Invisible Belt Apparatus and System

Abstract

An apparatus and method are provided for an invisible belt incorporated into a garment of clothing. A form-fitting belt portion is incorporated into an interior portion of a garment. The form-fitting belt portion is attached to the interior portion of the garment, such that the belt is completely contained within the interior portion of the garment. The form fitting belt portion may be loosely connected to the interior portion of the garment so as to be not viewable or visible from outside of the garment. The invisible belt further comprises an attachment mechanism on the interior of the garment to facilitate attachment of the form fitting belt portion to the interior of the garment. The form fitting belt portion preferably comprises an elasticized material, such as spandex, Lycra, hosiery material, nylon and other similar elasticized materials. The elasticized material may also be comprised of Viscose.

Description

PRIORITY

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/724,839 filed on Nov. 9, 2012, which is incorporated herewith.

FIELD

The field of the invention is a clothing accessory. More specifically, the present invention relates to an invisible belt contained within the clothing it is associated therewith.

BACKGROUND

Prior art belt apparatus and systems typically have a belt which is long material that is associated with a buckle mechanism and other hardware, which are often used to provide garment support when worn by an individual user. However, for certain applications, aesthetic, fashion, and fit issues may arise that highlight the limitations of conventional belts for such applications. For example, in many situations, conventional belts have too much, or too little, material left after adjustments, and users are left with the fit and fashion problems.

Additionally, another problem with conventional belts is that often they are made of certain design and styles that do not fit the outfit that they are associated with. This creates problems whereby different belts must be bought and utilized with different outfits.

This problem creates a myriad of problems when trying to coordinate outfits, styles and fashionable statements. Often, the individual user will try to fit a particular belt with the fashion statement they are trying to convey. However, of the many problems associated with prior art belts, the holes, the loops, material, color hardware, width, and length of the belt can create fashion issues when trying to coordinate particular fashions with particular belts. Often times, an individual user is forced to wear inappropriate belts, materials and other hardware associated with the belts for fashion that is not set up for that type of belt.

Additionally, often times, the individual user has to utilize a belt that is too large to allow for amble room in the event of weight gain and the like. This causes the user to pull conventional belts too tight thereby ruining the fashion look the users desire to achieve. Pulling the belt too tight may also cause bunching in the clothes thereby also ruining the flow of a meticulous fashion. Among other problems that may present themselves with the belt use is that pants may bunch, or may not fit properly, the holes in the belt may not hold the pants high enough, thereby exposing undergarments, and/or the belt may be mismatched to the colors, prints or styles of the pants, skirt, or shirt worn by the individual user. Even though users may consider comfortable fit and outfit support when deciding to employ conventional belts, many users do not want to employ conventional belts that would ruin the desired fashion look of the outfit. Typically, users want to maintain outfit support, comfortable fit, and fashionable look.

One of the solutions to this problem is that a body shaped and integrated belt like systems have been incorporated into certain clothing types. For example, there are pieces of clothing that are made with elasticized portions to allow the clothing to be cinched closer to the body of the individual wearing the clothing. These elasticized articles of clothing allow for adjustment of the clothing to people with a plurality of body shapes, sizes and varying weights. The problem with elasticized clothing is that they also tend to show. For example, the elasticized portion of the garment is evident when looking at the garment. Additionally, bunching and flow of the garment may be compromised because the elasticized portion will automatically adapt to the body of the individual and because the elasticized portion is associated with the garment, the garment moves in association with the elasticized member, thereby causing the entire garment to be in close proximity to the user. This can be both aesthetically unpleasing and unpleasant for the individual to wear because of the lack of space and adjustment ability for that user.

Still another problem with prior art belt systems and apparatus is that they have insufficient or inappropriate fashion design. For example, things like colors, materials, length, width designs and hardware itself can detract from the overall look of an outfit. Therefore, when a user desires to utilize a belt with an outfit they have to take all these factors into consideration before choosing a belt and/or outfit to wear.

Therefore, a need exists for an improved belt system and apparatus that may be utilized with a particular article of clothing. Moreover, a need exists for an improved belt system and apparatus that may be utilized with a piece of clothing and that will service the function of the belt without detracting or being overly involved in the overall fashion of the garment as a whole. Still further, a need still exists for an improved belt system and apparatus whereby the belt may be incorporated into the design of the garment and may not be visible to people viewing the garment.

