Adjustable undergarment and method of manufacture

Abstract

The present invention provides an adjustable undergarment comprised of a fabric portion defining waist opening and leg openings, wherein the leg openings are formed by a first portion of the fabric removably and adjustably attached to a second portion of the fabric by a securing means and wherein the leg openings are formed so as to form a thong or g-string shaped undergarment. Both the waist opening and the leg openings may be adjusted to provide a custom fitted underwear.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention is related to undergarments and methods of manufacture, more specifically to an adjustable underwear for improved comfort and appearance.

[0002] Various styles of underwear and undergarments are known within the art including briefs, bikini briefs, thongs, g-strings and the like. Also, known are various methods of adjusting undergarments. U.S. Pat. No. 4,675,918 to O'Brien discloses a one piece brief with hook and pile closures. U.S. Pat. No. 4,802,469 to Gollestani discloses a therapeutic body suit. U.S. Pat. No. 4,835,795 to Lonon discloses a body suite and underpants with self-gripping fasteners. U.S. Pat. No. 4,951,321 to Mortensen et al. discloses a novelty undergarment. U.S. Pat. No. 4,961,234 to Leibman discloses an outer garment with detachable crotch piece. U.S. Pat. No. 5,103,501 to Meisels discloses a traveling and disposable underwear. U.S. Pat. No. 3,279,469 to Schustack discloses a panty girdle with an elastic body adapted to tightly encircle the mid-portion of the body to support the abdomen and a displaceable crotch structure for sanitary purposes. U.S. Pat. No. 6,412,119 discloses an undergarment with operable forward flap including a pair of underpants. The purpose being to allow for facilitating urination.

[0003] Thongs and g-strings have become very popular recently, as tight clothing lines created the need for something new underneath. Regular bikini briefs left unsightly lines across the bottom. Tight pants and skirts were possible only if you went without, or went with the undesirable visible panty line. Thus, panty-line free underwear became popular. Panty-line free underwear includes thongs, g-strings, any underwear which leaves the buttocks exposed.

[0004] Even more recently, low-rise pants, jeans and skirts have become increasingly popular and stylish. While thong and g-string underwear prevent “panty lines” , certain types of underwear may not fit well with lower pants and jeans. The underwear may be too high on the front, back and side of the wearer and be visible. As such, it would be desirable to have adjustable undergarments that can be worn with both high and low rise garments. Also, different body types may require different lengths. For instance, some people may be longer waisted. As such, it would be desirable to provide an adjustable pair of underwear that may accommodate different body types and be capable of adjustment in a multitude of directions.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need within the prior art to provide an undergarment and method of manufacture that provides the wearer the option to adjust the undergarment so as to adapt to different body types and styles of clothing in order to provide a custom fit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is envisioned that the present invention be utilized by men or women, and provide an adjustable underwear such as, but not limited to, thong, g-string, bikini, and boxer briefs that provides comfort, and desirable appearance under various styles of clothing and shapes of wearers.

[0007] According to one embodiment, an adjustable, panty-line free (or otherwise) undergarment is disclosed comprising a fabric portion defining waist opening and leg openings, wherein the leg openings are formed by a first portion of the fabric removably and adjustably attached to a second portion of the fabric by a securing means and wherein said leg openings are formed so as to form a thong shaped undergarment.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, an adjustable, panty-line free undergarment is disclosed, comprising: a front panel with a top portion, bottom portion, left side and right side; a back panel with a top portion, bottom portion, left side and right side; a first securing means for adjustably and removably attaching the bottom portion of the front panel to the bottom portion of the back panel; a first connecting means for attaching the left side of the front panel to the right side of the back panel; and a second connecting means for attaching the right side of the front panel to the left side of the back panel.

