Bathing Suit Having Closeable Panel in a Lower Portion

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/649,649, filed May 20, 2024, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

The present disclosure relates generally to swimwear, and more particularly to a bathing suit with a closeable panel for facilitating restroom use. More specifically, this disclosure relates to one or more of the following CPC classifications: A41D15/00 Convertible garments; A41D7/00 Bathing gowns; Swimsuits; and A41D7/005 Bathing drawers or trunks.

Traditional bathing suits typically consist of a one-piece or two-piece design, with the upper portion covering the chest and back and the lower portion covering the hips and buttocks. These bathing suits are generally made from materials such as nylon, spandex, or polyester to provide comfort and flexibility for the wearer. While some bathing suits may feature adjustable straps or ties for a customizable fit, the design and functionality of bathing suits have remained relatively unchanged for many years.

In recent years, there have been attempts to enhance the design of bathing suits by incorporating innovative features such as built-in UV protection, quick-drying fabrics, and adjustable straps for versatile styling options. Additionally, some bathing suits have included removable padding or underwire for added support and shaping. However, these improvements have primarily focused on enhancing comfort and aesthetics rather than addressing practical concerns related to convenience and functionality during wear.

Conventional bathing suits may be difficult to remove and put back on when wet, especially when using the restroom. This may cause inconvenience and frustration for wearers. Some individuals may avoid using the bathroom while wearing a bathing suit due to these difficulties. This may negatively impact their enjoyment of aquatic activities. Assisting others, particularly young children or those with mobility issues, in using the bathroom while wearing a wet bathing suit may also be challenging.

There is a need for improved bathing suits that could provide wearers with added convenience and versatility, allowing for easy access for changing or restroom use without the need to remove the entire garment. Solutions that integrate seamlessly with everyday bathing suits may be desirable for many users. This need and other needs are satisfied by the various aspects of the present disclosure.

A bathing suit may include an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion may have a closeable panel. The closeable panel may be located in at, near, or above the crotch area of the lower portion. The closeable panel may use a fastening mechanism. The fastening mechanism may be selected from hook and loop fasteners, snaps, zippers, or buttons. The closeable panel may be discreetly integrated into the design of the bathing suit. The bathing suit may be a one-piece suit or a tankini. The closeable panel may include reinforced material around its edges. The closeable panel may include an elastic band. The bathing suit may be made from quick-drying fabric. The closeable panel may be opened to allow restroom use. The closeable panel may be closed securely after use. The bathing suit may eliminate the need to fully remove the suit for restroom use. The bathing suit may be suitable for females of various ages and sizes. The closeable panel may use various fastening mechanisms. The panel may be discretely integrated into the suit design.

A method of using a bathing suit may involve wearing a bathing suit with a closeable panel in a lower portion. The method may include opening the closeable panel. The method may involve using a restroom. The method may include closing the closeable panel. Opening and closing the closeable panel may be performed without removing the entire bathing suit. The closeable panel may be at, near, or above the crotch area of the lower portion. Opening and closing the closeable panel may involve manipulating a fastening mechanism. The fastening mechanism may be selected from hook and loop fasteners, snaps, zippers, or buttons.

Additional aspects of the disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or can be learned by practice of the disclosure. The advantages of the disclosure will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosure, as claimed.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to clearly describe the embodiments disclosed herein. One skilled in the art may understand that some well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals may be used in the drawings to indicate like or similar elements of the description. The figures are intended for representative purposes and should not be considered limiting.

The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the present disclosure and the examples included therein. Before the present articles, systems, devices, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that they are not limited to specific implementations unless otherwise specified, or to particular approaches unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present disclosure, example methods and materials are now described.

All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited.

It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the specification and in the claims, the term “comprising” can include the aspects “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this present disclosure belongs. In this specification and in the claims which follow, reference will be made to a number of terms which shall be defined herein.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an opening” can include two or more openings.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from one particular value, and/or to another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent ‘about,’ it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. It is also understood that there are a number of values disclosed herein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as “about” that particular value in addition to the value itself. For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is also disclosed. It is also understood that each unit between two units are also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

As used herein, the terms “about” and “at or about” mean that the amount or value in question can be the value designated some other value approximately or about the same. It is generally understood, as used herein, that it is the nominal value indicated±10% variation unless otherwise indicated or inferred. The term is intended to convey that similar values promote equivalent results or effects recited in the claims. That is, it is understood that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but can be approximate and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. In general, an amount, size, formulation, parameter or other quantity or characteristic is “about” or “approximate” whether or not expressly stated to be such. It is understood that where “about” is used before a quantitative value, the parameter also includes the specific quantitative value itself, unless specifically stated otherwise.

