PARTIAL UNDERGARMENT

Abstract

A partial undergarment for covering the cleavage area of the chest exposed by a low cut article of clothing, using a panel that may be fastened and removed from the article of clothing. A method for affixing a panel traversing the cleavage area of the chest exposed by a low cut article of clothing, with steps that include affixing the means for fastening to the panel and the article of clothing and affixing the panel to the article of clothing. A partial undergarment concealing cleavage from exposure when low cut outer garments are worn over a bra, the partial undergarment comprising a cleavage concealing panel that affixes to the inside front of the bra.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention is that of undergarments and, more particularly, those undergarments pertaining to covering the cleavage area when it is left exposed by a low cut article of clothing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Frequently, female clothing styles allow for visibility of the cleavage area. Many women like the style of such blouses, tops, shirts, jackets, dresses or other outer garments but would like to reveal less cleavage. Many of these high fashion outer garment tops are designed to be worn with a camisole or other concealing undergarment. Wearing a camisole, tanktop, or other undergarment over the bra and under the outergarment is not usually a satisfactory result as it causes extra bulk, shifting, extra straps and can be uncomfortable and overly warm. Fashionable women wish to wear these attractive tops, but frequently do not wish to display as much cleavage as the top allows. There is a need for a simple, small, interchangeable panel to conceal only the cleavage area, without adding discomfort, bulk or unsightly lines or straps.

The prior art describes only a very few types of under garments to conceal cleavage, all of which present disadvantages. The primary disadvantages found in the prior art consist of bulkiness, permanence, extra straps or material, and undesired visibility through outer garments. The prior art examples often fasten to bra straps, limiting their use and decreasing their comfort.

The disadvantages shown in the prior art are solved by the disclosure of this simple partial undergarment that is minimal, simple and removable. It adds no straps and no bulk. It does not shift as it is firmly fastened to the inside of the article of clothing, which can be a bra itself or an outer garment. It can be unfastened and exchanged with another panel of different shape, design or color to add versatility to the wardrobe. It can be fastened to the inside of the wearer's bra or to the inside of the wearer's blouse, top, dress, swimsuit, sweater, pajama, work out wear, or other low cut outer garment. The interchangeability of panels and articles of clothing allows a limitless number of combinations. The panel is not visible on the wearer's sides or back, enabling the wearer to use the undergarment with various types of backless dresses or tops. It can be worn with strapless bras or even tops that do not require a bra at all.

The partial undergarments exhibit a means for fastening that affix to complementary fasteners on the article of clothing. The complementary fasteners on the article of clothing may be added to the article of clothing at the time of manufacture or may be added by a wearer, using an aftermarket kit that would include the panels and the complementary fasteners. The latter concept would allow the wearer to add the complementary fasteners to existing articles of clothing they already owned, using the panels for wardrobe variety and cleavage concealment.

The kit may come with an instruction guide and grid for measuring placement of the complementary fasteners. The kits of complementary fasteners may include strips of fasteners with a flap that lifts up, allowing the consumer to cover the complementary fasteners in their articles of clothing when the panel is not being used. This will prevent chafing of the skin by the complementary fasteners. The fasteners and complementary fasteners could be any type including but not limited to snaps, hooks and loops, straight pin devices, magnets, Velcro™, buttons, adhesive tape, glue, clasps or other types of fasteners. The complementary fasteners can be affixed to the article of clothing by any means that could include sew on, iron on, glue on, adhesive, magnet or other reasonable means of affixing.

The disclosed partial undergarment allows consumers to modestly and classily wear tops, blouses, dresses, swimsuits, sweaters, pajamas, work out wear, or other low cut outer garments. This invention is a chic approach to low cut tops. It allows women and girls to purchase that “have to have” top that is just too low. This alternative approach prevents the consumer from having to wear another shirt underneath a low cut or revealing blouse, and consequently is the perfect accompaniment to any female wardrobe. It has appeal for women of all ages, from teens with low cut high fashion tops, to working women opting for a more professional look, to mothers who want to be less revealing, middle age women who prefer a stylish yet modest approach, and even elderly women who would like a classy little spot of color or design to their chest area or who would like to conceal unsightly blemishes, scars or aging signs on the cleavage and chest area.

The partial undergarment as disclosed not only conceals cleavage, but it can also be worn to accessorize or change the entire look of an outfit. Women often wish to achieve the look of layering; however, wearing multiple layers of clothing can get bulky and uncomfortable. With the partial undergarment disclosed herein, the wearer can achieve a layering look with a small piece of fabric. The ability to achieve the “layered look” with panels of various fabrics, colors, textures and designs adds unlimited versatility to the wardrobe at very little expense and with no added bulk or warmth to the outfit. The panels provide a small yet significant change that will add poise and pride to each outfit.

