (iii) the upper portion 28 of the left front panel 20 may be coupled to the upper portion 38 of the fly panel 22, and (iv) the intermediate portion 30 of the left front panel 20 may be coupled to the lower portion 40 of the fly panel 22. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, in some configurations, the left medial edge 24 may be coupled to the right lateral edge 34, and the right medial edge 26 may be coupled to the left lateral edge 36, along corresponding seams 44. For example, the left medial edge 24 may be coupled to the right lateral edge 34, and the right medial edge 26 may be coupled to the left lateral edge 36, by one or more stitches 46 along the seams 44, such that the fly panel 22 is formed without any folds or seams between the right lateral edge 34 and the left lateral edge 36. It will be appreciated, however, that the left and right medial edges 24, 26 and the left and right lateral edges 36, 34 may be coupled to one another along the corresponding seams 44 using various other fastening techniques, such as an adhesive or an ultrasonic weld, for example.

[0046] Providing the fly panel 22 as a different material than one or more of the panels 18, 20, may provide the area of the article of clothing 10 at the fly panel 22 with the ability to stretch more than other areas of the article of clothing (i.e., at body portions of the panels 18, 20). For example, if the fly panel 22 includes a higher modulus of elasticity than the panels 18, 20, the fly panel 22 allows the article of clothing 10 to stretch more at the area of the fly panel 22 than if the panels 18, 20 were directly coupled to one another. Further, providing the panels 18, 20 as different components and joining these components 18, 20 with the fly panel 22 allows the panels 18, 20 to independently move relative to one another.

[0047] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the waistband 14 may include a major band or panel 50, a minor band or panel 52, a right securement tab 54, a left securement tab 56, and a securing mechanism 58. The major band 50 may extend from a proximal end 60 to a distal end 62 and, as such, may partially surround a waistband opening defined by the waistband 14. With reference to FIG. 2, the proximal end 60 and the distal end 62 may define an angle Θ1 therebetween such that the ends 60, 62 flare out in a direction away from the panels 18, 20 toward the waistband opening. The angle Θ1 may be between zero degrees (0°) and ninety degrees (90°). In some configurations, the angle Θ1 may be equal to sixty degrees (60°). The major band 50 may include a fourth type of material. In some implementations, the fourth material may be different than the first, second, and/or third types of materials of the right front panel 18, the left front panel 20, and the fly panel 22, respectively. In this regard, the major band 50 may be at least partially formed from a material having a fourth modulus of elasticity.

[0048] The fourth modulus of elasticity may be the same or different than the first modulus of elasticity, the second modulus of elasticity, and the third modulus of elasticity. For example, the fourth modulus of elasticity may be the same or greater than the first modulus of elasticity and the second modulus of elasticity and less than the third modulus of elasticity. The fourth modulus of elasticity may be measured in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the major band 50 such that the fourth modulus is measured in a direction along a circumference of the waistband 14. The major band 50 may be positioned such that the testing orientation of the material of the major band 50 is aligned with the length of the waistband 14 (i.e., a testing orientation as used in, for example, ASTM D4964 and/or ASTM D6614).

[0049] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the minor band 52 may extend from a proximal end 64 to a distal end 66 and may cooperate with the major band 50 to define the waistband opening. As such, the major band 50 and minor band 52 individually only partially surround the waistband opening but cooperate to surround the waistband opening.

[0050] With reference to FIG. 4, the proximal end 64 and the distal end 66 may define an angle Θ2 therebetween such that the ends 64, 66 taper down in a direction from the waistband opening toward the panels 18, 20. The angle Θ2 may be between zero degrees (0°) and ninety degrees (90°). In some configurations, the angle Θ2 may be equal to sixty degrees (60°). In this regard, the angle Θ2 may be substantially equal to the angle Θ1 such that the angles Θ1, Θ2 are supplementary.

[0051] The minor band 52 may include a fifth type of material. In some implementations, the fifth material may be different than the first, second, third, and/or fourth types of materials of the right front panel 18, the left front panel 20, the fly panel 22, and the major band 50, respectively. In this regard, the minor band 52 may be at least partially formed from a material having a fifth modulus of elasticity. The fifth modulus of elasticity may be greater than the fourth modulus of elasticity such that the minor band 52 provides the waistband 14 with the capability to stretch more proximate to the fly panel 22.

