Torso top outer garment

Abstract

A cover up torso top outer garment provides increased coverage and support for women wearing bikini bras formed of right and left side front stretchable portions of an outer fabric and an inner fabric with an open-ended front zipper releasably securing the portions, and elastic material along the bottom edge of each portion to form gathers along each bottom edge. Each portion has an elongated neck edge, and an elongate arm edge, with an elongated adjustable neck strap connected to the neck and arm edges of each portion, and an elongated adjustable back strap connected to the neck and bottom edges of each portion.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to an auxiliary torso top outer garment to be worn by women wearing revealing bathing suits, primarily bikinis, during activities other than sunbathing.

2. Prior Art

Women that are fashionable and desirous of tanning much of their bodies when lying on the beach or poolside often wear bikini bathing suits to minimize tan lines on their backs, necks and elsewhere. This usually presents no problem when sitting or lying still on a towel or chaise lounge or the like. However, when bikini-clad women actively move about, playing volleyball, swimming, playing with and/or attending to children, where they may need to bend at the waist and/or crawl on the sand, the fashionable bikini tops pose risks of the breasts “popping out” of the bikini tops and/or being overly exposed.

Currently, the available possible solution to this problem is to buy and wear a sports bra or triathlon styled top where the shoulder straps merge into a one piece central leg forming a “Y” shaped back member by which unwanted tan lines would be made on the back of a woman wearing same. Other sports bras have shoulder straps connected to a wide torso band at the back, which would be unwanted by a woman wearing a bikini top. Not only do sports bras cover too much of the torso, but the fabric is much thicker than bathing suit material and they are more binding and uncomfortable to wear. Also, to put on a sports bra over a bikini top while on the beach or at poolside would present some difficulties in properly positioning the sports bra and/or the underlying bikini top.

Accordingly, this invention seeks to overcome the above problems by providing a cover up in the form of an auxiliary torso top outer garment which is readily donned and doffed without the normal motions of the bikini top wearer in attempting to also put on a sports bra over the bikini top being worn. Women using the torso top outer garment would normally preset the adjustable straps of the torso top outer garment in the privacy of their own home or hotel room, for example, over their bikini tops so that the auxiliary torso top outer garment would be preset and ready to be put on, much like a bolero or short jacket with a simple front closure, such as an open ended zipper.

Another feature of the auxiliary torso top outer garment is that it should provide the wearer with comfort and support so that it may be worn comfortably for extended periods of time if necessary without detracting from the ability to obtain a tan over most of the back of the wearer and which looks more stylish than sports bras and can withstand repeated washings, wetting and drying substantially like a swimsuit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The torso top outer garment in accord with this invention provides increased coverage and support for women wearing bikini bra swimsuits, and the garment includes right and left side front portions respectively having a generally horizontal lower edge and a generally vertical edge extending perpendicular and upward from an end of said lower edge. The side front portions are made of a stretchable outer fabric for swimsuits that stretches vertically and horizontally and side front portions have a stretchable inner fabric that lines the outer fabric and also stretches vertically and horizontally. Both of the fabrics are thin and readily dry after being wet. An open-ended front zipper of a predetermined length is attached to each of the right and left side front portions along the vertical edges for releasably securing the right and front side portion to said left side front portion. A length of elastic material of a predetermined width is disposed along each of the lower edges and located between the inner and outer fabric within a casing formed between the opposite ends of the lower edge and having a length shorter than the lower edge, the elastic material having ends secured to respective side front portions to provide gathers of the fabrics along the lower edge. Each of the side front portions having a slightly curved elongated neck edge connected to respective upper ends of the vertical edges at one end of the neck edge and having another end spaced away a predetermined distance. Each of the side front portions has a greater curved elongated arm edge with opposite ends one end thereof being adjacent another end of the neck edge and another arm edge end being adjacent another end of the lower edge. An elongated neck strap connects and spans between another end of the neck edge of the right and left front portions, and an elongated back strap connects and spans between another end of the arm edge of the right and left front portions.

Other aspects of the invention are seen in the neck strap being adjustable in length and includes a length of elastic material. The neck strap carries a closed slide by which the elastic material is effectively shortened to substantially have overlapping parts and by which the elastic material is effectively lengthened to substantially have non-overlapping parts.