[0009] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method of making an adjustable, panty-line free undergarment, is disclosed comprising the steps of: providing a first front panel blank with a top portion, bottom portion, left side and right side; providing a second back panel blank with a top portion, bottom portion, left side and right side; attaching a first end of a securing means to the bottom portion of the first front panel blank; attaching a second end of a securing means to the bottom portion of the second back panel blank; attaching the left side of the front panel to the right side of the back panel; and attaching the right side of the front panel to the left side of the back panel.

[0010] According to yet another embodiment, a method of making an adjustable undergarment is disclosed, comprising the steps of: providing a first blank with a top portion and a bottom portion; providing a generally circular second waistband blank with a front portion and a back portion; attaching a first end of a securing means to the bottom portion of the first blank; attaching a second end of a securing means to the second waistband blank; and attaching the top portion of the first blank to the second waistband blank.

[0011] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 depicts an elevational view of an adjustable undergarment as in the present invention;

[0013] FIGS. 2A-2F depict bottom views and front view of various portions of the adjustable undergarment as in the present invention;

[0014] FIGS. 3A and 3B depict a method of manufacturing an adjustable undergarment and an undergarment according to the present invention; and

[0015] FIG. 4A and 4B depict a method of manufacturing an adjustable undergarment and an undergarment according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The following detailed description is an example of one of the currently contemplated applications of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the present invention envisions an adjustable, panty-line free undergarment 21 with a fabric portion defining waist opening 29 and leg openings 23, 25. The fabric portion may be a single continuous piece of fabric with a first portion 31 to be adjustably and removably attached to a second portion 27. Also, the fabric portion may be a number of pieces and types of fabric sewn together. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the fabric portion is a single piece of fabric. The leg openings 23, 25 are formed by a first portion 31 of the fabric removably and adjustably attached to a second portion 27 of the fabric by a securing means 20 and wherein the leg openings 23, 25 are formed so as to form a thong shaped undergarment. It should be understood that the term panty-line free, thong, and g-string are all intended to be equivalents. That is, the present invention provides undergarments and underwear that, when worn, leave at least a portion of the buttocks exposed while covering the male or female genitalia. The securing means may be any method of attaching one piece of fabric to another as known within the art and may include, but is not limited to, an eye and hook, button and loop, male and female fasteners, snaps, Velcro, adjusting bracket. According to a preferred embodiment the securing means 20 may be between the anus and back waistline of the intended wearer. However, the securing means 20 may also be between the anus and the stomach of the intended wearer without limitation. The first portion 31 of the fabric may be a single piece of fabric or be at least two pieces of fabric sewn together to form the first portion 31 of the fabric. By way of example, it may be desirable to have a reinforced panel covering in the crotch area of the intended wearer. This may be sewn into the first portion 31 of the fabric. The second portion 27 of the fabric may also be a single piece of fabric or be at least two pieces of fabric sewn together. It should also be noted that the term fabric includes string, and thin pieces of fabric. It may be desirable to have the second portion 27 of the fabric be a string.

[0018] The present invention is intended to provide a custom fitted underwear. Wearers of underwear come in all shapes and sizes. Additionally, different styles of clothing (e.g. low and high rise jeans) require different forms and fits of underwear. Because of this, it is desirable to provide a perfectly fitting underwear, that may be adjusted in length, width and depth. It is envisioned that there be an adjustment means 22, 24 along the waist opening 29 to adjust the size of the waist opening 29. The adjustment means may vary according to the size and type of fabrics being used. However, according to a preferred embodiment, the adjustment means may be an adjustment bracket as known within the art. U.S. Pat. No. 6,179,687 issued to Lee provides a good explanation of adjustment brackets and is incorporated herein by reference.