[0052] Based on the foregoing, the article of clothing 10 may include a waistband 14 having a minor band 52 including a fifth modulus of elasticity that is greater than the first modulus of elasticity, the second modulus of elasticity, and the fourth modulus of elasticity and is equal to or greater than the third modulus of elasticity. In this configuration, the first modulus of elasticity and the second modulus of elasticity may be less than or equal to the third modulus of elasticity and greater than the fourth modulus of elasticity with the fifth modulus of elasticity being greater than or equal to the third modulus of elasticity.

[0053] As with the fourth modulus of elasticity, the fifth modulus of elasticity may be measured in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the minor band 52 such that the fifth modulus is measured in a direction along a circumference of the waistband 14. The minor band 52 may be positioned such that the testing orientation of the material of the minor band 52 is aligned with the length of the waistband 14 (i.e., a testing orientation as used in, for example, ASTM D4964 and/or ASTM D6614).

[0054] Further, the shape of the minor band 52— at the ends 64, 66— allows the waistband 14 to stretch more proximate to an entrance to the waistband opening than proximate to a location proximate to the fly panel 22, as more of the material of the minor band 52 surrounds the waistband opening at the entrance to the waistband opening than at the fly panel 22 due to the tapered nature of the ends 64, 66. Such a construction facilitates stretching of the waistband 14 when the article of clothing is put on and taken off.

[0055] The material of the minor band 52 may include apertures 53 formed therethrough. The apertures 53 permit water to flow through the minor band 52 during use and, further, reduce the overall weight of the material. The apertures 53 additionally provide the minor band 52 with increased elasticity by locally weakening the material of the minor band 52 at the apertures 53.

[0056] While the fly panel 22, the major band 50, and the minor band 52 are descried and shown as being separate from one another, these elements 22, 50, 52 may be formed integrally of the same material. For example, the fly panel 22 could be integrally formed with the minor band 52 with the major band 50 being attached to the minor band 52 in the manner set forth above. Alternatively, the fly panel 22 could be integrally with formed with the minor band 52 and the major band 50. Regardless of whether the fly panel 22 is integrally formed with only the minor band 52 or with both the minor band 52 and the maj or band 50, the relationship between the moduli of the various elements 22, 50, 52 set forth above may be achieved by providing the elements 22, 50, 52 with zones having different material properties. For example, each zone may be provided with a particular weave, knit, and/or an additional layer of the same or different material to achieve a desired modulus of elasticity. The zones may be defined by the shape of the elements 22, 50, 52, as shown in the figures.

[0057] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the right securement tab 54 may extend from a proximal end 70 to a distal end 72, and the left securement tab 56 may extend from a proximal end 74 to a distal end 76. The right and/or left securement tabs 54, 56 may include a sixth type of material. In some implementations, the sixth material may be the same or different than the first, second, third, fourth, and/or fifth types of materials of the right front panel 18, the left front panel 20, the fly panel 22, the major band 50, and minor band 52, respectively. Further, the sixth material may include a reinforcement that strengthens the securement tabs 54, 56. For example, one or both of the tabs 54, 56 may include a polymer reinforcing layer disposed on or within the tabs 54, 56. In this regard, the right and/or left securement tabs 54, 56 may be at least partially formed from a material having a sixth modulus of elasticity that is less than or equal to the fourth modulus of elasticity.

[0058] The securing mechanism 58 may include one or more of a variety of mechanisms to fix the position of the distal end 72 of the right securement tab 54 relative to the position of the distal end 76 of the left securement tab 56. For example, in some implementations, the securing mechanism 58 may include one or more drawstrings 80 coupled to one or more of the major band 50 (e.g., the proximal and/or distal end 60, 62), the right securement tab 54 (e.g., the distal end 72), and the left securement tab 56 (e.g., the distal end 76). In this regard, the drawstring(s) 80 may extend through one or more eyelets 82 on the right and/or left securement tabs 54, 56 to allow a user to draw the distal end 72 of the right securement tab 54 towards the distal end 76 of the left securement tab 56 to constrict the waistband 14 around a person's waist. As shown in FIG. 1, the securing mechanism 58 may at least partially extend over the minor panel 52.

