Underwear Patents (Class 2/109)
  • Patent number: 11617880
    Abstract: A supportive clothing article for a wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD), including a belt, the belt including a first end with a first portion of a fastener and a second end with a second portion of the fastener, wherein the belt is structured to fasten around the torso of patient below the chest area of the patient, the belt including a first conductive mesh portion adjacent the first end of the belt or the second end of the belt, two straps, a back portion extending from the belt at an intermediary position on the belt to each of the two straps, the back portion including a conductive mesh, a first support receptacle attached to and extending from the belt and attachable to one of the two straps, and a second support receptacle attached to and extending from the belt and attachable to the other of the two straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: West Affum Holdings DAC
    Inventors: Laura Marie Gustavson, Kerstin Dorst, Angela M. Stewart, Pamela Breske, Jr., Amanda K. Hall, Garrett McCann Kotlarchik, Dallas Eugene Meeker, Daniel James Finney, Eduard Johann Deml, Robert Reuben Buchanan, David Peter Finch, Phillip Dewey Foshee, Jr., Douglas Keith Medema, Kenneth F. Cowan
  • Patent number: 9918503
    Abstract: A garment worn on the upper body is disclosed having a right and left body portions that are joined at the front and rear by a corresponding fastening mechanism. This allows the right body portion and left body portion to separated from one another and interchanged with other body portions to vary the visual characteristics of the garment. The right and left body portions can have different visual characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: Mia Macfarlane
  • Publication number: 20140275906
    Abstract: A garment for a medical device comprises a front panel; a back panel; at least one opening for a body part; at least one pocket; and at least one fastener. In some embodiments, the garment can be worn by the user of an insulin pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Steven Richard Hackenburg
  • Patent number: 8695115
    Abstract: A garment for wear by a human body having a localized fat accumulation includes an insulative and perspiration impermeable panel sized to conform to the localized fat accumulation. The garment also includes a supportive cover connected to the panel for retaining the panel in contact to the localized fat accumulation during wear, and a boning segment connected to the panel for supporting and shaping the body during wear. The garment may be in the form of a kit further including a wipe containing an absorbed anticellulite agent. The wipe spreads the anticellulite agent on the body where contacted by the panel during wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Jacqueline Leyva
  • Publication number: 20130302574
    Abstract: Novel aqueous polyurethane dispersions and shaped three dimensional articles formed therefrom are provided. The aqueous polyurethane dispersions are provided in solvent-free systems of a prepolymer comprising at least one polyether, polyester, or polycarbonate polyol, a mixture of MDI isomers, and a diol. The shaped articles from such dispersions can be heat-activated for bonding, lamination, and adhesion of substrates, including stretch fabrics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Hong LIU, Carmen A. COVELLI, Douglas K. FARMER
  • Publication number: 20120317695
    Abstract: A pants-type wearing article including a connecting member by the intermediary of which respective lateral regions of front and rear waist regions are connected together. In a pants-type wearing article, a lateral region of a front waist region and a lateral region of a rear waist region are connected to each other by the intermediary of a sheet-like connecting member. The connecting member is folded to form mountain folds and valley folds arranged alternately and collapsed in a circumferential direction. These mountain folds and valley folds are expanded from the folded state in the circumferential direction as these folds are pulled in the circumferential direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: UNI-CHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Mishima, Akiyoshi Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 8256027
    Abstract: A shapewear undergarment for a woman, more particularly to an upper body shapewear undergarment with arm compression that gently lifts and compresses flabby areas on the top half of the body, especially the arms, midriff and back. The overall design provides the user with a smoother, toner appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventors: Amy Blankenship Pedersen, Jennifer Pedersen Daniels
  • Patent number: 8058343
    Abstract: Novel aqueous polyurethane dispersions and adhesive films formed therefrom are provided. The aqueous polyurethane dispersions are provided in solvent-free systems of a prepolymer comprising at least one polyether or polyester polyol, a mixture of MDI isomers, and a diol. The adhesive films from such dispersions can be heat-activated for bonding, lamination, and adhesion of textile fabrics, including stretch fabrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Invista North America S.àr.l.
