Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SHAPING GARMENT
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is directed to a shape slimming and
support garment which
includes an inside shaping liner permanently attached to an outer shell fabric
that is in the
form of fashion apparel.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002]
Compression or shaping garments are used to provide support and improve the
appearance of the wearer.
Conventional shaping pieces are incorporated into
undergarments, i.e., worn under clothing, and act to smooth and shape areas of
the body.
For instance, girdles are used to shape the abdominal area. Additionally,
shapewear may
take the form or panties or briefs to add support to the lower body areas.
[0003] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0099332 describes a
one piece
shapewear garment with a foundation made from compression material. The
material
comprises at least one area of firm support, at least one are of light support
and at least one
resealable thong-like seam.
[0004] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0207382 describes a
compression
undergarment with a one-piece unit made of front and rear panels cut and sewn
along the
edge to form a tubular body shaping garment. The material is stretchable in
the
longitudinal direction and has a lightweight zippered opening along the front.
[0005] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0144548 describes a
shapewear
garment made from a stretchable fabric containing a fiber that has a high
yield strain and a
low hysteresis. The garment is capable of undergoing significant elongation
with the
ability to recover its original dimensions when not in use.
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[0006] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0129425
describes a shape
enhancing garment shell and a garment lining permanently affixed to the shell.
The lining
is sized to apply compression to the body of the wearer. The garment is lining
is made of a
circular knot fabric consisting essentially of Spandex and polyester, and a
stretch
powerknit fabric consisting essentially of Spandex and nylon.
[0007] What is needed in the art is a shape enhancing garment
that includes a completely
integrated compression shell which provides seamless support.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In one embodiment, the present invention pertains to a shape
enhancing garment
comprising a liner and an outer shell, where the liner is constructed from a
seamless tubular
piece of knitted nylon and spandex compression fabric arranged to form bra and
girdle
portions. In this embodiment, the outer shell and the liner are sewn together.
The liner
provides compression and support to the body of the wearer. In one embodiment,
the liner
includes an integrated bra with support stitching placed under the breast
portion and sides of
the bust. The stitching is comprised of different nylon/spandex combinations
and weights. In
an additional embodiment, the liner includes compression stitching along the
sides of the liner
from the arm hole to the bottom hem. The liner and the outer shell may be
attached at the
neckline and/or at the armhole. In this embodiment, the liner and outer shell
contain no other
attachment points. The liner and the outer shell may also contain a zipper
running vertically
along the back portion to aid in dressing and undressing. When a zipper is
present, the liner
may be coupled along the zipper of the outer shell.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The disclosure can be better understood with reference to the
following drawings.
The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each
other, emphasis
instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the
disclosure. Furthermore,
like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several
views.
[0010] FIG. 1A illustrates a waist-length shaping liner with a scoop
neckline in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 1B illustrates a full length shaping liner with a scoop-
neckline in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 2A illustrates a waist-length shaping liner with a V-
neckline in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 2B illustrates a full length shaping liner with a V-neckline
in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 3A illustrates a waist-length shaping liner with a razor
back tank configuration
in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 3B illustrates a full length shaping liner with a razor back
tank configuration
in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 4A illustrates a front view of a waist-length racer back
tank liner in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 4B illustrates a back view of a waist-length racer back tank
liner in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed front view of the upper support
area of a liner in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
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[0019] FIG. 6A illustrates a front view of a racer back tank outer
garment in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 6B illustrates a back view of a racer back tank outer
garment in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 6C illustrates a liner of a racer back tank in accordance
with an embodiment
of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 7A illustrates a front view of a scoop neck T-shirt outer
garment in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 7B illustrates a back view of a scoop neck T-shirt outer
garment in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention.
[0024] FIG. 7C illustrates a front view of scoop neck T-shirt outer
garment with an
integrated liner in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0025] FIG. 7D illustrates a back view of scoop neck T-shirt outer
garment with an
integrated liner in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0026] FIG. 8A illustrates a front view of a deep scoop neck T-shirt
outer garment in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0027] FIG. 8B illustrates a back view of a deep scoop neck T-shirt
outer garment in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0028] FIG. 8C illustrates a front view of the liner of a deep scoop
neck T-shirt in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0029] FIG. 9A illustrates a front view of a V-neck T-shirt outer
garment in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention.