[0059] In the assembled configuration, the waistband 14 may be coupled to the upper edge 42 defined by the right front panel 18, the left front panel 20, and/or the fly panel 22. In particular, in some implementations, a lower edge 86 of the major band 50 and a lower edge 88 of the minor band 52 may be coupled to the upper edge 42. In addition, (i) the proximal end 60 of the major band 50 may be coupled to the distal end 66 of the minor band 52, (ii) the distal end 62 of the major band 50 may be coupled to the proximal end 64 of the minor band 52, (iii) the proximal end 70 of the right securement tab 54 may be coupled to the proximal end 60 of the major band 50 and/or the distal end 66 of the minor band 52, and (iv) the proximal end 74 of the left securement tab 56 may be coupled to the distal end 62 of the major band 50 and/or the proximal end 64 of the minor band 52. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, in some configurations, the major band 50, the minor band 52, the right securement tab 54, and the left securement tab 56 may be coupled to one another, and/or to the upper edge 42, along corresponding seams 90 by one or more stitches 92. It will be appreciated, however, that the major band 50, the minor band 52, the right securement tab 54, and the left securement tab 56 may be coupled to one another, and/or to the upper edge 42 along the corresponding seams 90 using various other fastening techniques, such as an adhesive or an ultrasonic weld, for example. Alternatively, the major band 50, the minor band 52, the right securement tab 54, and the left securement tab 56 may be constructed integrally with the panels 18, 20, and/or 22 and still provide the various moduli described above. For example, each of the foregoing elements 18, 20, 22, 50, 52, 54, 56 may achieve a desired modulus of elasticity even though some or all of the elements 18, 20, 22, 50, 52, 54, 56 are constructed integrally by providing the material of the integrally constructed elements with zones having different moduli. As set forth above the moduli of each zone may be achieved by providing the individual zones with a different weave, a different knit, and/or an additional layer of the same or different material.

[0060] The configuration of the article of clothing 10 described herein, including, for example, the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth materials, the angles al, a2, β, Θ1, and Θ2, and the configuration and cooperation of the right front panel 18, the left front panel 20, the fly panel 22, the major band 50, the minor band 52, the right securement tab 54, the left securement tab 56, and the securing mechanism 58 can allow the user to more easily and effectively put on and take off the article of clothing 10, while also providing for improved comfort and appearance for the user while wearing the article of clothing 10. [0061] The following Clauses provide an exemplary configuration for an article of clothing described above.

[0062] Clause 1 : An article of clothing comprising a body including a first panel and a second panel cooperating to define a pair of leg openings operable to receive respective legs of a person during use, at least one of the first panel and the second panel formed from a first material having a first modulus of elasticity and a waistband coupled to the first panel and the second panel and including a waist opening operable to be positioned at a waist of a person during use, the waistband including a first portion partially surrounding a first length of the waist opening and formed of a second material having a second modulus of elasticity and a second portion partially surrounding a second length of the waist opening and formed of a third material having a third modulus of elasticity greater than the second modulus of elasticity.

[0063] Clause 2: The article of clothing of Clause 1, wherein the first portion and the second portion cooperate to define the waist opening.

[0064] Clause 3 : The article of clothing of Clause 1, wherein the first portion includes a first distal end and a second distal end and the second portion includes a third distal end and a fourth distal end, the first distal end being attached to the third distal end and the second distal end being attached to the fourth distal end to define the waist opening.

[0065] Clause 4: The article of clothing of Clause 3, wherein the third distal end and the fourth distal end are formed at a first angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the second portion.

[0066] Clause 5: The article of clothing of Clause 4, wherein the first distal end and the second distal end are formed at a second angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the first portion, the second angle being supplementary to the first angle. [0067] Clause 6: The article of clothing of Clause 3, wherein the first distal end and the second distal end flare out in a direction from the first panel and the second panel toward the waist opening.

[0068] Clause 7: The article of clothing of Clause 6, wherein the third distal end and the fourth distal end taper down in a direction from the waist opening toward the first panel and the second panel.