    Inventors: Hong Liu, Carmen A Covelli, Douglas K Farmer
  • Patent number: 7931639
    Abstract: The invention provides a panty realizing easy fit of a sanitary napkin for night use to a crotch portion, preventing the napkin from shifting out of position, alleviating digging into the crotch portion, and thus being comfortable to wear without giving feeling of constriction to the wearer. The panty includes a front part, a back part, a crotch part provided so as to bridge between the front part and the back part, a slightly elastic member is provided at the substantially center area of the back part, a highly elastic member is provided from a back parts lifting member to the entire area of the front part except for the waist hold part, a fixing member is provided on the substantially center area of the front part, a crotch lifting member is provided at the substantially center area of the crotch part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Ayami Suga, Shinobu Fujikawa, Hideki Kondo
  • Patent number: 7930770
    Abstract: The invention provides a panty realizing easy fit of a sanitary napkin for night use to a crotch portion, preventing the napkin from shifting out of position, alleviating digging into the crotch portion, and thus being comfortable to wear without giving feeling of constriction to the wearer. The panty includes a front part, a back part, a crotch part provided so as to bridge between the front part and the back part, a slightly elastic member is provided at the substantially center area of the back part, a highly elastic member is provided from a back parts lifting member to the entire area of the front part except for the waist hold part, a fixing member is provided on the substantially center area of the front part, a crotch lifting member is provided at the substantially center area of the crotch part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Ayami Suga, Shinobu Fujikawa, Hideki Kondo
  • Patent number: 7669248
    Abstract: Continuousness and stability of an effect of preventing hip hemlines from rising in walking or a crouching posture are improved. A clothing has: a front body 11 and back body 12 which are stretchable; and a gusset 13 which is disposed between an inner crotch front portion 22 of the lower end of the front body 11 and an inner crotch rear portion 23 of the lower end of the back body 12, to cover a groin portion. The curvature of the rear end portion 13b which is formed in the gusset 13 into a convex arcuate shape is made larger than that of the inner crotch rear portion 23 which is formed in the lower end of the back body 12 into a concave arcuate shape, and the rear end portion 13b and the inner crotch rear portion 23 are stitched together to dispose a dart 26 which three-dimensinalizes so as to suit a bulged shape of a buttock lower portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: Ikuo Toratani
  • Publication number: 20090216305
    Abstract: A thermal, outer layer leg wrap adapted for use by a handicapped, non-ambulatory or mobility restricted individual. The described embodiment of the present invention advantageously keeps the entire leg warm for sustained periods of time without having to remove the garment and interrupt the warmth. The described embodiment of the present invention comprises a separate wrap for each leg, thus increasing the ability of the individual wearing same to be more active and better able to be transferred while maintaining leg warmth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Larry Herman Bonner
  • Patent number: 7549971
    Abstract: A garment (1) for providing compressive forces to a torso to help eliminate or reduce swelling caused by an accumulation of lymph fluid in the torso region. An embodiment of the present invention includes an outer covering (10) of compression fabric, wide shoulder straps (22, 24), front and back panels of compression fabric (12, 14, 16, 18), a non-rolling rib band (72), axilla gussets (82, 84), and both front closure (40) and back closure (50). The garment may also include one or more princess seams (102, 104, 102?, 104?) so as to enable the front panel(s) to encapsulate and hold the user's breasts in place at the same time that compressive forces are applied, as well as one or more front shelves (132, 134) in the front panel(s) for providing upward compressive support to the breast tissue, thereby holding the tissue in a proper neutral position so that inward compressive forces acting on the tissue provide maximum effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Lightning2 LLC
    Inventors: Lesli R. Bell, Eugenie Z. Lindahl
  • Patent number: 7520794