Notation and Nomenclature

Certain terms are used throughout the following description to refer to particular system components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, design and manufacturing companies may refer to a component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components that differ in name but not function.

“Article of clothing” includes clothing worn by a person and may include bras, tops, dresses, sweaters, blouses, jackets, swimwear, pajamas, lounge wear, sportswear, work out wear and other articles of clothing.

In the following discussion, the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to . . . .” Also, the term “couple” or “couples” is intended to mean either an indirect or direct connection. Thus, if a first device couples to a second device, that connection may be through a direct connection or through an indirect connection via other intermediate devices and connections. Moreover, the term “system” means “one or more components” combined together. Thus, a system can comprise an “entire system” or “subsystems” within the system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

To solve this need in the art, disclosed is a partial undergarment for covering the cleavage area of the chest left exposed by low cut articles of clothing. The partial undergarment includes a panel with a means to fasten the panel to and remove it from the inside front of an article of low cut clothing. The panel may comprise a variety of fabrics or textures. The partial undergarment may have multiple rows of fasteners to allow a custom fit under the article of clothing.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method for affixing a panel traversing the cleavage area of the chest exposed by a low cut article of clothing is disclosed. The method includes a step of affixing fasteners to the panel and then holding the panel up to the low cut area of the inside of the article of clothing and centering it there. Another step includes marking where the fasteners touch the inside of the article of clothing and affixing complementary fasteners at the marked points. Another step is to affix the panel to the inside of the low cut article of clothing. This method could be implemented by a wearer purchasing a kit with a variety of panels and multiple complementary fasteners. The kit may be accompanied by a grid to assist with placement and an instruction sheet, outlining the method steps in more detail.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the partial undergarment comprises a panel that traverses the inside front of the bra, covering the flesh between the cups of the bra. The panel has a series of fasteners respectively connected to the panel to allow attachment of the panel to the bra. The inside of the bra has a series of complementary fasteners, on the inside front of the bra, so that the panel is attachable to the inside front of the bra.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The application makes no claim for the structure of the objects depicted in the photos and drawings, such as a bra or other article of clothing, with which the panel is used, and they are considered prior art.

The drawings contained herein represent preferred embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope. For a detailed description of various embodiments, reference will now be made to the accompanying illustrative drawings in which:

FIG. 1A shows an illustration of the front view of the partial undergarment, in semi-triangular form.

FIGS. 1B and 1C show two of the many other possible shapes of the partial undergarment.

FIG. 1D illustrates the partial undergarment in a rectangular shape and demonstrates multiple rows of a means for fastening to allow for adjustability.

FIG. 1E shows a decorative edge that may be on the partial undergarment.

FIG. 2A shows an illustration of an article of clothing without the benefit of the undergarment.

FIG. 2B shows an illustration of an article of clothing with the undergarment in place, concealing the cleavage area.

FIG. 3 shows an illustration of an inner flap that can cover the complementary fasteners on the inside of the article of clothing.

FIG. 4A shows the rear view of the inside of an article of clothing with the partial undergarment affixed to the inside of the front of the article of clothing.

FIG. 4B shows the front view of the article of clothing with the partial undergarment affixed to the inside of the front of the article of clothing.

FIG. 5A shows an illustration of the front view of a bra with the partial undergarment concealing the area between the bra cups.

FIG. 5B shows an illustration of the inside view of a bra with the partial undergarment attached to the inside of the bra.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1A shows an illustration of the front view of the partial undergarment 5, in semi-triangular form. Though the shape represented in this preferred embodiment is with the undergarment semi-triangular, those skilled in the art will note that many other shapes may be used. Such shapes could include circular, square, jagged, rectangular and other shapes and the utilization of a variety of shapes, textures, designs and colors could add to the visual appeal of the undergarment.

FIG. 1A illustrates fasteners 7 on the semi-triangular panel. The number of fasteners 7 and their placement can vary. There can be multiple rows of fasteners 7 to allow adjustability so the partial undergarment may be snug across the chest or fastened more loosely for a soft draping result. A variety of fastener types may be used. This could include, but is not limited to, snaps, hooks and loops, adhesive tape, magnets, glue, pins, buttons, and Velcro™.

FIGS. 1B and 1C show two of the many shapes that may be utilized for the partial undergarment 5. Each shape depicts fasteners 7 in place.

FIG. 1D discloses the partial undergarment 5 in a rectangular shape with multiple rows of fasteners 7 so the partial undergarment 5 can be customized to the fit the wearer desires, whether taut or loosely gathered.