[0069] Clause 8: The article of clothing of Clause 1, further comprising a fly panel coupled to the first panel and formed at least in part of a fourth material having a fourth modulus of elasticity different than the first modulus of elasticity.

[0070] Clause 9: The article of clothing of Clause 8, wherein the fourth modulus of elasticity is greater than the first modulus of elasticity.

[0071] Clause 10: The article of clothing of Clause 9, wherein the first panel includes a first panel portion and a second panel portion, the fly panel extending between and connecting the first panel portion and the second panel portion.

[0072] Clause 11 : The article of clothing of Clause 8, wherein the first panel includes a first panel portion and a second panel portion, the fly panel extending between and connecting the first panel portion and the second panel portion.

[0073] Clause 12: The article of clothing of Clause 1, further comprising a securement mechanism extending at least partially over the second portion of the waistband, the securement operable to selectively constrict the waistband.

[0074] Clause 13 : An article of clothing comprising a body including a first panel and a second panel cooperating to define a pair of leg openings operable to receive respective legs of a person during use, at least one of the first panel and the second panel formed from a first material having a first modulus of elasticity and a waistband coupled to the first panel and the second panel and including a waist opening operable to be positioned at a waist of a person during use and including a first portion partially surrounding a first length of the waist opening and a second portion partially surrounding a second length of the waist opening, the first portion including a first distal end and a second distal end and the second portion including a third distal end and a fourth distal end that are respectively attached to the first distal end and the second distal end and taper down in a direction from the waist opening toward the first panel and the second panel.

[0075] Clause 14: The article of clothing of Clause 13, wherein the first distal end and the second distal end flare out in a direction away from the first panel and the second panel toward the waist opening.

[0076] Clause 15: The article of clothing of Clause 13, wherein the first distal end is formed at a supplementary angle relative to the third distal end and the second distal end is formed at a supplementary angle relative to the fourth distal end.

[0077] Clause 16: The article of clothing of Clause 13, wherein the first portion is formed of a second material having a second modulus of elasticity and the second portion is formed of a third material having a third modulus of elasticity, the third modulus of elasticity being greater than the second modulus of elasticity.

[0078] Clause 17: The article of clothing of Clause 13, wherein the first portion and the second portion cooperate to define the waist opening.

[0079] Clause 18: The article of clothing of Clause 13, wherein the third distal end and the fourth distal end are formed at a first angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the second portion. [0080] Clause 19: The article of clothing of Clause 18, wherein the first distal end and the second distal end are formed at a second angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the first portion, the second angle being supplementary to the first angle.

[0081] Clause 20: The article of clothing of Clause 13, further comprising a fly panel coupled to the first panel and formed at least in part of a fourth material having a fourth modulus of elasticity different than the first modulus of elasticity.

[0082] Clause 21 : The article of clothing of Clause 20, wherein the fourth modulus of elasticity is greater than the first modulus of elasticity.

[0083] Clause 22: The article of clothing of Clause 21, wherein the first panel includes a first panel portion and a second panel portion, the fly panel extending between and connecting the first panel portion and the second panel portion.

[0084] Clause 23 : The article of clothing of Clause 20, wherein the first panel includes a first panel portion and a second panel portion, the fly panel extending between and connecting the first panel portion and the second panel portion.

[0085] Clause 24: The article of clothing of Clause 13, further comprising a securement mechanism extending at least partially over the second portion of the waistband, the securement operable to selectively constrict the waistband.

[0086] Clause 25: A method of manufacturing an article of clothing, the method comprising providing a body including a first panel and a second panel that cooperate to define a pair of leg openings that are operable to receive respective legs of a person during use. Forming at least one of the first panel and the second panel from a first material having a first modulus of elasticity and coupling a waistband to the first panel and the second panel including providing the waistband with a waist opening operable to be positioned at a waist of a person during use. Forming the waistband to include a first portion partially surrounding a first length of the waist opening and a second portion partially surrounding a second length of the waist opening and forming the first portion of a second material having a second modulus of elasticity and forming the second portion of a third material having a third modulus of elasticity greater than the second modulus of elasticity.

[0087] Clause 26: The method of Clause 25, wherein forming the waistband includes defining the waist opening by the first portion and the second portion.