[0019] FIG. 2 depicts an adjustable, panty-line free undergarment, comprising a front panel 30 with a top portion 32, bottom portion 34, left side 36 and right side 38. The back panel 40 with a top portion 42, bottom portion 44, left side 46 and right side 48. As shown, a first securing means 50, 52 adjustably and removably attaches the bottom portion 34 of the front panel 30 to the bottom portion 44 of the back panel 40. A first connecting means 56 for attaching the left side 36 of the front panel 30 to the right side 48 of the back panel 40. The connecting means may be thread (56, 58 as shown in FIG. 2B), string, transparent fabric, invisible fabric, leather, suede, fabric, chain, zipper, beads, sequins, or any combination thereof. There is also a second connecting means 58 for attaching the right side 38 of the front panel 30 to the left side 46 of the back panel 40. According to the embodiment shown, the first connecting means 56 is a string, or thin piece of fabric. It may also be desirable to have the connecting means 56 be an invisible piece of fabric, string, thread or any combination thereof. For example, 100% polyurethane, sold under the trade name, Lastin, distributed in the United States by Security Textile Corporation. The string is then connected or sewn to the front panel 30 or back panel 40.

[0020] However, it may also be desirable to directly sew the left side 36 of the front panel 30 to the right side 48 of the back panel 40 and sew the right side 38 of the front panel 30 to the left side 46 of the back panel 40, as shown in FIG. 2A. According to this embodiment, the first connecting means 56 may be thread, heat seal or any means known within the art for connecting or attaching a first piece of fabric to a second piece of fabric. According to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2A, the waist opening may be fixed, elastic or capable of adjustment. The crotch area is intended to be adjustably and removably attached by securing means 50, 52. According to the embodiment shown, securing means 50 may be a male snap, and holes 52, 53, 55 may be female snaps which act as receptacles for the male snap. For a higher fit on the waist, hole 52 may be in communication with securing means 50. For a medium fit on the waist, hole 53 may be in communication with securing means 50. For a lower fit on the waist, hole 55 may be in communication with securing means 50. The securing means chosen from the group consisting of an eye and hook, button and loop, male and female fasteners, snaps, and adjusting brackets. The front panel 30 may be comprised of a number of pieces of fabric sewn together. There may also be a reinforced crotch panel. The back panel 40 may also be comprised of a number of pieces of fabric sewn together.

[0021] FIGS. 2C-2F depict an embodiment of an adjustment means. It is preferred that the adjustment means be used to adjust the waist opening as in any of the embodiments. The adjustment means may also be used to adjust the securing means (e.g. 56, 58 in FIG. 2A) which attach a front portion to a back portion. As shown, there may be an adjusting bracket 9 that allows a wearer to adjust the length of the strap. The material is made of a thin flexible material, therefore the strap has to be looped into the adjusting bracket 9 in a specified manner to keep the adjusting bracket from unintended slippage through the strap. As shown in FIG. 2D, the strap is looped through an adjusting bracket 9 by taking one end 3 of the strap 1, before a connecting bracket 5 or another adjusting bracket is attached to a first end of the strap, and inserting this from the bottom of a first opening 11 of the adjusting bracket and over the top 12 of a divider 13 and into a second opening 14 of the adjusting bracket 9. The end 3 of the strap 1 is then wrapped around a lateral end 15 adjacent to the second opening 14 and over the top 12 and again into the first opening 11, this time from the top. This end 3 is then inserted from the bottom of a closed opening 7 of the connecting bracket 5 and out on the top and into the first opening 11 of the adjusting bracket wrapping over a lateral end 16 adjacent to the opening 11, where the end 3 is finally secured to itself by attachment to a strap portion near the lateral end 16 to close end 3. After this looping, a certain length 20 of a doubled layer strap is left between the adjusting bracket 9 and the connecting bracket 5 as shown in FIG. 2C to provide the desired length of strap for adjustment. This method of looping an adjusting bracket may also be applied to a connecting bracket 5, if one uses the connecting bracket 5 to adjust the length of a strap. It may be preferable to use clear, colorless connecting and adjusting brackets but opaque ones can also be used. No special way of looping or attachment is involved with the other end 4. The other end 4 is simply connected to a second connecting bracket 17 by passing the end 4 through a closed opening 18 of the second connecting bracket 17, wrapping around a lateral end 19 (substantially hidden under the welt like loop) of the second connecting bracket 17 adjacent to the closed opening 18 where the end 4 is then glued to a strap portion near the lateral end 19 of the second connecting bracket 17 to close end 4. This latter method of attaching end 4 is the method used for attaching both connecting brackets in a strap without an adjusting bracket. In a strap without an adjusting bracket, the resulting strap is only one strip unlike those with an adjusting bracket where a double layer of strip results from the looping of the adjusting bracket to one of the connecting bracket. These brackets are commercially available and are made of either plastic or metal.