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[0030] FIG. 9B illustrates a back view of a V-neck T-shirt outer garment
in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention.
[0031] FIG. 9C illustrates a front view of the liner of a V-neck T-shirt
in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention.
[0032] FIG. 10A illustrates a front view of a scoop neck T-Shirt
incorporating a zipper in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0033] FIG. 10B illustrates a back view of a scoop neck T-Shirt
incorporating a zipper in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0034] In accordance with various embodiments of the invention, a
shaping garment is
provided wherein the shaping component, or liner, is integrated into outer
fashion apparel
or shell, the liner including a bra and girdle portions. One or more
attachment points
between the two component allows for free movement of the outer shell while
insuring a
firm and stable fit for the liner. The liner further includes components which
enhance the
shaping and supporting properties, including particular yarns and stitches.
[0035] As used herein, the term garment is accorded its ordinary meaning
as is known in
the art and may refer to any article of clothing, for example a dress, shirt,
gown, skirt, T-
shirts, Tank top, etc. In one preferred embodiment, the garment of the
invention comprises
a T-shirt or tank top.
[0036] Described below, with particular reference to the figures, are
descriptions of certain
embodiments of the presently disclosed garment. FIGS. 1A, 2A and 3A (front
view) and
FIGS. 1B, 2B and 3B (back view) illustrate embodiments of the shaping liner
10. Shaping
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liner 10 is constructed from a tubular, knitted, seamless fabric. Knit fabrics
are made from
interlocking loops of thread, which is in contrast to the lengthwise and
crosswise weaving
of threads found in woven fabrics. The resulting fabric has varying degrees of
stretch-
ability, from slight to extreme elasticity. This is provided in part by
constricting the fabrics
and/or yarns, removing or adding stitches. Knit fabrics have the ability to
drape well on
any body type, and offer smoothing of the body silhouette and breast support.
Along with
degrees of stretch, this knit fabric is made of different nylon and spandex
fibers and come
in a variety of weights.
[0037] In one exemplary embodiment, the shaping liner 10 illustrated in
FIGS. 1 ¨ 3 is
constructed from a knit fabric including nylon and Spandex. Spandex is a
synthetic fiber
known for its exceptional elasticity. Because of its elastic and compression
characteristics,
Spandex is an appropriate fabric for the construction of apparel and clothing
articles where
stretch is desired, generally for comfort and fit. Nylon is very much suitable
for hosiery
and knitted fabrics because of its smoothness, light weight and high strength.
Both nylon
and Spandex stretch along and compress the wearer's body. As described in more
detail
below, the garment further comprises other aspects to enhance the shaping and
supporting
properties. Liner 10 is manufactured from a single tubular piece of fabric and
thus
provides 360 of compression and support of the body silhouette without seams,
contributing to the smoothing characteristics of the garment.
[0038] The liner 10 embodied in FIGS. IA and 1B illustrates a scoop type
neckline. Other
types of necklines, such as a V-neck (FIGS. 2A and 2B), deep scoop neck, key
hole neck,
strapless and racer back tank (FIGS. 3A and 3B) are also possible. One of
skill in the art
will recognize that other necklines are contemplated by the invention, which
is not limited
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to the necklines 'specifically illustrated. FIGS. 1A, 2A and 3A illustrate
embodiments
where the liner 10 is waist-length. Here, the liner extends just beyond the
waist line to
above the hip area. In this embodiment, liner 10 is incorporated into shorter
garments, for
example shirts, t-shirts, or other tops. FIGS. 1B, 2B and 3B illustrate an
embodiment of
liner 10 with a longer length, for instance extending over the waist or the
thigh, stopping
above the knee. In this embodiment, liner 10 is incorporated into garments
with a longer
length, for example skirts and dresses. One of skill in the art will recognize
that the liner
may be of any length to provide compression and contouring, such length not
limited by
the embodiments illustrated in the aforementioned figures. The waist length
liners (FIGS.