[0088] Clause 27: The method of Clause 25, wherein forming the waistband includes providing the first portion with a first distal end and a second distal end and the second portion with a third distal end and a fourth distal end, the first distal end being attached to the third distal end and the second distal end being attached to the fourth distal end to define the waist opening.

[0089] Clause 28: The method of Clause 27, further comprising forming the third distal end and the fourth distal end are formed at a first angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the second portion.

[0090] Clause 29: The method of Clause 28, further comprising forming the first distal end and the second distal end at a second angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the first portion, the second angle being supplementary to the first angle.

[0091] Clause 30: The method of Clause 27, further comprising flaring out the first distal end and the second distal end in a direction from the first panel and the second panel toward the waist opening.

[0092] Clause 31 : The method of Clause 30, further comprising tapering down the third distal end and the second distal end in a direction from the waist opening toward the first panel and the second panel. [0093] Clause 32: The method of Clause 25, further comprising coupling a fly panel to the first panel, the fly panel being formed at least in part of a fourth material having a fourth modulus of elasticity different than the first modulus of elasticity.

[0094] Clause 33 : The method of Clause 32, further comprising providing the fourth modulus of elasticity with a greater elasticity than the first modulus of elasticity.

[0095] Clause 34: The method of Clause 33, further comprising providing the first panel with a first panel portion and a second panel portion, the fly panel extending between and connecting the first panel portion and the second panel portion.

[0096] Clause 35: The method of Clause 32, further comprising providing the first panel with a first panel portion and a second panel portion, the fly panel extending between and connecting the first panel portion and the second panel portion.

[0097] Clause 36: The method of Clause 25, further comprising providing a securement mechanism extending at least partially over the second portion of the waistband, the securement operable to selectively constrict the waistband.

[0098] The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An article of clothing comprising:

a body including a first panel and a second panel cooperating to define a pair of leg openings operable to receive respective legs of a person during use, at least one of the first panel and the second panel formed from a first material having a first modulus of elasticity; and

a waistband coupled to the first panel and the second panel and including a waist opening operable to be positioned at a waist of a person during use, the waistband including a first portion partially surrounding a first length of the waist opening and formed of a second material having a second modulus of elasticity and a second portion partially surrounding a second length of the waist opening and formed of a third material having a third modulus of elasticity greater than the second modulus of elasticity.

2. The article of clothing of Claim 1, wherein the first portion and the second portion cooperate to define the waist opening.

3. The article of clothing of Claim 1, wherein the first portion includes a first distal end and a second distal end and the second portion includes a third distal end and a fourth distal end, the first distal end being attached to the third distal end and the second distal end being attached to the fourth distal end to define the waist opening.

4. The article of clothing of Claim 3, wherein the third distal end and the fourth distal end are formed at a first angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the second portion.

5. The article of clothing of Claim 4, wherein the first distal end and the second distal end are formed at a second angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the first portion, the second angle being supplementary to the first angle.

6. The article of clothing of Claim 3, wherein the first distal end and the second distal end flare out in a direction from the first panel and the second panel toward the waist opening.

7. The article of clothing of Claim 6, wherein the third distal end and the fourth distal end taper down in a direction from the waist opening toward the first panel and the second panel.

8. The article of clothing of Claim 1, further comprising a fly panel coupled to the first panel and formed at least in part of a fourth material having a fourth modulus of elasticity different than the first modulus of elasticity.

9. The article of clothing of Claim 8, wherein the fourth modulus of elasticity is greater than the first modulus of elasticity.

10. The article of clothing of Claim 9, wherein the first panel includes a first panel portion and a second panel portion, the fly panel extending between and connecting the first panel portion and the second panel portion.

11. The article of clothing of Claim 8, wherein the first panel includes a first panel portion and a second panel portion, the fly panel extending between and connecting the first panel portion and the second panel portion.

12. The article of clothing of Claim 1, further comprising a securement mechanism extending at least partially over the second portion of the waistband, the securement operable to selectively constrict the waistband.

13. An article of clothing comprising:

a waistband coupled to the first panel and the second panel and including a waist opening operable to be positioned at a waist of a person during use and including a first portion partially surrounding a first length of the waist opening and a second portion partially surrounding a second length of the waist opening, the first portion including a first distal end and a second distal end and the second portion including a third distal end and a fourth distal end that are respectively attached to the first distal end and the second distal end and taper down in a direction from the waist opening toward the first panel and the second panel.