Additional aspects are provided by the back strap being adjustable in length and includes a length of elastic material. The back strap carries a closed slide by which the elastic material is effectively shortened to substantially have overlapping parts and by which the elastic material is effectively lengthened to substantially have non-overlapping parts.

Further aspects are provided by forming attachment zones for securing the back strap by another end of the lower edge and another arm edge end of each of the side front portions. Attachment zones are formed for securing the neck strap by another end of the neck edge and the one end of the arm edge of each of the side front portions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of this invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an outer front elevational view of the auxiliary torso top outer garment in accord with the invention showing the open-ended front zipper, the adjustable neck strap and the adjustable back strap;

FIG. 2 is an inner front elevational view of the right side portion of the garment of FIG. 1, as viewed from inside the garment, without the major portion of the neck and back straps;

FIG. 3 is an inner front elevational view of the left side portion of the garment of FIG. 1, as viewed from inside the garment, without the major portion of the neck and back straps; and

FIG. 4 is an outer front elevational view of another embodiment of the auxiliary torso top outer garment in accord with the invention, with modified adjustable neck and back straps.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The auxiliary torso top outer garment is generally designated by numeral 10 in FIG. 1, and includes a right side breast portion 12 and a left side breast portion 14 releasably secured together by an open-ended front zipper 16 having an insertion pin 18, a retainer box 20 mounted at the bottom 21 of left side of the zipper tape 22, as shown in FIG. 3. The top stop 23 is on the right side of the zipper tape 24, as shown in FIG. 2, and is spaced from insertion pin 18. Stop 23 and pin 18 are disposed at opposite ends of the zipper tape 24, as sewn into the garment 10. The zipper slider 25 has a pull tab 26 movably connected to the slider 25 so that it may assume the position shown in FIG. 1 or be folded 180° downwardly to lie against the slider 25 and some of the interlocking fasteners 27 and 28 on respective tapes 24 and 22, all of which are well known to those having ordinary skill in the art.

The tapes 22 and 24 are sewn as depicted by broken lines 30 and 31 in respective FIGS. 2 and 3 to the completely lined bathing suit fabric of nylon Lycra spandex or the like which may be 80 or 90% nylon and 20 or 10% Lycra spandex and usually with four way stretch, as known in the art of swimsuits.

The upper edge 32 of each breast portion 12 and 14 has a shallow curve to form a U-neck or may be straighter to form a V-neck and has a length of about 7″ to 8″. The bottom edge 29 is gathered and has a length of about 9″ to 10″. The more deeply curved edge 33 is about 12″ to 13″. The breast portions 12 and 14 are sewingly connected to short casing end attachment zones 41 and 44 respectively, forming parts of neck strap 39 and back strap 42. Spanning between attachment zone 41 is an adjustable elastic strap 40 which is adjusted to the minimum length, as shown with the elastic being doubled, and may be adjusted to its maximum singled length by a closed slider 46, commonly found on adjustable bra shoulder straps and the like. Likewise, casing end attachment zones 44 of the back strap 42 are connected to doubled elastic 43 and the back strap 42 is provided with a closed slider 48.

A typical torso top outer garment when sewn in accord with this invention may have the following attributes:

• • A. zipper 16—length 5″ to 6″
  • B. side breast portion 12 and 14 unstretched bottom length—9″
    • stretched bottom length—13″
  • C. elastic 34 width ½″ sewn at ends by sew lines 35 and 36 to create gathers 37 in the casing 38 between the inner and outer fabric forming the fully lined garment
  • D. unstretched upper edge 32 length—8″
    • stretched upper edge 32 length—11″
  • E. unstretched side curved edge 33 length—15″
    • stretched side curved edge 33 length—20″
  • F. neck strap 39 with unstretched elastic 40 doubled—12″
    • stretched elastic 40 doubled—16″
    • elastic 40 single stretched—21″
    • width of elastic 40—¾″
  • G. back strap 42 with unstretched elastic 43 doubled—11″
    • stretched elastic 43 doubled—16″
    • elastic 43 single stretched—22″
  • H. elastic 40 doubled about 3″ and connected to end attachment zones 41 by respective closed slide 46 and side open slide 47
  • I. elastic 43 doubled about 3″ and connected to end attachment zones 44 by respective closed slide 48 and side open slide 49

Preferably, the upper edge 32 of each breast portion 12 and 14 is provided with elastic 52 sewn at ends by sew lines 53 and 54 to create gathers 55 in the casing 56 between the inner and outer fabric forming the fully lined garment 10. Likewise the curved edge 33 of each breast portion 12 and 14 is provided with elastic 57 sewn at ends by sew lines 58 and 59 to create gathers 60 in the casing 61 between the inner and outer fabric forming the fully lined garment 10.