1A, 2A and 3A) supports the breasts (as described in more detail below),
flattens the
stomach and smooths the figure of the wearer by providing 360 of compression.
The
longer length liner (FIGS. 1B, 2B and 3B) provides the same advantages as the
waist-
length liner but also smooths and compresses the wearer's hips, thighs and
backside.
[0039] Line 10 further includes a series or pattern of stitches to
provide additional shaping
and support. These series or patterns of stitching are illustrated in FIGS. 4A
and 4B and
are included to the fabric during the knitting of the fabric. That is, the
stitching is not
added to the fabric following the fabric production, but instead is imparted
to the fabric by
varying the yarn stitching of the fabric. The stitching embodied in this
figure is
accomplished with various types of yarns. Yarn is a long continuous length of
interlocked
fibers, suitable for use in the production of textiles, sewing, crocheting,
knitting, weaving
and embroidery.
[0040] FIG. 2 illustrates the front face (FIG. 4A) and back face (FIG.
4B) of a liner 10
with a racer-back tank configuration. One of skill in the art will understand
that liner 10
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may incorporate any number of configurations and is not limited to the racer-
back tank
illustrated in this figure. The upper portion 12 of liner 10 is referred to as
the bra support
area. The lower portion 16 is the hip and waist control area, while center
portion 14
separates the upper and lower parts.
[00411 FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed view of the upper or bra support
area 12. Liner 10
includes an underwire stitch 20 and a side bust holding stitch which provide
support and
lift for the breasts. Center bust holding stitch 22 and side bust control
stitch act to pull the
breasts towards the center of the liner 10 and hold the breasts in place. In
one
embodiment, the center under bust holding stitch begins approximately one inch
below the
neckline and extends downward to the under bust stitch 26, which encircles to
the back of
the liner 10 (FIG. 5B) and further supports with compression the under bust
area. Side
bust control stitch 24 extends from the top of under bust control stitch 26 to
the arm hole or
just below the arm hole to provide control along the side of the bust. A
shirring stitch 30 is
centered on the bust area of the liner 10. In this embodiment, the shirring
stitch 30
includes one or more rows of gathers and is used to create the fullness of the
breasts. Use
of shirring stitch creates a bra "cup" and acts to hold and secure the breast.
The
combination of the above described stitches provides a built in bra that is
integrated into
the shell and is not a separate piece, complete with side compression, center
support and
underwire-like support. As a result, the line 10 of the present invention may
be worn with
or without the use of a bra.
[0042] In one embodiment, the stitching yarns describe above and
incorporated into top
portion 12 are fabricated from two ends of 20 denier 20 filament nylon + 30
denier
Spandex single covered, with a 12 denier 7 filament covering (i.e., 2/20/20 +
30/12/7).
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Denier is a unit of measure for the linear mass density of fibers and defined
as the mass in
grams per 9,000 meters. The denier is based on a natural standard¨i.e., a
single strand of
silk is approximately one denier. A 9,000-meter strand of silk weighs about
one gram.
Applied to yarn, a denier is equal in weight to 124 of an ounce. One of skill
in the art will
recognize that other combinations and weights of yarn may be used in the
present
invention.
[0043] Referring again to FIGS. 4A, 4b, the center portion 14 of liner
10 includes a bra
band stitch 28. In one embodiment, this stitch is approximately 1 1/2 to 1 1/2
inches wide
and extends around to the back of the hem of liner 10 (FIG. 4B). This acts as
the lower
band of a conventional bra, adding support to the breasts. The stitching yarns
described
above for center portion 14 and incorporated liner 10 are fabricated from two
ends of 20
denier 20 filament nylon + 30 denier Spandex single covered, with a 12 denier
7 filament
covering and a 210 denier Spandex single covered with 15 denier, 7 filament
nylon (i.e.,
2/20/20 + 30/12/7 + 210/15/7). One of skill in the art will recognize that
other
combinations and weights of yarn may be used in the present invention.
[0044] The lower portion 16 of liner 10 includes a side compression
stitch 32. This stitch
32 extends along the sides of liner 10, beginning at the lower edge of the bra
band stitch 28
and continuing the length of the liner 10. In the waist-length embodiments
exemplified by
FIGS 1A, 2A and 3A, side compression stitch 32 compresses and support the
waist area.
