Convertible athletic running pants

Abstract

Convertible athletic running/cycling pants facilitate a rapid change from full-length pants to shorts in response to temperature changes encountered during an activity. Garments according to the invention feature an upper portion with a waistband and two full-length leg portions, each leg portion having a lower section terminating in an open end. Each leg portion includes a circumferential line of detachment located generally above a wearer's knee, enabling the lower sections to be removed and the upper section retained to be worn as a pair of shorts. Each lower leg portion further includes a line of separation extending between the circumferential line of detachment and the open end, enabling the lower portions to be removed from the upper portion, thereby converting the garment into shorts. In the preferred embodiments, the line of separation on each lower portion is a zipper or other fastener that operates from top to bottom, enabling a rapid conversion without bunching of the material making up each lower portion. In one configuration, the lines of separation are located on the outer sides of the lower portions, enabling the user to reach down on each side and remove the lower portions even while engaged in an athletic activity. In an alternative configuration, the lines of separation are located on the inner sides of the lower portions, with a second line of separation being provided on the outer sides. This second line of separation terminates before reaching the circumferential line of detachment, enabling the pants with the lower sections attached to be donned and removed over one's shoes. The embodiments just discussed may be provided on running pants, which are generally loose-fitting, or cycling pants, which are generally tight-fitting.

1 . Convertible athletic pants for running, cycling and other activities, comprising:
 an upper portion with a waistband;   two leg portions, each leg portion having an outer side, an inner side, and upper section, and a lower section terminating in an open end above a foot of the wearer;   a circumferential line of detachment located generally above each knee of a wearer, each circumferential line of detachment connecting the upper portion to a respective one of the leg portions;   a first line of separation located along the inner or outer side of each lower leg portion, each first line of separation extending between a respective one of the open ends and a circumferential line of detachment,   the lines of detachment and separation enabling the leg portions to be removed from the upper portion as separate panels of material, with the upper section retained as a pair of shorts.   
   
   
       2 . The convertible athletic pants of  claim 1 , wherein the lines of separation are operated from top to bottom. 
   
   
       3 . The convertible athletic pants of  claim 1 , wherein the lines of separation are zippers operated from top to bottom. 
   
   
       4 . The convertible athletic pants of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first lines of separation are located along the inner sides of the leg portions; and   further including a second line of separation on the outer side of each leg portion, each second line of separation terminating before reaching the circumferential line of detachment, enabling the pants with the leg sections attached to be donned and removed over one's shoes.   
   
   
       5 . The convertible athletic pants of  claim 1 , wherein the upper portion includes a back portion with one or more pockets to hold the leg portions following removal. 
   
   
       6 . The convertible athletic pants of  claim 1 , wherein the circumferential lines of detachment are implemented with zippers. 
   
   
       7 . The convertible athletic pants of  claim 1 , wherein the circumferential lines of detachment are implemented with snaps. 
   
   
       8 . The convertible athletic pants of  claim 1 , wherein the first lines of separation are implemented with zippers. 
   
   
       9 . The convertible athletic pants of  claim 4 , wherein the second lines of separation are implemented with zippers. 
   
   
       10 . The convertible athletic pants of  claim 4 , wherein the second lines of separation are implemented with snaps. 
   
   
       11 . The convertible athletic pants of  claim 1 , wherein each circumferential line of detachment and each line of separation is covered with an inner flap of material, an outer flap of material, or both. 
   
   
       12 . The convertible athletic pants of  claim 1 , wherein the upper portion and the leg portions are intentionally loose-fitting, but for the waistband. 
   
   
       13 . The convertible athletic pants of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the upper portion and the leg portions are intentionally tight-fitting; and   further including a padded seat portion for cycling use.   
   
   
       14 . The convertible athletic pants of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the upper portion and the leg portions are intentionally tight-fitting; and   further including a circumferential band of elastic material located at or above each circumferential line of separation.