[0022] Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the present invention also envisions a method of making an adjustable undergarment. This method comprises the step 100 providing a first front panel blank 81 with a top portion 80, bottom portion 82, left side 84 and right side 86. The first front panel blank 81 may be a single piece of fabric or at least two pieces of fabric sewn together. Step 102 providing a second back panel blank 79 with a top portion 71, bottom portion 73, left side 77 and right side 75. It should be noted that the terms left side and right side are interchangable, as it depends on the view. While the term right side 75 is being used to depict the side actually on the left in the picture, from the back the right side 75 would appear on the right. The second back panel blank 79 may be a single piece of fabric or at least two pieces of fabric sewn together. Step 104 attaching a first end 88 of a securing means to the bottom portion 82 of the first front panel blank 81. Step 106 attaching a second end 90 of a securing means to bottom portion 73 of the second back panel blank 79. The securing means may be attached to the first front panel blank 81 and second back panel blank 79, so that when the securing means is secured it is either between the anus and back waistline, or between the anus and the stomach of the intended wearer. Step 108 attaching the left side 84 of the first front panel blank 81 to the right side 75 of the second back panel blank 79. This may be accomplished by sewing the left side 84 of the first front panel blank 81 to the right side 75 of the second back panel blank 79, or sewing a first end of a thin piece of fabric 92 to the left side 84 of the first front panel blank 81 and a second end of the thin piece of fabric 92 to the right side 75 of the back panel 79. Step 110 attaching the right side 86 of the first front panel blank 81 to the left side 77 of the second back panel blank 79. This may be accomplished by sewing the right side 86 of the first front panel blank 81 to the left side 77 of the second back panel blank 79 or sewing a first end of a thin piece of fabric 94 to the right side 86 of the first front panel blank 81 and a second end of the thin piece of fabric 94 to the left side 77 of the second back panel blank 79. Step 112 providing an adjustment means 96 for adjusting the waist opening of the adjustable undergarment. A continuous waistband may also be attached to the top portion of first front panel blank 81 and second back panel blank 79 (not shown).

[0023] Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a method of making an adjustable undergarment is disclosed, comprising the steps of: step 400 providing a first blank 150 with a top portion 152 and a bottom portion 154; step 402 providing a generally circular second waistband blank 157 with a front portion 156 and a back portion 158; step 404 attaching a first end 160 of a securing means to the bottom portion 154 of the first blank 150; step 406 attaching a second end 162 of a securing means to the second waistband blank 157; and step 408 attaching the top portion 152 of the first blank 150 to the front portion 156 of the second waistband blank 157. Optionally, step 410 providing an adjustment means for adjusting the waist opening of the adjustable undergarment. As in the previous embodiments, the purpose of the securing means is to allow for adjustment in the crotch area. This provides a highly adjustment undergarment, that may provide custom fitted tailoring of the undergarment to the individual wearer.

[0024] It should be understood that a number of different embodiments are envisioned including sewing or attaching a thin piece of fabric to the securing means. This may be accomplished by sewing a first end of a thin piece of fabric (not shown) to second waistband blank 157 and a second end of the thin piece of fabric to the second end 162 of the securing means. As in the previous embodiments, the method may further comprise the step 410 providing an adjustment means for adjusting the waist opening of the adjustable undergarment. Also, the first end of the securing means between the anus and back waistline of the intended wearer, or the anus and the stomach of the intended wearer. That is to say, the undergarment as in the present invention may attach in the front or in the back without limitation.