In the full-length embodiments illustrated by FIGS 1B, 2B and 3B, side stitch
32 adds
additional compression and support to the back side and thigh areas.
[0045] The bottom-most edge of liner 10 includes hem line 34, where the
edge of a piece
of the liner 10 fabric is folded narrowly and sewn to prevent unraveling. A
silicone band
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may be provided on the inside of the hem line for adhering to the body of a
wearer to
prevent slipping of the liner. In one embodiment, hem 32 is approximately two
inches
wide. One of skill in the art will recognize that alternate hem lengths are
possible and the
current invention is not limited by any one particular hem length. In one
embodiment, hem
32 may include a silicone non-stick piece placed inside the hem line to
provide greater
stability and rigidity.
[0046] In one embodiment, the stitching yarns describe above and
incorporated into lower
portion 16 are fabricated from 1 end of 20 denier, 20 filament nylon + 30
denier Spandex
single covered with 12 denier, 7 filament nylon (1/20/20 + 30/12/7). One of
skill in the art
will recognize that other combinations and weights of yarn may be used in the
present
invention.
[0047] Unlike many prior art compression garments, the liner 10 of the
present invention
is attached or connected to the inside of an outer fashion garment shell 40.
FIGS. 4A,
6Band 6C illustrate a racer back tank embodiment of the garment 35
incorporating both the
liner 10 and the outer shell 40. FIG. 6A illustrates a front face view of the
outer shell 40,
FIG. 6B illustrates a back side view of the outer shell 40, and FIG. 6C
illustrates an
internal view of the outside shell 40 with the attached liner 10. Outer shell
40 may take the
form of any fashion garment. Although the garment 35 illustrated in FIGS. 6A ¨
6C takes
the form of a racer back tank top, other fashion garments are possible, such
as a shirt,
gown, t-shirt, dress or tank top. Outer shell 40 may be fabricated from any
material
suitable for constructing fashion wear, as in known in the art. For example,
outer shell 40
may comprise knitted cotton, bamboo, linen or wool fabrics. In another
embodiment, outer
shell 40 is constructed of a material suitable for active uses, for instance
exercising. Such
CA 02909252 2015-10-21
fabrics may include Spandex or Spandex knit mixes. It is to be understood that
other
fabrics may be utilized for use in outer shell 40.
[0048] Turning again to FIGS. 6A and 6B, garment 35 includes an outer
shell 10 and inner
shaping liner 20. Here, liner 10 is integrated into the outer shell 40 and is
not a separate
garment. Shell 40 may include a double needle overlock marrow seam 42 placed
at the
neckline and armholes. In one embodiment, a material may be added to the seam
to
increase durability. For example, a Mobilon elastic strip may be incorporated
into the
seam 42. Mobilon strips are made from a polyurethane elastic material and have
superior
elongation and breaking strength, good resistance to mildew, UV rays, dry
cleaning, bleach
etc. Topstitch 44 is incorporated at the neckline and armholes near marrow
seam 42 to
prevent the liner fabric 40 from slipping and to provide a crisp edge. The
outer shell 40
may also include a double needle coverstitch 46 at the bottom hem.
[0049] FIG. 6C illustrates an internal view, of the outside shell 40
with the attached liner
10. Here, the liner 10 is secured to the outer shell 40 at the neckline 50 and
the armhole
60. In this embodiment, the liner 10 is preferably free of other attachment to
the outer
shell 40 such that the shell 40 may move relatively freely from the liner 10.
Attachment at
the neckline 50 and armhole 60 allows the outer shell to flow naturally around
the wearer
but also prevents the outer shell 40 from becoming twisted. As described
previously, one
of skill in the art will recognize that the liner may be of any length, i.e.,
covering just the
abdominal area or also covering the backside, hip and thigh area.