    Abstract: A garment including a panel comprising a first and a second layer of fabric. The panel has a front and a back, a first outermost corner disposed at a junction between a first upper side seam and a first lower side seem, and a second outermost corner disposed at a junction between a second upper side seam and a second lower side seam. An article of clothing comprising a fabric panel having a top, a bottom, a left side, a right side, a front and a back. The article has six seams. There are six corners, each of the corners being disposed at a junction between two of the six seams, and a plurality of attachment devices disposed on the back of the garment. A garment consisting of a front layer of fabric, a back layer, six seams, six corners and six attachment devices disposed on the back side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventor: Julie A. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20090083894
    Abstract: A composite garment particularly suited for exercise includes an inner garment connected at the waistband with an outer garment. The inner element includes a torso element made of a body control material such as Lycra® to provide full body control circumferentially about a wearer and a finishing element made of a lacy material and terminating with a scalloped edge to prevent the formation of a panty line under the outer garment. The outer garment is also made of a stretchable fabric that contours the body and is comfortable to wear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventor: Nancy CAUSEY-GABBE
  • Patent number: 7429206
    Abstract: Ladies garment designed to be worn under a brassiere for the purpose of supporting and lifting the breasts and smoothing the appearance of the upper torso and arms, without interfering with the appearance of the brassiere under outerwear. The garment, made primarily from hosiery material, includes tapered sides fastening in front between the breasts with adjustable, releasable fasteners providing adjustable support and lift, and having sub-pectoral support portions disposed in the tapered sides and covering and supporting the lower lateral and bottom portions of the breasts and the sub-pectorals. Garment may additionally include: support portions on the underside of the sleeves at the triceps; and armpit panels made from breathable or moisture-wicking fabric allowing for ventilation and moisture-wicking. To minimize slippage and displacement, the garment is secured to the brassiere straps by cloth strips attached at the shoulder area of the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Inventor: Judith Perry
  • Publication number: 20080134406
    Abstract: A health care fitness underwear comprises an underwear body and at least one cushion layer formed on the underwear body. The underwear body is made of a flexible fabric and has a far infrared ray or negative ion element for fitness and health care. The cushion layer is formed corresponding to an area where blood vessels and acupuncture points of the body of a wearer exist, and a far infrared ray structure may be provided to stimulate the wear's body by using the far infrared ray and particularly to further stimulate the wear body's blood vessels and acupuncture points for blood circulation, thereby the effect of health care being achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Su-Huei Shih, Wen-De Lin
  • Patent number: 7258684
    Abstract: The present invention discloses and claims a system and method for disguising a personal care product. The personal care product includes a pattern that matches a design on an undergarment so that the personal care product blends into the background of the undergarment. The method for disguising the personal care product includes creating a pattern to match the design on the undergarment and placing the pattern on the personal care product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Kristi Bryant, Glory Alcantara, Mary L. McDaniel, Michelle Sroda, Susan Weyenberg, Katherine C. Wheeler, Teresa Zander
  • Patent number: 7240371
    Abstract: Novel aqueous polyurethane dispersions and adhesive films formed therefrom are provided. The aqueous polyurethane dispersions are provided in solvent-free systems of a prepolymer comprising at least one polyether or polyester polyol, a mixture of MDI isomers, and a diol. The adhesive films from such dispersions can be heat-activated for bonding, lamination, and adhesion of textile fabrics, including stretch fabrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Invista North America S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Hong Liu, Carmen A. Covelli, Douglas K. Farmer
  • Patent number: 7144294