SUMMARY

An apparatus and method are provided for an invisible belt incorporated into a garment of clothing. A form-fitting belt portion is incorporated into an interior portion of a garment. The form-fitting belt portion is attached to the interior portion of the garment, such that the belt is completely contained within the interior portion of the garment. The form fitting belt portion may be loosely connected to the interior portion of the garment so as to be not viewable or visible from outside of the garment. The invisible belt further comprises an attachment mechanism on the interior of the garment to facilitate attachment of the form fitting belt portion to the interior of the garment. The form fitting belt portion preferably comprises an elasticized material, such as spandex, Lycra, hosiery material, nylon and other similar elasticized materials. The elasticized material may also be comprised of Viscose.

In an exemplary embodiment, an invisible belt incorporated into a garment of clothing, the apparatus comprises a form-fitting belt portion incorporated into an interior portion of a garment, wherein the form-fitting belt attached to the interior portion of the garment and completely contained within the interior portion of the garment. In another embodiment, the invisible belt further comprises an attachment mechanism on the interior of the garment for attachment of the form fitting belt portion to the interior of the garment.

To this end, in a exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an invisible belt incorporated into a garment of clothing, the apparatus comprising: a form-fitting belt portion incorporated into an interior portion of a garment; the form-fitting belt attached to the interior portion of the garment and completely contained within the interior portion of the garment.

In an exemplary embodiment, further comprising: an attachment mechanism on the interior of the garment for attachment of the form fitting belt portion to the interior of the garment.

In an exemplary embodiment, wherein the form fitting belt portion comprising an elasticized material.

In an exemplary embodiment, wherein the elasticized material is any of spandex, Lycra, hosiery material, nylon and other elasticized materials.

In an exemplary embodiment, wherein the belt portion is not visible from outside of the garment.

In an exemplary embodiment, wherein the elasticized material is Viscose.

In an exemplary embodiment, whereby the form fitting belt portion is loosely connected to the at least a portion of the interior of the garment but is not viewable or visible from outside of the garment.

In an exemplary embodiment, wherein the invisible belt further comprises a supportive skirt and upper body portion to provide a feeling of close-fitting support without giving an appearing to exterior observers of being form fitting.

In another embodiment, the form fitting belt portion comprising an elasticized material. In another embodiment, the elasticized material is any of spandex, Lycra, hosiery material, nylon and other elasticized materials. In another embodiment, the elasticized material is Viscose.

In another embodiment, the form fitting belt portion is loosely connected to the at least a portion of the interior of the garment but is not viewable or visible from outside of the garment. In another embodiment, the belt portion is not visible from outside of the garment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings refer to embodiments of the present invention in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a top, front, right side perspective view of an invisible belt system and apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a top, rear, left side perspective view of an invisible belt system and apparatus wherein the belt apparatus are minimally attached to a garment in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a top, front, right side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an invisible belt system and apparatus wherein an invisible belt is integrated into a supportive skirt in accordance with the present invention.

While the present invention is subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. The invention should be understood to not be limited to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. It should be understood that the specific details described herein may be varied from and still be contemplated to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In general, the present invention describes an apparatus and a system for an invisible belt. The present invention further utilizes a garment such as a dress that may have a belt incorporated directly into the garment. As such, the belt apparatus may have a belt portion which may be elasticized and may be adapted to fit about the torso, stomach or hips of the individual user, while not being completely integrated into the fabric of the entire garment. The result of this apparatus is a garment having an integrated belt system which is not visible by someone viewing the garment while still providing the belt support desired by the wearer. Additionally, the belt portion may be loosely attached to the garment such that the garment may seem to be more form fitting than it would appear from those viewing the garment while still retaining the look of no belt apparatus associated therewith.

FIG. 1 illustrates a top, front, right side perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an invisible belt system and apparatus 100 comprising an elasticized belt apparatus 102 which is incorporated into the body of a garment 104, whereby the elasticized belt apparatus 102 is not visible to a viewer from outside of the garment 104. In an exemplary embodiment, an invisible belt system and apparatus may be provided whereby the belt apparatus 102 may be constructed from any appropriate material such as hosiery material, nylon, spandex, and the like, that may allow for the appearance of close fitment of the garment 104 against the wearer's body. In another exemplary embodiment, the invisible belt system and apparatus 100 may be provided whereby the belt apparatus 102 may be constructed of a form of tight-fitting elastic materials, such as Lycra and Viscose.