It is to be understood that the width of the elastic 52 and/or 57 may be the same or differ to provide a comfortable fit around the breast of the wearer. Also, that the elastic 52 and/or 57 may be the same or differ from the width of elastic 40 and/or may be pre-stretched differently from the stretching of elastic 40 within its casing 38.

Sliders 47 and 49 may be closed sliders like sliders 46 and 48, or may be one side open sliders so that each or either of the neck strap 39 and back strap 42 may be opened to provide even greater versatility for the user in properly presetting the garment 10 in privacy.

With the above attributes, the drawings and the description, a person having ordinary skill in the sewing arts and particularly in the swimsuit sewing arts would be able to cut out, assemble and sew the auxiliary torso top outer garment 10 of this invention. It is intended that perhaps only two or perhaps three different sizes would be needed to adequately fit most women in a supportive and comfortable manner, such as,

• • Small—Medium,
  • Large—Extra Large, and
  • 2x-3x

The various adjustable features of the straps 39 and 42 and the stretchability of not only the elastics 40 and 43 (and 34) but the stretchability of the entire side breast portions 12 and 14 and casing attachments 41 and 44, provide the garment with the ability of proper fitting of most women's upper torso over bikini tops.

As hereinbefore mentioned, the auxiliary torso top outer garment 10 would normally be adjusted by the bikini top wearer at the house or hotel prior to going to the beach or pool. She would remove the torso top outer garment 10 from her body after adjustments and would be ready to go to the beach or pool wearing her bikini bathing suit, perhaps exposing more of her skin, as many bikini tops do. Before swimming or playing volleyball, or running or overly bending or playing with and/or attending to her children, she would put on the auxiliary torso top outer garment 10, which neatly and comfortably covers more of her breasts and would more effectively support and maintain the breasts inside the torso top 10 even if the breasts somehow “pop out” from the bikini top she is wearing. Likely this would not occur if the woman properly adjusted the auxiliary torso top outer garment 10 before she wore it over her bikini top

FIG. 4 depicts an alternate embodiment with most of the same components identified by the same numerals. The casing attachments 41 and 44 are substantially shortened or eliminated so that longer elastics 52 and 53 primarily and respectively form substantially the entire neck strap 39A and back strap 42A, as shown. Each of those straps 39A and 42A have corresponding respective closed slides 46, 47, 48 and 49 which function in the same manner as heretobefore described. This embodiment, while perhaps being more easily sewn and less costly, is not as comfortable to the wearer, as the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3.

While the invention has been described with respect to certain specific embodiments, it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is intended, therefore, by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A torso top outer garment that provides increased coverage and support for women wearing bikini bra swimsuits, the garment comprising

right and left side front portions respectively having a generally horizontal lower edge and a generally vertical edge extending perpendicular and upward from an end of said lower edge;

said right and left side front portions being made of a stretchable outer fabric for swimsuits that stretches vertically and horizontally and readily dries after being wet, said right and left side front portions being made of a stretchable inner fabric that stretches vertically and horizontally and readily dries after being wet, said inner fabric providing a lining for said outer fabric;

an open-ended front zipper of a predetermined length attached to each said right and left side front portions along said vertical edges for releasably securing said right and left side front portions;

a length of elastic material of a predetermined width being disposed along each of said lower edges and located between said inner and outer fabric within a casing formed between the opposite ends of said lower edge and having a length shorter than said lower edge, said elastic material having ends secured to respective said side front portions to provide gathers of said inner and outer fabrics along said lower edge;

each said right and left side front portion having a slightly curved elongated neck edge connected to respective upper ends of said vertical edges at one end of said neck edge and having another end spaced away a predetermined distance;

each said right and left side front portions having a greater curved elongated arm edge having opposite ends with one end thereof being adjacent said another end of said neck edge and another arm edge end being adjacent another end of said lower edge;

an elongated neck strap connecting and spanning between said another end of said neck edges of said right and left front portions; and

an elongated back strap connecting and spanning between said another end of said arm edges of said right and left front portions.