14. The article of clothing of Claim 13, wherein the first distal end and the second distal end flare out in a direction away from the first panel and the second panel toward the waist opening.

15. The article of clothing of Claim 13, wherein the first distal end is formed at a supplementary angle relative to the third distal end and the second distal end is formed at a supplementary angle relative to the fourth distal end.

16. The article of clothing of Claim 13, wherein the first portion is formed of a second material having a second modulus of elasticity and the second portion is formed of a third material having a third modulus of elasticity, the third modulus of elasticity being greater than the second modulus of elasticity.

17. The article of clothing of Claim 13, wherein the first portion and the second portion cooperate to define the waist opening.

18. The article of clothing of Claim 13, wherein the third distal end and the fourth distal end are formed at a first angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the second portion.

19. The article of clothing of Claim 18, wherein the first distal end and the second distal end are formed at a second angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the first portion, the second angle being supplementary to the first angle.

20. The article of clothing of Claim 13, further comprising a fly panel coupled to the first panel and formed at least in part of a fourth material having a fourth modulus of elasticity different than the first modulus of elasticity.

21. The article of clothing of Claim 20, wherein the fourth modulus of elasticity is greater than the first modulus of elasticity.

22. The article of clothing of Claim 21, wherein the first panel includes a first panel portion and a second panel portion, the fly panel extending between and connecting the first panel portion and the second panel portion.

23. The article of clothing of Claim 20, wherein the first panel includes a first panel portion and a second panel portion, the fly panel extending between and connecting the first panel portion and the second panel portion.

24. The article of clothing of Claim 13, further comprising a securement mechanism extending at least partially over the second portion of the waistband, the securement operable to selectively constrict the waistband.

25. A method of manufacturing an article of clothing, the method comprising: providing a body including a first panel and a second panel that cooperate to define a pair of leg openings that are operable to receive respective legs of a person during use;

forming at least one of the first panel and the second panel from a first material having a first modulus of elasticity;

coupling a waistband to the first panel and the second panel including providing the waistband with a waist opening operable to be positioned at a waist of a person during use;

forming the waistband to include a first portion partially surrounding a first length of the waist opening and a second portion partially surrounding a second length of the waist opening; forming the first portion of a second material having a second modulus of elasticity; and forming the second portion of a third material having a third modulus of elasticity greater than the second modulus of elasticity.

26. The method of Claim 25, wherein forming the waistband includes defining the waist opening by the first portion and the second portion.

27. The method of Claim 25, wherein forming the waistband includes providing the first portion with a first distal end and a second distal end and the second portion with a third distal end and a fourth distal end, the first distal end being attached to the third distal end and the second distal end being attached to the fourth distal end to define the waist opening.

28. The method of Claim 27, further comprising forming the third distal end and the fourth distal end are formed at a first angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the second portion.

29. The method of Claim 28, further comprising forming the first distal end and the second distal end at a second angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the first portion, the second angle being supplementary to the first angle.

30. The method of Claim 27, further comprising flaring out the first distal end and the second distal end in a direction from the first panel and the second panel toward the waist opening.

31. The method of Claim 30, further comprising tapering down the third distal end and the second distal end in a direction from the waist opening toward the first panel and the second panel.

32. The method of Claim 25, further comprising coupling a fly panel to the first panel, the fly panel being formed at least in part of a fourth material having a fourth modulus of elasticity different than the first modulus of elasticity.

33. The method of Claim 32, further comprising providing the fourth modulus of elasticity with a greater elasticity than the first modulus of elasticity.

34. The method of Claim 33, further comprising providing the first panel with a first panel portion and a second panel portion, the fly panel extending between and connecting the first panel portion and the second panel portion.

35. The method of Claim 32, further comprising providing the first panel with a first panel portion and a second panel portion, the fly panel extending between and connecting the first panel portion and the second panel portion.

36. The method of Claim 25, further comprising providing a securement mechanism extending at least partially over the second portion of the waistband, the securement operable to selectively constrict the waistband.