DESCRIPTION

Field of the invention

The invention relates to the field of clothing specific for cycling. In particular, the invention relates to cycling trousers.

Prior art

The specialised trousers for cycling are high-tech clothing, designed to be adherent to the body of the users and performant while pedalling. Cycling trousers generally comprise a padded area in correspondence with the area resting on the saddle, known as over-saddle area. The purpose of the internal padding is obviously to cushion the pressure on the saddle, especially during intense and prolonged use.

The padding in the seating area is typically made with a seat pad sewn or otherwise fixed to the inside of the trousers. The technique for making the padding with a seat pad is well established in the field of cycling trousers and therefore reference will be made thereto to illustrate the invention.

The seat pad can be made using various manufacturing techniques, ranging from the simplest to the most elaborate. Typically, a seat pad for cycling comprises at least one panel, called cover, which can be single-layered or more often multi-layered, and at least a pair of shaped paddings. The latter are positioned symmetrically in the central-rear part of the pad, where the ischial bones rest on the saddle. In more sophisticated versions the pad may comprise a greater number of paddings, both in the rear and in the front part, of different shapes and/or yielding, so as to offer a support specifically designed for each area of the body.

It can be immediately understood that the seat pad correctly performs its function only if it maintains the proper position with respect to the cyclist's body; furthermore, the more specialised the pad, for instance when provided with areas with differentiated stiffness, the more sensitive it becomes to the position, with performances that can significantly degrade if the pad moves out of position.

The trousers themselves therefore must be designed to provide stability to the seat pad, keeping it in the correct position and preventing, for example, the seat pad from sliding forwards or backwards. At the same time, however, the trousers must not be too tight or uncomfortable for the cyclist, leaving the right freedom of movement.

Cycling trousers with braces, which are very popular, are able to achieve the aforementioned purpose of keeping the seat pad in a stable position thanks to the traction force provided by the braces. However, a disadvantage of the trousers with braces is that not all users find them comfortable because of the pressure on the shoulders. Some cyclists perceive the pressure of the braces as an impediment and prefer a garment without braces for a feeling of greater freedom. In the absence of braces, however, the upward traction effect is lacking and there is a risk that the seat pad slips and moves away from the correct operating position.

An attempt to avoid this drawback in trousers without braces is to provide a fairly tight waistband and/or to apply silicone around the waistline. Indeed, the waistline is essentially the only anchor point of the trousers in the absence of braces. This solution is not satisfactory, because a tight waist can be uncomfortable, just as the presence of a silicone edge is not appreciated by the users and may cause allergies. Therefore, the problem is still not completely solved.

The above considerations also apply to the less common trousers without a seat pad in which the paddings are fixed directly to the inside of the garment.

Exemplary cycling shorts of the prior art are disclosed in US 2007/294803.

US 5,533,961 discloses a pant-type garment with a lumbar support.

Summary of the invention

The aim of the invention is to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks and to provide a cycling trousers without braces but capable of keeping the padding of the seating area in a correct position, being thus comfortable and performant at the same time.

The aim is reached with cycling trousers according to claim 1 .

The trousers comprise an elastic band integrated into the structure of the trousers. This elastic band encircles the trousers below the waistline and is applied to the outside of the trousers so that it is not in direct contact with the body. Said elastic band advantageously has a V-shaped front portion with a vertex directed downwards towards the inguinal area.

The trousers further comprise a portion of elasticized fabric which extends around the waistline and is located above the aforementioned elastic band. Said portion of elasticized fabric is shaped to wrap the user's waist without constriction. The lower edge of the elastic bans is attached to the trousers, wherein at least a portion of the upper edge is not fixed to the trousers. The elastic band forms an elastic belt integrated into the structure of the trousers. Due to its arrangement and conformation, said elastic band generates an upward traction, which keeps the trousers and the internal padding in the correct position, without tightening the waist.

Said elastic band replaces the function of the braces without penalising comfort, integrating into the structure of the trousers. Being not in contact with the skin, said elastic band does not create allergy problems and does not cause a feeling of constriction.

The combination of the two elastic bands mentioned above performs the function of anchoring the trousers without constriction. In the trousers according to the invention, the wearability or "fit" is substantially given by the collaboration between the V-shaped elastic band applied externally in the hip area and the portion of the elasticized fabric positioned around the waistline and above the elastic band. Thanks to the cooperation of said two items, the fit is more precise and stable as well as more comfortable compared to conventional cycling trousers.

Said elastic band may be regarded as an elastic band for wrapping the hips, integrated into the trousers, which adds to the function of said upper portion of elasticized fabric.

The term trousers is used in this description and in the claims to denote a garment that may be long or short, for any season, e.g. summer or winter.

Description of the invention

The elastic band and the upper portion of stretch fabric can be made with suitable portions of elasticized fabric. The elastic band can have a yielding in the longitudinal direction, measured as elongation in relation to a tensile force, similar to or differentiated with respect to the adjacent portions of the trousers. Preferably, the composition of said elastic band comprises a percentage of elastane between 10% and 15% by weight. The term elastane, as is generally known, refers to synthetic elastomeric fibres used in the textile field to provide elasticity to fabrics.