[0025] It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to preferred embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. An adjustable undergarment:

a fabric portion defining waist opening and leg openings, wherein said leg openings are formed by a first portion of said fabric removably and adjustably attached to a second portion of said fabric by a securing means and wherein said leg openings are formed so as to form an undergarment that is thong shaped.

2. An adjustable undergarment as in claim 1, wherein said securing means is chosen from the group consisting of an eye and hook, button and loop, male and female fasteners, snaps, Velcro, zipper, adjusting bracket.

3. An adjustable undergarment as in claim 1, wherein said first portion is a panel that covers the crotch and said second portion is a waistband.

4. An adjustable undergarment as in claim 1, wherein said securing means is between the anus and back waistline of the intended wearer.

5. An adjustable undergarment as in claim 1, wherein said securing means is between the anus and the stomach of the intended wearer.

6. An adjustable undergarment as in claim 1, wherein said first portion of said fabric is comprised of at least two pieces of fabric sewn together to form said first portion of said fabric.

7. An adjustable undergarment as in claim 1, wherein said second portion of said fabric is comprised of at least two pieces of fabric sewn together to form said second portion of said fabric.

8. An adjustable undergarment as in claim 1, wherein said fabric portion is a single piece of fabric comprised of said first portion and said second portion.

9. An adjustable undergarment as in claim 1, further comprising an adjustment means along said waist opening to adjust the size of said waist opening.

10. An adjustable undergarment, comprising:

a front panel with a top portion, bottom portion, left side and right side;

a back panel with a top portion, bottom portion, left side and right side;

a first securing means for adjustably and removably attaching said bottom portion of said front panel to said bottom portion of said back panel;

a first connecting means for attaching said left side of said front panel to said right side of said back panel; and

a second connecting means for attaching said right side of said front panel to said left side of said back panel.

11. An adjustable undergarment as in claim 10, wherein said first connecting means is chosen from the group consisting of thread, string, transparent fabric, invisible fabric, leather, suede, fabric, chain, zipper, beads, sequins, and any combination thereof.

12. An adjustable undergarment as in claim 10, wherein said second connecting means is chosen from the group consisting of thread, string, transparent fabric, invisible fabric, leather, suede, fabric, chain, zipper, beads, sequins, or any combination thereof.

13. An adjustable undergarment as in claim 10, further comprising an adjustment means for adjusting the waist opening of said adjustable undergarment.

14. An adjustable undergarment as in claim 10, wherein said securing means is chosen from the group consisting of an eye and hook, button and loop, male and female fasteners, snaps, Velcro, zipper, adjusting bracket.

15. An adjustable undergarment as in claim 10, wherein said securing means is between the anus and back waistline of the intended wearer.

16. An adjustable undergarment as in claim 10, wherein said securing means is between the anus and the stomach of the intended wearer.

17. An adjustable undergarment as in claim 10, wherein said front panel is comprised of at least two pieces of fabric sewn together.

18. An adjustable undergarment as in claim 10, wherein said back panel is comprised of at least two pieces of fabric sewn together.

19. An adjustable undergarment as in claim 10, further comprising at least one adjustment means along a waist opening to adjust the size of said waist opening.

20. A method of making an adjustable undergarment, comprising the steps of:

providing a first front panel blank with a top portion, bottom portion, left side and right side;

providing a second back panel blank with a top portion, bottom portion, left side and right side;

attaching a first end of a securing means to said bottom portion of said first front panel blank;

attaching a second end of a securing means to said bottom portion of said second back panel blank;

attaching said left side of said first front panel blank to said right side of said second back panel blank; and

attaching said right side of said first front panel blank to said left side of said second back panel blank.