The terms “first,” “second,” “first part,” “second part,” and the like, where used herein, do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, and are used to distinguish one element from another, unless specifically stated otherwise.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not. For example, the phrase “optionally affixed to the surface” means that it can or cannot be fixed to a surface.

Moreover, it is to be understood that unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; and the number or type of aspects described in the specification.

Disclosed are the components to be used to manufacture the disclosed devices, systems, and articles of the present disclosure as well as the devices themselves to be used within the methods disclosed herein. These and other materials are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these materials are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutation of these materials cannot be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein. For example, if a particular material is disclosed and discussed and a number of modifications that can be made to the materials are discussed, specifically contemplated is each and every combination and permutation of the material and the modifications that are possible unless specifically indicated to the contrary. Thus, if a class of materials A, B, and C are disclosed as well as a class of materials D, E, and F and an example of a combination material, A-D is disclosed, then even if each is not individually recited each is individually and collectively contemplated meaning combinations, A-E, A-F, B-D, B-E, B-F, C-D, C-E, and C-F are considered disclosed. Likewise, any subset or combination of these is also disclosed. Thus, for example, the sub-group of A-E, B-F, and C-E would be considered disclosed. This concept applies to all aspects of this application including, but not limited to, steps in methods of making and using the articles and devices of the present disclosure. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific aspect or combination of aspects of the methods of the present disclosure.

It is understood that the devices and systems disclosed herein have certain functions. Disclosed herein are certain structural requirements for performing the disclosed functions, and it is understood that there are a variety of structures that can perform the same function that are related to the disclosed structures, and that these structures will typically achieve the same result.

The following description is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the disclosed subject matter, and is provided in the context of particular applications and their requirements. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments may be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter. Thus, the disclosed subject matter is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

A bathing suit may comprise an upper portion. The bathing suit may include a lower portion. The bathing suit may have a closeable panel in the lower portion. The closeable panel may be located at, near, or above the crotch area of the lower portion. The closeable panel may use a fastening mechanism. The fastening mechanism may be selected from hook and loop fasteners, snaps, zippers, or buttons. The closeable panel may be discreetly integrated into the design of the bathing suit. The bathing suit may be a one-piece suit or a tankini. The closeable panel may include reinforced material around its edges. The closeable panel may include an elastic band. The bathing suit may be made from quick-drying fabric. A method of using a bathing suit may involve wearing a bathing suit with a closeable panel in a lower portion. The method may include opening the closeable panel. The method may involve using a restroom. The method may include closing the closeable panel. Opening and closing the closeable panel may be performed without removing the entire bathing suit. The closeable panel may be at, near, or above the crotch area of the lower portion. Opening and closing the closeable panel may involve manipulating a fastening mechanism. The fastening mechanism may be selected from hook and loop fasteners, snaps, zippers, or buttons.

A bathing suit may include an upper portion covering the upper body and a lower portion covering the lower body. The lower portion may include a closeable panel at, near, or above the crotch area. The closeable panel may be opened to allow restroom use without removing the entire bathing suit. The panel may be securely closed after use.

The bathing suit may be made in various styles, colors, sizes, and designs. The concept may be applied to one-piece suits, tankinis, or other swimwear styles. The closeable panel may be integrated into the bottom portion of any style bathing suit.

The closeable panel may use various fastening mechanisms. These may include hook and loop fasteners, clothing snaps, zippers, buttons, or other secure closures. The fastening mechanism may be selected based on factors such as ease of use, water resistance, and discretion.

The opening created by the closeable panel may be discreetly hidden in the design of the suit. This may maintain the aesthetic appeal of the bathing suit while providing the added functionality. The exact specifications of the panel and opening may vary based on the suit style and size.

The bathing suit may be made from materials typically used in swimwear. These may include quick-drying, flexible, and durable fabrics. The material around the closeable panel may be reinforced to ensure structural integrity.

The closeable panel may include additional features for comfort and security. These may include elastic bands or extra fabric layers around the closure area. Such features may help keep the panel secure during physical activities.

The bathing suit may be suitable for females of all ages and sizes. It may be particularly beneficial for young children, elderly individuals, or those with mobility issues. The ease of bathroom use may enhance the overall swimming or beach experience for wearers.

The bathing suit may be maintained similarly to conventional swimwear. Regular washing and proper care of the fastening mechanisms may help ensure long-term functionality. The closeable panel may be designed to withstand repeated use and exposure to water without compromising its effectiveness.

