LAYERED MIDRIFF DEFINING GARMENT

Abstract

A layered midriff defining garment includes a generally tubular main body having a top opening, a bottom opening and a pair of side sections defining curved portions to impart an hourglass figure. Upper and lower resilient bands for maintaining the device on the body of a user, and a plurality of horizontally layered elements for simulating a look of a plurality of different shirts.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to women's garments, and more particularly to a midriff defining garment having a plurality of layers for imparting a fashionable look.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

Many types of undergarments are known in the prior art which are constructed to provide support to the user. Many of these devices are constructed as brassiere and girdle combinations which are intended to contour a users breasts and midriff sections. Accordingly, these devices typically include a bra section that is combined with a midriff section that is worn beneath a users ordinary clothing. Unfortunately, owing to the combined design, users are often unable to utilize only the midriff defining section without the brassiere or to substitute the same for a different bra of their choosing.

Moreover, recent fashion trends have promoted looks in which multiple shirts are worn by a single individual in such a manner as to reveal a small portion of each. This look is referred to as a “Layered” look. However, when wearing multiple shirts, the wearer can become overheated and may also appear to be heavier and/or less shapely than what their body size actually is.

Accordingly, it would be beneficial to combine the benefits of a midriff contouring device with the fashionable layered look that does not suffer from the drawbacks of the individual devices described above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a layered midriff defining garment. One embodiment of the present invention can include a generally tubular main body having a top opening, a bottom opening and a pair of side sections that have a curved portion that apply an inward pressure to an abdominal section of a user to impart an hourglass figure. The garment can further include upper and lower resilient bands for maintaining the device on the body of a user, and a plurality of horizontally layered elements for simulating a look of a plurality of different shirts.

Another embodiment of the layered midriff defining garment can include a contour strap disposed along the back side of the garment. The strap acting to adjust a tension applied to the users body by the side sections in order to accentuate an hourglass look.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Presently preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a frontal view of a layered midriff defining garment that is useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the layered midriff defining garment in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the layered midriff defining garment in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is another rear view of the layered midriff defining garment in accordance with the other embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the layered midriff defining garment in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the layered midriff defining garment in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the description in conjunction with the drawings. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the inventive arrangements in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.

Identical reference numerals are used for like elements of the invention or elements of like function. For the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals are shown in the individual figures which are necessary for the description of the respective figure. For purposes of this description, the terms “upper,” “bottom,” “right,” “left,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate one embodiment of a layered midriff defining garment 10 that is useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

The garment 10 can include an elongated strip of fabric material 11 that is joined via one or more seams 12 and/or 12′ so as to form a generally tubular main body having a top opening 11a, a bottom opening 11b and a pair of opposing side sections 11c and 11d. As shown, each of the side sections 11c and 11d can curve towards the center of the main body, in order to allow the garment to form an overall hourglass shape. Methods for forming the curves within the side sections are well known to those of skill in the art and include the ability to sew the middle portions of the garment to the seams tighter than the upper sections. Of course, any number of other commonly known tailoring methodologies can also be utilized herein.

The garment 10 can preferably be constructed from a blend of porous cotton and spandex, for example, having excellent heat dissipation and resilient qualities that are capable of stretching and contracting to the contours of a wearer without retaining heat. As the garment 10 is intended to be worn about the midriff section of a woman's body, one embodiment can further include a highly resilient band 13 secured along the top opening 11a in order to secure the garment about the upper abdominals of the wearer. The device can also include a lower resilient band 13′ secured about the lower opening 11b of the garment. This lower band can act in conjunction with the upper band to prevent the garment from moving upwards along the abdomen of the wearer.

As described herein, the resilient bands can be stitched along the inner or outer periphery of the openings or can be incorporated into the construction of the main body according to any number of known manufacturing and tailoring methodologies. Moreover, by including curving side sections 11c and 11d, the garment acts to actively contour the abdominal section of the user inward, thus effectuating the desired hourglass figure shape. Additionally, the garment can be constructed so as to fit a plurality of sizes ranging from petite to extra large. In either instance, the resiliency of the garment fabric will function in a manner similar to a traditional girdle to maintain and actively shape a users body. Moreover, the resilient nature of the main body can act as a support for expectant mothers by providing a gentle contour for their abdomen.

Although illustrated as including a pair of opposing seems 12 and 12′ located on each side of the main body, other embodiments are also contemplated. For example, the main body can include a single seem for forming the looped main body in accordance with known construction methodologies such as thread stitching, for example. In one alternate embodiment, seem 12 can include traditional stitching, and seem 12′ can be removable in nature. To this end, seem 12′ can include a zipper, buttons, snaps and/or a pair of opposing strips of hook and loop material capable of allowing the user to easily put on and take off the garment without having to put the garment over their head.