FIG. 1E shows a decorative edge 9 that may be added to or may be part of the partial undergarment 5.

FIG. 2A depicts the exposed cleavage area 11 on a wearer of a low cut article of clothing 13, without the partial undergarment 5 in place. The article of clothing may include bras, tops, blouses, shirts, dresses, sweaters or other articles of clothing.

FIG. 2B discloses an exemplary embodiment of the front view of an article of clothing 13 with the cleavage area 11 covered by the partial undergarment 5.

FIG. 3 discloses a preferred embodiment wherein the complementary fasteners 15 for the inside of the article of clothing 13 may include a flap of fabric 17 that lays loosely over the complementary fasteners 15 when they are not in use to avoid chafing against the skin.

FIG. 4A shows the rear view of the inside front of an article of clothing 13 with the partial undergarment 5 affixed to the inside of the front of the article of clothing 13. The partial undergarment has fasteners 7 affixed to the ends of the partial undergarment 5. The article of clothing 13 has complementary fasteners 15 affixed to the inside front of the article of clothing 13. The partial undergarment fasteners 7 attach to the complementary fasteners 15, allowing the partial undergarment to fasten to the article of clothing 13.

FIG. 4B illustrates a preferred embodiment of the front view of the article of clothing 13 with the partial undergarment 5 in place and concealing the cleavage area 11.

FIG. 5A shows an exemplary embodiment of the partial undergarment using the illustration of a bra as the article of clothing 13 with the partial undergarment 5 affixed to the bra 13 and concealing the cleavage area 11.

FIG. 5B shows an illustration of a rear view of the inside front of the bra 13 with the partial undergarment 5 in place and the fasteners 7 affixed to the complementary fasteners 15 on the inside of the bra 13. Any number or type of fasteners 7 and complementary fasteners 15 can be used and the partial undergarment 5 may be one of a plurality of shapes, textures, designs or colors.

While the disclosed invention has been described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments thereof, many changes, modifications, alterations and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention should therefore not be limited to the particular preferred embodiment disclosed but should include all embodiments that could fall within the scope of the claims.

Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention shown in the drawings and described in detail above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting, and various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims set forth below.

Claims

1. A partial undergarment for covering the cleavage area of the chest exposed by a low cut article of clothing, comprising a panel with a means for fastening to and removal from the inside front of the article of clothing.

2. The partial undergarment according to claim 1 further comprising multiple rows of fasteners to achieve a custom fit to the article of clothing.

3. The partial undergarment according to claim 1 wherein the means for fastening comprise at least one of snaps, hooks and loops, adhesive tape, magnets, glue, pins, buttons, and Velcro™.

4. The partial undergarment according to claim 1 wherein the means for fastening may comprise fasteners adhered to the panel and complementary fasteners affixed to the article of clothing.

5. The partial undergarment according to claim 1 wherein the panel may be comprised of one of a variety of fabrics, textures, designs and colors.

6. The partial undergarment according to claim 1 wherein the panel may have a decorative edge.

7. A method for affixing a panel traversing the cleavage area of the chest exposed by a low cut article of clothing, the method comprising:

a. affixing a means for fastening to the panel;

b. holding the panel up to the inside of the low cut area of the article of clothing and centering the panel to traverse the low cut area;

c. marking on the inside front of the low cut article of clothing where each of the means for fastening the panel touch the inside of the low cut article of clothing;

d. affixing complementary fasteners to the inside of the low cut article of clothing where the markings are placed; and

e. attaching the panel to the low cut article of clothing.

8. The method according to claim 7 wherein a grid and an instruction sheet may be used to determine proper placement of the complementary fasteners.

9. A partial undergarment concealing cleavage from exposure when low cut outer garments are worn over a bra, the partial undergarment comprising:

a. a panel that traverses the inside front of the bra, covering the flesh between the two cups of the bra;

b. a series of fasteners respectively connected to the panel;

c. a series of complementary fasteners on the inside front of the bra;

d. wherein the panel is attachable to the inside front of the bra; and

e. wherein the central portion of the panel is visible with the outer garment on.

10. The partial undergarment according to claim 9 further comprising multiple rows of fasteners to achieve a custom fit to the article of clothing.

11. The partial undergarment according to claim 9 wherein the means for fastening comprise at least one of snaps, hooks and loops, adhesive tape, magnets, glue, pins, buttons, and Velcro™.

12. The partial undergarment according to claim 9 wherein the means for fastening may comprise fasteners adhered to the panel and complementary fasteners affixed to the bra.

13. The partial undergarment according to claim 9 wherein the panel may be comprised of one of a variety of fabrics, textures, designs and colors.

14. The partial undergarment according to claim 9 wherein the panel may have a decorative edge.