    Abstract: A garment (1) for providing compressive forces to a torso to help eliminate or reduce swelling caused by an accumulation of lymph fluid in the torso region. An embodiment of the present invention includes an outer covering (10) of compression fabric, wide shoulder straps (22, 24), front and back panels of compression fabric (12, 14, 16, 18), a non-rolling rib band (72), axilla gussets (82, 84), and both front closure (40) and back closure (50). The garment may also include one or more princess seams (102, 104, 102?, 104?) so as to enable the front panel(s) to encapsulate and hold the user's breasts in place at the same time that compressive forces are applied, as well as one or more front shelves (132, 134) in the front panel(s) for providing upward compressive support to the breast tissue, thereby holding the tissue in a proper neutral position so that inward compressive forces acting on the tissue provide maximum effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Lightning2 LLC
    Inventors: Lesli R. Bell, Eugenie Z. Lindahl
  • Patent number: 6860789
    Abstract: A garment (1) for providing compressive forces to a torso to help eliminate or reduce swelling caused by an accumulation of lymph fluid in the torso region. An embodiment of the present invention includes an outer covering (10) of compression fabric, wide shoulder straps (22, 24), front and back panels of compression fabric (12, 14, 16, 18), a non-rolling rib band (72), axilla gussets (82, 84), and both front closure (40) and back closure(50). The garment may also include one or more princess seams (102, 104, 102?, 104?) so as to enable the front panel(s) to encapsulate and hold the user's breasts in place at the same time that compressive forces are applied, as well as one or more front shelves (132, 134) in the front panel(s) for providing upward compressive support to the breast tissue, thereby holding the tissue in a proper neutral position so that inward compressive forces acting on the tissue provide maximum effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Lightning2 LLC
    Inventors: Lesli R. Bell, Eugenie Z. Lindahl
  • Patent number: 6460186
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sports garment making it possible to urinate without having to undress and ensure that it is comfortable for a sportsman, and in particular for a cyclist. The sports garment (10), particularly for a cyclist, comprises a front part (2) and a back part (3), and is characterized in that the front part (2) presents an horizontal opening for said cyclist to take out his penis so as to facilitate the cyclist's micturition. The opening is delimited by an external flap (11a) and an internal flap (11b) provided on the front part (2) and which overlap so that the opening remains closed without the help of any fastening mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventor: Gérard Dailly
  • Patent number: 6332862
    Abstract: Articles of clothing having magnets incorporated therein placed at areas corresponding to the small arteries and veins which supply blood to erogenous zones including the sex organs. The magnets can be permanently incorporated into the clothing with stitching or removably incorporated into the clothing with a pouch having overlapping sections or releasable means such as VELCRO, snaps or buttons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Inventor: Michael Zandman
  • Patent number: 6205585
    Abstract: A garment that replaces a full shirt or blouse which is comprised of a frontal portion piece of material that attaches to an undergarment by the engagement of male and female snaps around the undergarment. The garment is fastened around the torso of the wearer by means of an elastic band with a hook which engages an elastic loop. Three female snaps are provided in order to adjust the drape of the neckline of the garment. An optional scarf may be attached to the garment in order to create a matching ensemble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Cee Caryn Designs Ltd.
    Inventor: Karen Capparelli
  • Patent number: 6105171
    Abstract: An article of apparel comprising a first segment and a second segment of substantially similar shape, each having at least two side margins parallel to a central line and at least one margin at an angle to the central line. One segment has flap extensions along selected margins for folded securement to the other segment thus forming a garment with folded external seams. In a three segment embodiment, one panel is constructed from two similarly shaped half-width segments that are overlapped to form an openable panel, with resealable closure means. In another two panel embodiment, both half width panels are partially overlapped to form a central 2-ply area, portions of which are bonded together in a region that becomes the rear panel. After rear portions of the bonded segments are folded in half over and around a transverse fold line, front and rear panels are connected with side flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: William P. Niedermeyer
  • Patent number: 5951364