As shown in FIG. 2, the garment 10 can further include a plurality of decorative layered elements 21a-21x that are disposed horizontally across the entirety of the main body. In one preferred embodiment, each of the layered elements 21a-21x can be constructed from elongated strips of cloth material that are secured to the main body along the upper edge of each layer via a plurality of elastic seems 22 in order to allow the layered elements to expand and retract in harmony with the main body.

As described herein, one or more of the layered elements 21a-21x can be constructed from a material that is the same as, or different than the cloth material of the main body. Additionally, each of the layered elements can include any number of distinct colors and markings which can be the same as or different than the color and/or markings of the main body. When so positioned, the garment can be worn in a visible or partially visible manner in which one or more of the layered elements are visible. As such, the wearer of the garment 10 can present the illusion that they are wearing multiple shirts in a layered manner without actually having to do so. Moreover, owing to the hourglass shape created by the sides of the main body, the garment itself can act to simultaneously enhance the look of the abdominal section of the wearer by presenting a slimming appearance. Finally, when constructed from a thin elastic material, the garment 10 can be extremely lightweight in order to prevent the user from overheating.

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the garment 10 that further includes one or more removable bra attachment straps 30 and an optional abdominal contour strap 35.

The bra attachment strap 30 can act to allow a user to secure the upper portion of the main body to any conventional bra. Such a feature can be beneficial to provide extra assurance to the wearer that the device will not slip down while being warn. In one embodiment, the strap 30 can include a first end that is permanently affixed to the upper portion of the main body via conventional stitching, for example, and a second end having a connector 30a secured thereon. Connector 30a can be configured to be removably secured to a complementary connector 30b located on the main body in order to allow the strap to form a loop.

In one preferred embodiment, the strap 30 can be constructed from cotton or other cloth materials, and the connectors 30a and 30b can be constructed from opposing pieces of hook and loop material (i.e., Velcro) that are permanently adhered to the strap and main body in accordance with known construction methodologies. The connectors being capable of allowing the strap to form an adjustable loop, see arrow A, for engaging a bra. Of course, any number of other materials and compression fittings such as snaps, buttons and/or magnetic elements, for example, can also be utilized herein.

The contour strap 35 can act to allow a user to adjust the tension and fit of the garment 10 by allowing the user to pull sides 11c and 11d towards each other, in order to enhance the hourglass shape of the wearer. As shown, the strap 35 can preferably be disposed along the back side of the main body between side portions 11c and 11d.

In one embodiment, the contour strap 35 can include an elongated cloth material having a first side 35a that is permanently secured to side section 11c of the main body via a conventional seem 12. The strap 35 can preferably be secured along the entirety of the side section and extend from the lower opening 11b to the upper opening 11a. The strap can also include a second side section 35b having a contour strap connector 36a secured thereon. Contour strap connector 36a being configured to removably engage a complementing contour strap connector 36b that is disposed along side portion 11d of the main body.

When so positioned, a user can pull the loose end 35b of the contour strap across the back side of the main body until the first contour strap 36a engages the second contour strap 36b. In doing so, the garment can pull sides 11c and 11d towards each other, thus tightening the garment until a desired tension and/or contour appearance has been reached.

In one preferred embodiment, contour strap connectors 36a and 36b can be constructed from opposing pieces of hook and loop material (i.e., Velcro) that are permanently adhered to the strap and main body in accordance with known construction methodologies such as glue or adhesive tape, for example. It is preferred that the hook and loop material include the identical color to the main body so as to be minimally noticeable in the event that a portion of the connectors are visible when the device is worn. Of course, any number of other materials and compression fittings such as snaps, buttons and/or magnetic elements, for example, can also be utilized herein.

Although described above as being oriented with respect to sides 11c and 11d, those of skill in the art will recognize that the position of the strap 35 can be reversed without undue experimentation.

As shown in FIG. 4. The outside portion of the strap 35 can preferably include the layered elements 21a-21x described above. As such, the garment 10 can still impart a layered look from any direction (i.e., front, back and sides) while allowing the user to adjust the tension of the garment via the strap 35.

FIG. 5, illustrates another alternate embodiment of the garment 10 that further includes a tail section 50 constructed from a cloth material and/or shefon, for example, that is preferably identical to that of the main body. The tail section can be permanently secured along the bottom section of the main body via a seem 12 and can extend from sides 11c to 11d. The tail section 50 can act to cover the posterior of the wearer in order to hide the appearance of large buttocks and/or to prevent immodest showing of undergarments from behind. Additionally, the tail section can act to reduce the appearance of panty lines that often show through a users trousers.

FIG. 6 illustrates another alternate embodiment of the garment 10 that further includes a pair of side extension sections 60 that are constructed from a cloth material that is preferably identical to that of the main body. The side extension sections can be permanently secured along the bottom section of the main body via a seem 12 and can each be located beneath side sections 11c and 11d, respectively, and extend towards the center portion along the back side of the garment. In operation, the side extension sections 60 can extend down to cover the hips of the wearer in a shark-bite style to distract the appearance of thick thighs and wide hips for people who feel self-conscious about their figure. Additionally, the side sections can act to reduce the appearance of panty lines that often show through a users' trousers.