The width of the elastic band is preferably constant or essentially constant along its entire length. In a preferred embodiment, the width of the elastic band is from 1 cm to 6 cm.

The rear region of the elastic band is preferably straight or substantially straight. Preferably, the rear part of said elastic band extends substantially at a constant height with respect to the waistline and hips of the trousers.

The elastic band may be made of a different material from the material of the surrounding portions of the trousers.

The upper portion of elasticized fabric is advantageously made of a specific fabric which can be different from the fabric used for the trousers. In a preferred embodiment it is made of a mesh fabric.

In some embodiments, said portion of elasticized fabric can have a higher elastane content than the elastic band. In a preferred embodiment, the elastic band has an elastane content between 10% and 15% by weight and the portion of elasticized fabric has an elastane content between 15% and 20% by weight. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the elastic band is made with a composition containing 12% or approximately 12% by weight of elastane.

The elastic band has a length adapted to enter into tension when the trousers are worn. The length of the elastic band, with respect to the total length of the waistline, is determined in such a way that the elastic band is substantially not tensioned when the trousers are not worn, and is tensioned when the trousers are worn.

Said elastic band is fixed to the trousers along at least the lower edge of the elastic band. Fixing of the elastic band to the trousers can be done by stitching or other techniques. The upper edge of said elastic band is free, i.e. it is not fixed to the trousers, for at least part of its length. Preferably the upper edge is completely free having no fixation point to the trousers.

When wearing the trousers, the elastic band is tensioned. It should be noted that in the embodiments with the upper edge of the band not fixed to the trousers, said upper edge also adheres to the trousers and to the body due to the tension. As a result of the V-shape, the elastic band rests against the upper part of the hips and exerts an upward traction that stabilises the pad, allowing the trousers to keep the correct positioning while pedalling, in collaboration with said portion of stretch fabric extending around the waistline. In some embodiments the upper edge of the elastic band may rest over an additional waist band or textile layer attached to the trousers.

The elastic band, being integrated into the garment and positioned below the waistline, wraps the garment on the hips in an ergonomic way, without causing discomfort for the cyclist and without causing a feeling of constriction. Consequentially, the trousers provide a great feeling of freedom, as it has no braces, but is properly stabilised during intense use.

An embodiment of the invention is a pair of cycling trousers without braces, having a padded over-saddle area, the trousers comprising an elastic band which is integrated into the structure of said trousers and is arranged to form a continuous belt all around the trousers, said elastic band being located below an upper waistline edge of the trousers, said elastic band being adapted to be tensioned when the trousers is worn, said elastic band being applied to the outer side of the trousers so that the elastic band does not contact the body of a user wearing the trousers, said band being shaped like an inverted V having a vertex directed downward and towards the inguinal area, said trousers further comprising a portion of elasticized fabric extending around the waistline of the trousers and above said elastic band, the elastic band having an upper edge and a lower edge, the lower edge being attached to the trousers, wherein at least a portion of the upper edge is not fixed to the trousers.

Preferably the elastic band of the invention has no front opening. The elastic band extends continuously all around the trousers, namely over a full angle of 360 degrees, thus having no separate right and left ends. In an embodiment, the elastic band may have two ends fixed to each other and fixed to the trousers at a front median seam of the trousers so that the continuity of the band all over the trousers is preserved.

A further embodiment of the present invention is a cooperation of different textile materials at the waist region of the trousers. The combination of different materials gives a proper calibration of the compression force and increases comfort and stability of the trousers. Accordingly, an embodiment of the invention has a waist region wherein the trousers are made of a first textile material which is preferably a spandex fibre such as Lycra; a waist band made of a second textile material which differs from the first material and is preferably a web material, said waist band being attached to the trousers; said elastic band being arranged over said waist band, said elastic band having a lower edge attached to the trousers and a free upper edge, so that the elastic band rests over the waist band when the elastic band is tensioned.

The waist band performs the function of wrapping the upper portion of the waist of the user without being constrictive and allowing a suitable transpiration. The elastic band is the outermost element and supports the waist line of the trousers. The waist band and the elastic band cooperate to provide the desired support and comfort. A further aspect of the invention is a method to support and stabilize a cycling trousers with a seat pad, wherein the trousers have no braces, the method including the provision of an elastic band which is integrated into the structure of said trousers and is arranged to form a continuous belt all around the trousers, said elastic band being located below an upper waistline edge of the trousers, said elastic band being adapted to be tensioned when the trousers is worn, said elastic band being applied to the outer side of the trousers so that the elastic band does not contact the body of a user wearing the trousers, said band being shaped like an inverted V having a vertex directed downward and towards the inguinal area, said trousers further comprising a portion of elasticized fabric extending around the waistline of the trousers and above said elastic band, the elastic band having an upper edge and a lower edge, the lower edge being attached to the trousers, wherein at least a portion of the upper edge is not fixed to the trousers.