[0050] FIGS. 7A ¨ 7D illustrate a scoop neck tunic T-shirt embodiment of
the garment 35
incorporating both the liner 10 and the outer shell 40. FIG. 7A illustrates a
front face view
of the outer shell 40, FIG. 5B illustrates a back side view of the outer shell
40, FIG. 7C
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illustrates an internal front face view of the outside shell 40 with the
attached liner 10 and
FIG. 7D illustrates an internal back view of the outside shell 40 with the
attached liner 10.
Although the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7A ¨ 7D contemplates short
sleeve, long
sleeve or three-quarter sleeves are also contemplated. As described above for
the racer tank
embodiment, liner 10 is integrated into the outer shell 40 and is not a
separate garment.
Shell 40 may include a neckband placed at the neckline 70, which provides a
smooth finish
for the curved neckband. The outer shell 40 may also include a double needle
coverstitch
46 at the bottom hem.
[0051] FIGS. 7C and 7D illustrate an internal view of the outside shell
40 with the
attached liner 10. In contrast to the racer back tank embodiment, the liner 10
is secured to
the outer shell 40 only at the neckline 50 through an edge stitch on the
lining. The liner 10
is preferably free of other attachment to the outer shell 40 such that the
shell 40 may move
relatively freely from the liner 10. Attachment at the neckline 50 allows the
outer shell to
flow naturally around the wearer but also prevents the outer shell 40 from
becoming
twisted. One of skill in the art will recognize that the liner may be of any
length, i.e.,
covering just the abdominal area or also covering the backside and thigh area.
[0052] FIGS 8A ¨ 8C illustrate a deep scoop neck t-shirt with the same
characteristics
described above for FIGS 7A ¨ 7D, with the exception of the length of the
neckline 72. In
this embodiment, the neckline 72 is deeper and extends farther down the chest
of the
wearer. Although the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8A ¨ 8B incorporates a
three-
quarter length sleeve, other sleeve lengths such as short or full length are
also
contemplated.
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[0053] FIGS. 9A, 9Band 9C illustrate a V-neck T-shirt embodiment of the
garment 35
with a liner 10 and an outer shell 40. FIG. 9A illustrates a front face view
of the outer
shell 40, FIG. 9B illustrates a back side view of the outer shell 40, and FIG.
9C illustrates
the liner 10. Outer shell 40 may take the form of any fashion garment.
Although the
garment 35 illustrated in FIGS. 9A ¨ 9C takes the form of a V-neck T-shirt,
one of skill in
the art will understand that other fashion necklines are possible, such as key
hole, off-the-
shoulder and deep V-neck.
[0054] Turning again to FIGS. 9A and 9B, garment 35 includes an outer
shell 40 and inner
shaping liner 10. As described above, liner 10 is integrated into the outer
shell 40 and is
not a separate garment. Shell 40 may include a three-eighths inch neck banding
80 placed
at the neckline and a one inch double needle cover stitch hem 82 at the sleeve
ends. In one
embodiment, a material may be added to the neck-line seam to increase
durability. For
example, a Mobilon elastic strip may be incorporated into the seam 42.
[0055] FIG. 9C illustrates the attached liner 10. Here, the liner 10 is
secured to the outer
shell 40 only at the neckline 50. In this embodiment, the liner 10 is
preferably free of other
attachment to the outer shell 40 such that the shell 40 may move relatively
freely from the
liner 10. Attachment at the neckline 50 allows the outer shell to flow
naturally around the
wearer but also prevents the outer shell 40 from becoming twisted. As
described
previously, one of skill in the art will recognize that the liner may be of
any length, i.e.,
covering just the abdominal area or also covering the backside, hip and thigh
area.
[0056] Any of the garments illustrated in FIGS. 1 ¨ 9 may alternatively
include an
embodiment incorporating a zipper or other fastening device. FIGS. 10A and 10B
illustrate a scoop neck T-shirt garment 35 with an outer shell 40 and a liner
10. As
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illustrated in FIG. 10B, both the liner 10 and the outer shell 40 include a
vertical zipper 90,
located at the back center of the garment 35. Zipper 90 allows the user to
easily dress and
undress using garment 35. In this embodiment, the outer shell 40 and liner 20
include an
additional attachment point 95 along the edges of zipper 90. Attachment at the
zipper
prevents the liner 10 from slipping or moving, and proved stability to the
outer shell.
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