In use, the wearer may open the closeable panel when needing to use the restroom. After use, the panel may be securely closed. This process may be quick and discreet, allowing for easy bathroom access without the need to fully remove or adjust the entire bathing suit.

The closeable panel may transform the functionality of the bathing suit. It may allow the suit to transition between a fully closed, secure state and an accessible state for restroom use. This transformation may occur without altering the overall appearance or fit of the bathing suit.

Regarding, the bathing suitmay include a closeable panel in the lower portion. The closeable panel may be located at, near, or above the crotch area. The closeable panel may use various fastening mechanisms.shows a bathing suitwith a button snap fastener closeable panel. The button snap fastener closeable panelmay be integrated into the lower portion of the bathing suit. The button snap fasteners may allow the panel to be opened and closed.

illustrates a bathing suitwith a hook and loop fastener closeable panel. The hook and loop fastener closeable panelmay be incorporated into the lower portion. The hook and loop fasteners may enable secure closure and easy opening of the panel.

depicts a bathing suitwith a zipper fastener closeable panel. The zipper fastener closeable panelmay be implemented in the lower portion. The zipper may provide a discreet and secure closure mechanism for the panel. The closeable panel, whether using button snaps, hook and loop fasteners, or a zipper, may be designed to blend seamlessly with the overall aesthetic of the bathing suit. The panel may be reinforced around its edges to maintain structural integrity.

The closeable panel, whether implemented with button snaps, hook and loop fasteners, or a zipper, may enable convenient restroom use without the need to remove the entire bathing suit. This feature may enhance the functionality and user experience of the bathing suit. The bathing suitmay address common frustrations associated with using the restroom while wearing wet swimwear. It may save time and reduce stress for wearers. The added convenience may allow individuals to more fully enjoy their time in aquatic environments without worrying about bathroom logistics.

The methodmay enable convenient use of the bathing suitwith the closeable panel. The methodmay include wearing the bathing suitwith the closeable panel in the lower portion. The closeable panel may be located at, near, or above the crotch area of the lower portion. The methodmay involve opening the closeable panel. Opening the closeable panel may be performed by manipulating the fastening mechanism. The fastening mechanism may be selected from button snaps, hook and loop fasteners, or a zipper.

The methodmay include using a restroom without removing the entire bathing suit. The opened closeable panel may provide access for restroom use while the upper portion of the bathing suitremains in place on the wearer's body. The methodmay involve closing the closeable panel. Closing the closeable panel may be performed by manipulating the fastening mechanism to secure the panel. The fastening mechanism may ensure the closeable panel remains securely closed during normal wear.

The methodmay allow for convenient restroom use without the need to remove or significantly adjust the entire bathing suit. This may save time and reduce frustration associated with removing and replacing wet swimwear. The methodmay be particularly beneficial for users with mobility issues, young children, or elderly individuals. The ease of use provided by the closeable panel may enhance the overall swimming or beach experience for wearers.

The methodmay be performed quickly and discreetly. The closeable panel may be designed to blend seamlessly with the overall aesthetic of the bathing suit, maintaining its appearance before and after use. The methodmay be repeated as needed throughout the day. The closeable panel and its fastening mechanism may be designed to withstand repeated use and exposure to water without compromising effectiveness.

As depicted in the drawings,illustrates a methodof using the bathing suit with the closeable panel. The methodmay include wearing a bathing suit with a closeable panel in a lower portion. The methodmay involve opening the closeable panel. The methodmay include using a restroom without removing the entire bathing suit. The methodmay involve closing the closeable panel.

The bathing suitmay include an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion may include a closeable panel. The closeable panel may be located at, near, or above the crotch area of the lower portion. The closeable panel may use various fastening mechanisms.

The closeable panel may use button snap fasteners. The button snap fastenersmay be integrated into the lower portion of the bathing suit. The button snap fastenersmay allow the panel to be opened and closed.

The closeable panel may use hook and loop fasteners. The hook and loop fastenersmay be incorporated into the lower portion. The hook and loop fastenersmay enable secure closure and easy opening of the panel.

The closeable panel may use a zipper. The zippermay be implemented in the lower portion. The zippermay provide a discreet and secure closure mechanism for the panel.

The closeable panel may be designed to blend seamlessly with the overall aesthetic of the bathing suit. The panel may be reinforced around its edges to maintain structural integrity.

The closeable panel may enable convenient restroom use without the need to remove the entire bathing suit. This feature may enhance the functionality and user experience of the bathing suit.

The bathing suitmay address common challenges associated with using the restroom while wearing wet swimwear. It may save time for wearers. The added convenience may allow individuals to more fully enjoy their time in aquatic environments.