In an exemplary embodiment, the invisible belt system and apparatus 100 may be integrated into the garment 104 such that the belt apparatus 102 is not visible to a individual viewing the garment 104. FIG. 2 illustrates a top, rear, left side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an invisible belt system and apparatus 106 wherein the belt apparatus 102 may be minimally attached to the garment 108, thereby giving the garment 108 an illusion of being free flowing while still providing subtle effects of form fitting design without the obviousness of the belt apparatus 102 attached and visible from outside of the garment 108. In another exemplary embodiment, the belt apparatus 102 may be minimally attached to the garment 108 by a simple loop or singular fasteners, thereby giving the garment 108 the illusion of being free flowing while still providing subtle effects of form fitting design without the obviousness of the belt apparatus 102 attached and visible from outside of the garment 108. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that only an individual wearing the garment 108 will know and control the attachment of the belt apparatus 102 to the garment 108. It is envisioned that the individual wearing the garment 108 will be able to adjust the belt apparatus 102 as desired, thereby giving the garment 108 the illusion of being free flowing without an obvious appearance of the belt apparatus 102 being associated therewith.

It should be understood that the invisible belt system and apparatus described herein is not limited solely to belts, but rather may be incorporated into other types of garments without deviating from the scope of the present invention. FIG. 3 illustrates a top, front, right side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an invisible belt system and apparatus 110 whereby an invisible belt 112 is integrated into a garment 114 comprising a supportive skirt and upper body portion 116. It is envisioned that the embodiment of FIG. 3 functions to give the individual wearing the garment 114 a feeling of close-fitting support without necessarily giving an appearing to exterior observers of being form fitting. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invisible belt apparatus and system 110 may be provided whereby the belt apparatus 112 and the supportive skirt and upper body portion 116 may be utilized in a plurality of different types of garments 114 including, but not necessarily limited to, dresses, long shirts, blouses, trousers, shorts, skirts, and the like.

It is contemplated that the invisible belt may be constructed of an elasticized material or may be constructed of a simple material such as cotton. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, however, that other types of materials suitable for use as a functioning belt may be utilized without deviating from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

A method of manufacturing the invisible belt system and apparatus preferably involves using a garment such as, by way of example, a dress or skirt whereby the belt is located on an interior portion of the garment and may be minimally attached to the garment. For example, a simple loop on both sides of the interior portion of a dress may be attached to the dress thereby giving an external appearance of a free flowing dress while still providing the form fitting function of a dress having a belt, and thereby providing a benefit similar to those dresses having belts on the outside. Only the wearer of the dress will feel the belt apparatus and know that the dress is being gently pulled toward the body of the wearer, yet still giving the indication to outside observers that the dress or garment is more form fitting than it actually is.

It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. Moreover, in interpreting the disclosure, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps could be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.

While some specific embodiments of the present invention have been shown the invention is not to be limited to these embodiments. Rather, the present invention is to be understood as limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An invisible belt incorporated into a garment of clothing, the apparatus comprising:

a form-fitting belt portion incorporated into an interior portion of a garment;

the form-fitting belt attached to the interior portion of the garment and completely contained within the interior portion of the garment.

2. The invisible belt described in claim 1, further comprising:

an attachment mechanism on the interior of the garment for attachment of the form fitting belt portion to the interior of the garment.

3. The invisible belt described in claim 1, wherein the form fitting belt portion comprising an elasticized material.

4. The invisible belt described in claim 3, wherein the elasticized material is any of spandex, Lycra, hosiery material, nylon and other elasticized materials.

5. The invisible belt described in claim 1, wherein the belt portion is not visible from outside of the garment.

6. The invisible belt described in claim 1, wherein the elasticized material is Viscose.

7. The invisible belt described in claim 1, whereby the form fitting belt portion is loosely connected to the at least a portion of the interior of the garment but is not viewable or visible from outside of the garment.

8. The invisible belt described in claim 1, wherein the invisible belt further comprises a supportive skirt and upper body portion to provide a feeling of close-fitting support without giving an appearing to exterior observers of being form fitting.