2. The garment as defined in claim 1 wherein said neck strap is adjustable in length and includes a length of elastic material.

3. The garment as defined in claim 2 wherein said neck strap includes a closed slide by which said elastic material is effectively shortened to substantially have overlapping parts and by which said elastic material is effectively lengthened to substantially have non-overlapping parts.

4. The garment as defined in claim 1 wherein said arm edge includes gathers therealong.

5. The garment as defined in claim 1 wherein said back strap is adjustable in length and includes a length of elastic material.

6. The garment as defined in claim 5 wherein said back strap includes a closed slide by which said elastic material is effectively shortened to substantially have overlapping parts and by which said elastic material is effectively lengthened to substantially have non-overlapping parts.

7. The garment as defined in claim 1 wherein said neck edge includes gathers therealong.

8. The garment as defined in claim 1 wherein said another end of said lower edge and said another arm edge end of each of said side front portions provides an attachment zone for securing said back strap thereto.

9. The garment as defined in claim 1 wherein said another end of said neck edge and said one end of said arm edge of each of said side front portions provides an attachment zone for securing said neck strap thereto.

10. The garment as defined in claim 1 wherein said another end of said lower edge and said another arm edge end of each of said side front portions provides an attachment zone for securing said back strap thereto and wherein said another end of said neck edge and said one end of said arm edge of each of said side front portions provides another attachment zone for securing said neck strap thereto.

11. A torso top outer garment the provides increased coverage for women wearing bikini bra swimsuits, the garment comprising

right and left front side portions respectively having an elongated lower edge with opposite ends and extending generally horizontally, an elongated straight middle edge with opposite ends and extending perpendicularly with respect to said lower edge, an elongated slightly and downwardly curved neck edge with opposite ends, an elongated curved arm edge with opposite ends extending generally vertically and spaced from said straight middle edge, one of said ends of said middle edge being connected to one of said ends of said lower edge, one of said ends of said neck edge being connected to another of said ends of said middle edge, said neck edge, another end and one of said ends of said arm edge being spaced from each other and forming a first attachment for an adjustable elongated neck strap, another of said ends of said lower edge and another of said ends of said arm edge being spaced from each other and forming a second attachment for an adjustable elongated back strap;

an open-ended front zipper of a predetermined length attached to each said right and left side portions along said straight middle edges for releasably securing said right and left side portions;

each said front side portion being made of stretchable fabric for swimsuits that stretches vertically and horizontally and readily dries after being wet, said elastic material having opposite ends secured to said front side portions adjacent said opposite ends of said lower edge;

a length of elastic material of a predetermined width disposed along each of said lower edges and being within a casing of respective said front side portions and having a length shorter than said lower edge to provide gathers along said lower edge;

said elongated neck strap connecting and spanning between said first attachments of said right and left front portions; and

said elongated back strap connecting and spanning between said second attachments of said right and left front portions.

12. The garment as defined in claim 11 wherein said stretchable fabric includes an outer fabric and an inner fabric providing a lining for said outer fabric.

13. The garment as defined in claim 12 wherein said casing is formed by a sewing line spaced above said lower edge and joining said inner and outer fabrics.

14. The garment as defined in claim 11 wherein said another end of said lower edge and said another arm edge end of each of said side front portions provides an attachment zone for securing said back strap thereto.

15. The garment as defined in claim 11 wherein said another end of said neck edge and said one end of said arm edge of each of said side front portions provides an attachment zone for securing said neck strap thereto.

16. The garment as defined in claim 11 wherein said another end of said lower edge and said another arm edge end of each of said side front portions provides an attachment zone for securing said back strap thereto and wherein said another end of said neck edge and said one end of said arm edge of each of said side front portions provides another attachment zone for securing said neck strap thereto.

17. The garment as defined in claim 11 wherein said neck strap is adjustable in length and includes a length of elastic material.

18. The garment as defined in claim 17 wherein said neck strap includes a closed slide by which said elastic material is effectively shortened to substantially have overlapping parts and by which said elastic material is effectively lengthened to substantially have non-overlapping parts.

19. The garment as defined in claim 11 wherein said back strap is adjustable in length and includes a length of elastic material.

20. The garment as defined in claim 19 wherein said back strap includes a closed slide by which said elastic material is effectively shortened to substantially have overlapping parts and by which said elastic material is effectively lengthened to substantially have non-overlapping parts.