In a preferred embodiment the method includes providing the trousers with a waist region wherein the trousers are made of a first textile material which is preferably a spandex fibre such as Lycra; a waist band made of a second textile material which differs from the first material and is preferably a web material, said waist band being attached to the trousers; said elastic band being arranged over said waist band, said elastic band having a lower edge attached to the trousers and a free upper edge, so that the elastic band rests over the waist band when the elastic band is tensioned.

Description of the figures

The invention is now described with reference to an embodiment wherein:

Fig. 1 is a front view of cycling trousers according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a rear view of the trousers of Fig. 1 .

Fig. 3 is a detail of Fig. 1 .

The figures show cycling trousers or pants 1 with no braces. The cycling trousers 1 are padded in an over-saddle area, e.g. with a seat pad 2 sewn on the inside. The line 2 may denote the contour of a seat pad which is attached to the crotch region of the trousers 1 .

The figures show a pair of short trousers 1. Cycling trousers according to the invention can be long or short depending on the version for summer or winter use.

The trousers 1 include a first portion of elasticized fabric forming an integrated elastic band 3 and a second portion of elasticized fabric 13 (Fig. 3) in correspondence with the edge of the waistline 4.

The elastic band 3 extends continuously around the trousers to wrap the belt area without interruption, as can be seen from Figs. 1 and 2. The elastic band 3 is located a few centimetres below the upper edge of the waistline 4 and below the portion of elasticized fabric 13. Basically, the elastic band 3 forms an elastic band for wrapping the hips, which is integrated into the trousers 1 and is provided in addition to the portion of elasticized fabric 13.

The elastic band 3 is applied on the outer side of the trousers 1 so that said band 3 is not in contact with the body of the user wearing the trousers 1 .

The elastic band 3 has a length such that said band 3 is not tensioned (loose or at rest) when the trousers 1 are not worn, whereas it is tensioned when the trousers are worn. The elastic band 3 is located adjacent to portions of the trousers 1 , for example the portions 5 and 6 in the figure. Said portions of the trousers can be for example fabric panels.

The elasticity, according to a well-known technique, can be given by a greater or lesser amount of polyurethane fibres known as elastane in the material. The elastic band 3, depending on the specific embodiment, can have a greater or lesser percentage of elastic fibres compared to the surrounding fabric panels, such as for example the adjacent panels 5 and 6.

The elastic band 3 is sewn to the trousers 1 at least along its lower edge 9; the upper edge 10 of the band 3 is not fixed to the trousers 1 at least for part of the length of said edge 10 and preferably at least in the front part. When wearing the trousers, due to the elastic tension, the upper edge 10 comes into contact with the underlying panel 5.

The elastic band 3 is shaped and arranged to perform a stabilising function on the over-saddle area 2. More in detail, the elastic band 3 is V-shaped in the front portion presenting a vertex 7 (Fig. 3) directed downwards towards the inguinal area. Line 8 indicates the centreline of the trousers.

The elastic band 3 essentially extends in the hip area 11 of the trousers 1 . As a result of the V-shaped arrangement, the vertex 7 is located lower than a rear belt area 12 (see Figs. 2, 3). Starting from the vertex 7, the elastic band 3 goes up towards the hips 11 up to a belt area 12 which is located a few cm, for example about 2-10 cm, below the waistline 4. It should be noted that the distances in cm given above are indicative and may vary according to the model. This conformation helps to create a traction effect on the over-saddle area 2 and stabilise the pad sewn internally to the trousers.

Fig. 3 shows a preferred construction in which the elastic band 3 is made with an elastic web having two ends positioned at the front; said two ends are fixed to each other and fixed to the trousers at a front median seam along the centreline 8.

One of the advantages of the invention is that it is not necessary to make the elasticized portion 13 very tight in an attempt to make the trousers more stable, while at the same time decreasing comfort, since the support and stabilisation function is entrusted to the elastic band 3 which cooperates with said portion of fabric 13. The elasticity of the portion 13 and of the band 3 can be calibrated in combination to stabilise the trousers and the pad and to cooperate in the desired manner to adequately wrap and support the body of the user.

In a preferred embodiment the trousers 1 are made of a spandex fibre such as Lycra; the panel 5 forms a waist band made of a second textile material which differs from said first material and is preferably a web material. The elastic band 3 is arranged over said waist band 5 and has a lower edge 9 attached to the trousers 1 and a free upper edge 10, so that the elastic band 3 rests over the waist band 5 when the elastic band 3 is tensioned. The waist band 5 may be an insert attached to the trousers 1 .

Hence, a combination of three layers or three different materials is found at the waist line of the trousers 1 , such as for example the Lycra of the trousers; the textile or web of the waist band, and the elasticized textile of the band 3. The combination of said three layers provides the desired support and stability.