21. A method of making an adjustable undergarment as in claim 20, wherein said step of attaching said left side of said first front panel blank to said right side of said second back panel blank is accomplished by sewing said left side of said first front panel blank to said right side of said second back panel blank.

22. A method of making an adjustable undergarment as in claim 20, wherein said step of attaching said right side of said first front panel blank to said left side of said second back panel blank is accomplished by sewing said right side of said first front panel blank to said left side of said second back panel blank.

23. A method of making an adjustable undergarment as in claim 20, wherein said step of attaching said left side of said first front panel blank to said right side of said second back panel blank is accomplished by sewing a first end of a thin piece of fabric to said left side of said first front panel blank and a second end of said thin piece of fabric to said right side of said second back panel blank.

24. A method of making an adjustable undergarment as in claim 20, wherein said step of attaching said right side of said first front panel blank to said left side of said second back panel blank is accomplished by sewing a first end of a thin piece of fabric to said right side of said first front panel blank and a second end of said thin piece of fabric to said left side of said second back panel blank.

25. A method of making an adjustable undergarment as in claim 20, wherein said step of attaching said left side of said first front panel blank to said right side of said second back panel blank is accomplished by sewing said left side of said first front panel blank to a continuous waistband and said right side of said second back panel blank to said continuous waistband.

26. A method of making an adjustable undergarment as in claim 20, wherein said step of attaching said right side of said first front panel blank to said left side of said second back panel blank is accomplished by sewing said right side of said first front panel blank to a continuous waistband and said left side of said second back panel blank to said continuous waistband.

27. A method of making an adjustable undergarment as in claim 20, further comprising the step of providing an adjustment means for adjusting the waist opening of said adjustable undergarment.

28. A method of making an adjustable undergarment as in claim 20, wherein said step of attaching a first end of a securing means to said bottom portion of said first front panel blank is done so that said first end of said securing means is between the anus and back waistline of the intended wearer.

29. A method of making an adjustable undergarment as in claim 20, wherein said step of attaching a first end of a securing means to said bottom portion of said first front panel blank is done so that said first end of said securing means is between the anus and the stomach of the intended wearer.

30. A method of making an adjustable undergarment as in claim 20, wherein said first front panel blank is comprised of at least two pieces of fabric sewn together.

31. A method of making an adjustable undergarment as in claim 20, wherein said second back panel blank is comprised of at least two pieces of fabric sewn together.

32. A method of making an adjustable undergarment, comprising the steps of:

providing a first blank with a top portion and a bottom portion;

providing a generally circular second waistband blank with a front portion and a back portion;

attaching a first end of a securing means to said bottom portion of said first blank;

attaching a second end of a securing means to said second waistband blank; and

attaching said top portion of said first blank to said second waistband blank.

33. A method of making an adjustable undergarment as in claim 32, wherein said step of attaching a second end of a securing means to said second waistband blank occurs so as to attach said second end to said back portion of said second waistband blank.

34. A method of making an adjustable undergarment as in claim 32, wherein said step of attaching a second end of a securing means to said second waistband blank occurs so as to attach said second end to said front portion of said second waistband blank.

35. A method of making an adjustable undergarment as in claim 32, wherein said step of attaching a second end of a securing means to said second waistband blank is accomplished by sewing a first end of a thin piece of fabric to said second waistband blank and a second end of said thin piece of fabric to said second end of said securing means.

36. A method of making an adjustable undergarment as in claim 32, further comprising the step of providing an adjustment means for adjusting the waist opening of said adjustable undergarment.

37. A method of making an adjustable undergarment as in claim 32, wherein said step of attaching a first end of a securing means to said first front panel blank is done so that said first end of said securing means is between the anus and back waistline of the intended wearer.

38. A method of making an adjustable undergarment as in claim 32, wherein said step of attaching a first end of a securing means to said bottom portion of said first front panel blank is done so that said first end of said securing means is between the anus and the stomach of the intended wearer.