    Abstract: A brassiere comprises a pair of cups, a pair of shoulder straps, and a pair of body straps adapted to cross each other, to extend around sides of a person wearing the brassiere, and to fasten to each other at distal ends of the body straps. The shoulder straps and the body straps include hook and loop fasteners for fastening the straps about the person wearing the brassiere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventors: Rosie Brown, Tonya A. Brown
  • Patent number: 5946726
    Abstract: A woman's sport top with interior bust support is provided. The bust support is provided by two interior bust support sections fastened to opposite sides of the inside of an outer fabric and detachably connected together. Fastening means in the center of the front of both the interior bust support and the outer fabric allow the sport top to be opened and closed easily and comfortably in the front of the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventor: Margaret R. Green
  • Patent number: 5940888
    Abstract: This invention comprises a rigid, semi-rigid or flexible membrane upon which are located a plurality of raised projections or protuberances in a variety of possible geometric shapes. The membrane also has a plurality of vents or cut-outs which give stress relief for the membrane and act as air vents to provide ventilation for the comfort of the wearer. The device is adapted to be placed under the side panels of a woman's brassiere to aid lymphatic flow of the breast tissue lymphatic system by performing a massaging action and removing constriction on the axillary lymphatic vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventor: Jayson I. Sher
  • Patent number: 5915531
    Abstract: A pregnant woman's exercise garment has an integrated support structure for supporting the athletic mother-to-be safely and comfortably and for alleviating the discomfort associated with the physiological changes encountered during pregnancy. The garment includes uterine support panels that cradle the abdominal wall for alleviating downward pressure. The garment also has lower back support panels to protect the sacral and lower lumbar vertebrae of the spine, and inner thigh panels designed to ease the sometimes debilitating sciatica and groin pain. These pieces can be inserted separately or in combination in other athletic wear (i.e. running shorts, swim wear, tennis apparel, etc.) designed specifically for the athletic expectant mother. The garment may also be worn as an undergarment lending support to women whose work requires movement and/or standing for extended periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventors: Bess P. Hilpert, Virginia Joan Harrison
  • Patent number: 5907872
    Abstract: A continuous process for the manufacture of a camisole garment wherein the fabric is cut, defining openings that serve as arm holes in the finished garment. A portion of the fabric is folded back above the openings, defining shoulder straps. The camisole garment has a body seam that may be refastenable or non-refastenable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Richard Alberts, Edward Anthony Drezdzon II, Donald Merlin Fries, deceased, Richard Mark Konetzke, Thomas Theodore Kvitek, Michael Joseph Muhlebach, Michael Joseph Nelson, Gerald Leigh Rabe, Brendon Frank Ribble, James Frederick Roth, Jon Mark Wittmann
  • Patent number: 5694643
    Abstract: Clothes such as a bathrobe having superior moisture absorption and thermal insulation and which keeps one's body dry and clean as it absorbs water remaining not only on the upper half but also at the lower half of one's body after bathing or the like and keeps one's body warm, is provided. The bathrobe includes a body part and an attached cloth. The attached cloth is attached to the body part of the bathrobe to cover one's crotch. A band is attached on one end of the attached cloth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventor: Tomoko Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 5162015
    Abstract: An undergarment affording bust support and an unobstructed view of the wearer's back including a panty portion, a bra portion and joining straps. The panty portion has a front panel, a rear panel, and fasteners for joining the front and rear panels together at the crotch. The bra portion has a pair of cups, a connector joining the cups at the front, and, for each cup, a shoulder strap for supporting the cup on a respective shoulder of the wearer. On each side, the joining straps are a first strap joining the rear panel and a respective one of the cups and a second strap joining the front panel and a respective one of the shoulder straps. The first and second joining straps cross and are secured together adjacent a respective one side of the wearer, preferably at about waist level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Warnaco, Inc.