As described herein, one or more elements of the garment 10 can be secured together utilizing any number of known tailoring techniques such as, for example, seems, removable seems, cloth adhesive, hem tape and the like. Moreover, although the above embodiments have been described as including separate individual elements, the inventive concepts disclosed herein are not so limiting. To this end, one of skill in the art will recognize that each of the above described elements of the garment may be formed together as one continuous element through conventional tailoring and clothing manufacturing techniques. Moreover, in one preferred embodiment, the garment 10 will be constructed as a one-size-fits all, although other embodiments include the ability to custom manufacture individual sized garments for specific body sizes and styles.

As to a further description of the manner and use of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1. A layered midriff defining garment, comprising:

a generally tubular main body having a top opening, a bottom opening and a pair of side sections, each of said side sections including a curved portion radiating towards a center of the main body;

said curved portions being configured to apply an inward pressure to an abdominal section of a user to impart an hourglass figure;

an upper resilient band secured along the upper opening of the main body, said upper band being configured to secure the garment to a location above the users abdominal section;

a lower resilient band secured along the lower opening of the main body, said lower band being configured to secure the garment to a location below the users abdominal section; and

a plurality of horizontally layered elements disposed along the main body of the garment, said layered elements including a shape and style that is configured to simulate a look of a plurality of different shirts.

2. The garment of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one adjustable strap secured along the upper opening of the main body, said straps being configured to engage a bra of a user.

3. The garment of claim 1, wherein said main body is constructed from a porous and resilient material configured to dissipate heat and to expand and contract with a contour of a users body.

4. The garment of claim 1, further comprising:

a removable seem extending from the top opening to the bottom opening, said seem including at least one of a zipper, a hook and loop material, a plurality of snaps, a plurality of buttons and a plurality of opposing magnetic elements.

5. The garment of claim 1, wherein each of the layered elements are secured to the main body via resilient seems and are configured to expand and contract with a movement of the main body.

6. The garment of claim 1, wherein each of the layered elements are constructed from a same material as the main body.

7. The garment of claim 1, wherein at least one of the layered elements are constructed from a material that is not the same as the main body.

8. The garment of claim 1, wherein each of the layered elements include an identical color as the main body.

9. The garment of claim 1, wherein at least one of the layered elements includes a color that is not the same as a color of the main body.

10. The garment of claim 1, wherein one or more of the layered elements includes a decorative marking.

11. The garment of claim 1, further comprising:

a tail section secured along the bottom opening of the main body and extending between each of the opposing side sections, said tail section being configured to cover a posterior section of a users body.

12. The garment of claim 1, further comprising:

a pair of side extension sections that are secured along the bottom opening of the main body at each of the opposing side sections, respectively, said side extensions being configured to cover a hip section of a users body and to create a shark-bite style.

13. A layered midriff defining garment, comprising:

a generally tubular main body having a top opening, a bottom opening and a pair of side sections, each of said side sections including a curved portion radiating towards a center of the main body;

said curved portions being configured to apply an inward pressure to an abdominal section of a user to impart an hourglass figure;

an upper resilient band secured along the upper opening of the main body, said upper band being configured to secure the garment to a location above the users abdominal section;

a lower resilient band secured along the lower opening of the main body, said lower band being configured to secure the garment to a location below the users abdominal section;

a contour strap having a first end secured along the entirety of one of the side sections of the main body, and a second end configured to be removably secured to the entirety of the other side section of the main body via a contour strap connector, wherein the contour strap is configured to adjustably pull each of the side sections of the main body towards each other in accordance with a users preference; and

a plurality of horizontally layered elements disposed along the main body of the garment, and an outside facing portion of the contour strap, said layered elements including a shape and style that is configured to simulate a look of a plurality of different shirts.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein said contour strap connector includes opposing strips of hook and loop material, said material including a color that is identical to a color of the main body.

15. The garment of claim 13, further comprising:

at least one adjustable strap secured along the upper opening of the main body, said straps being configured to engage a bra of a user.

16. The garment of claim 13, wherein each of the main body and the contour strap are constructed from a porous and resilient material configured to dissipate heat and to expand and contract with a contour of a users body.

17. The garment of claim 13, wherein each of the layered elements are secured to the main body and the contour strap via resilient seems and are configured to expand and contract with a movement of the main body.

18. The garment of claim 13, wherein at least one of the layered elements are constructed from a material and a color that is not the same as a material and color of the main body.

19. The garment of claim 13, further comprising:

a tail section secured along the bottom opening of the main body and extending between each of the opposing side sections, said tail section being configured to cover a posterior section of a users body.

20. The garment of claim 13, further comprising:

a pair of side extension sections that are secured along the bottom opening of the main body at each of the opposing side sections, respectively, said side extensions being configured to cover a hip section of a users body and to create a shark-bite style.