    Inventor: Carol Otani
  • Patent number: 5094648
    Abstract: A torso support for pregnant women includes abdominal, breast and back support panels and laterally extending upper and lower elastic strips. The upper strip extending along a junction of the lower edge of the breast support panel and the upper edge of the abdominal support panel, and the lower elastic strip extending around a bottom edge of the abdominal support panel adjacent a waist opening of the torso support, are stretchable in only a lateral direction. A pair of shoulder straps extending from an upper portion of the breast support panel to a central upper region on a back of the torso support define neck and shoulder openings. The back support panel has a hexagonal configuration and tapers in width from a widest upper portion to a narrower lower portion. Side edges of the back support panel extend in conformance with arcuate peripheral edge portions of the shoulder openings. Ends of the upper strip are secured to central regions of lateral edges of the back support panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Inventor: Linda L. Turner
  • Patent number: 5081716
    Abstract: A crotch construction for a garment of pliable fabric which prevents the bunching of the fabric into the median cleft of the body in the crotch area. A barrier piece of relatively heavy, non-stretch material is sewn to a strip attached at its edges to the cloth of the garment, so as to float over the cleft and prevent folds of the cloth of the garment from entering and bunching therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Inventors: Ruth B. Lehenbauer, Lois Hugie
  • Patent number: 5060315
    Abstract: The present invention teaches a one-piece garment which is capable of being worn either alone or over panty hose, underpants, tights, or the like, as well as being worn under pants, slacks, a dress and/or a skirt and a blouse; which is capable of covering the body both above and below the waist; which includes hose for the legs; and which permits performing one or more bodily or hygienic functions without the need to remove any of same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Inventor: Elizabeth Ewing
  • Patent number: 5042092
    Abstract: The present invention teaches a one-piece garment which is capable of being worn either alone or over panty hose, underpants, tights, or the like, as well as being worn under pants, slacks, a dress and/or a skirt and a blouse, and which permits performing one or more bodily or hygienic functions without the need to remove any of same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Inventor: Elizabeth Ewing
  • Patent number: 4983140
    Abstract: A backless, strapless ladies' body briefer is made practical by providing a lateral, full-length bone at each of the two seams connecting the front and back halves of the garment. The back half has a V-shaped cutout and an elastic band extending along the waistline and attached to the lateral bones. At least one auxiliary bone, spaced from each lateral bone, is attached to the elastic band and extends to the V-shaped cutout. Additional auxiliary bones attached to the elastic band can help keep the V-shaped edges of the garment snugly against the wearer's back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: Va Bien Ltd., Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Gimble
  • Patent number: 4976653
    Abstract: A maternity garment which provides extra support during bodily activity, comprises an upper body section connected to a lower body section and a continuous elastomeric band extending around the lower body section. The band is connected to the garment by a hinge member attached along one edge of the band and to the garment. Thus, the band can be moved from a relatively low position on the garment and the wearer to a relatively high position in order to provide a range of support to accommodate different wearer sizes and wearer activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Inventor: Barbara E. White
  • Patent number: 4942625
    Abstract: An improved slip to be worn as an undergarment beneath a dress or skirt of the type having a side, front or back slit in the lower edge of a dress or skirt. The slip can either be a half-slip or full slip. It is provided with an opening or recess in a panel of the slip, such as at the rear or front of the slip. The opening is of sufficient size to be larger than the slit in the dress or skirt with which the slip is used. The panel with the opening is opposite to a full panel, such as at the front or rear of the slip so that the full panel alone serves to block the light tending to pass through the dress or skirt and slip. With this one full panel, there is no need to have a conventional slip encompassing the legs of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1990
    Inventor: Linda Mecadon
  • Patent number: 4790032
    Abstract: A woman's slip is provided with a plurality of spaced-apart V-shaped openings along the lower hem portion of the slip. Each V-shaped opening has associated with it a pair of fabric closure-pieces for selectively and alternatively closing of the V-shaped opening or exposing the V-shaped opening, so that the slip may be used with a slitted outergarment, such as a skirt or dress, and alternatively used also with non-slitted outergarments. Each piece is integrally connected with a portion of the slip, and is capable of swinging movement along one side thereof relative to the slip. A plurality of mating female and male fastening elements keep each of the fabric closure-pieces in each of their two possible positions. The V-shaped openings are closed off by the fabric closure-pieces so that the V-shaped openings are not visible when wearing a non-slitted outergarment that is also somewhat sheer, so that the slip looks aesthetically pleasing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Inventor: Ester D. Girouard
  • Patent number: 4644589
    Abstract: A self donning garment for use of a person with limited movement of his arms or legs. The garment in one preferred embodiment comprises a shaped undergarment which has been vertically split along the frontal midline and has, applied to the opposed central edges of the split segments, a pressure actuated fastener means.The wearer, laterally in sequence, slips first one arm or leg into one aperture of one segment, then the other one. He then draws the two together along the frontal midline and pressure fastens the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Inventor: Mary J. Pettis