SHAPER SHIRT

Abstract

A shirt having an upper portion, having a front and a back and a top edge and a bottom edge, joinable with a body portion having a front and a back and a top edge and a bottom edge. The shirt can include a tails portion, having a top edge and bottom edge, wherein the top edge of the tails portion is secured to and extends downwardly from the bottom edge of the body portion. The upper portion and body portion are joined at a first seam, the first seam creating a neckline, and the upper portion and the tails portion are configured to provide the appearance of a conventional shirt below an over-garment. The body portion is configured to provide a wearer with a shaping function and support for their midsection.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/991,048, the disclosure and teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of clothing, more particularly to clothing for aesthetic and functional purposes.

2. Description of the Related Art

Clothing is often layered to create a pleasant appearance, improve comfort, and for warmth. For example, a button-down shirt may be worn under a sweater, with only the top portion and collar of the shirt showing outwardly, the rest of the shirt covered by the sweater. The added bulk of a shirt under a sweater can create a rough, unkempt, sloppy appearance by creating waviness, bulging, ruffles, and the like. It is difficult to find an article of clothing that can be worn under another article of clothing, which functions to provide a pleasant outward appearance and comfortable fit, without creating added bulk. It is also difficult to find an article of clothing that can be worn under another article of clothing, which has a shaping function and an outward pleasant appearance and comfortable fit.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a slimming shirt is disclosed. The slimming shirt includes an upper portion joinable with a body portion, the upper portion providing the appearance of a conventional shirt, the body portion configured to provide a wearer with a shaping function.

In another embodiment, a method for fabricating a shirt is provided. The method includes selecting an upper portion joinable with a body portion, the upper portion providing the appearance of a conventional shirt, the body portion configured to provide a wearer with a shaping function; and joining the upper portion with the body portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only some aspects of embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a front elevational view of a typical prior art shirt worn under a sweater;

FIG. 1B is a front elevational view of a shirt according to the teachings herein, where the shirt (referred to as a “slimming shirt”) is worn under a sweater, to be compared with FIG. 1A to show reduction of bulk;

FIG. 2A illustrates a rear elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of the slimming shirt of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 2B illustrates a front elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of the slimming shirt of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 3A illustrates a front elevational view of an alternative embodiment of the slimming shirt with long sleeves and an alternatively shaped upper shirt portion;

FIG. 3B illustrates rear elevational view of the alternative embodiment of the slimming shirt with long sleeves and an alternatively shaped upper shirt portion seen in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A is a front elevational view of the embodiment of the slimming shirt seen in FIG. 2B;

FIG. 4B is a front elevational view of the embodiment of the slimming shirt seen in FIG. 4A worn under a V-neck sweater;

FIG. 5A is a front elevational view of an alternative embodiment of the slimming shirt;

FIG. 5B is a front elevational view of the embodiment of the slimming shirt seen in FIG. 5A worn under a cardigan;

FIG. 6 is an alternative embodiment of the slimming shirt according to the present disclosure designed for use as maternity wear;

FIG. 7 depicts aspects of another embodiment of the slimming shirt according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 8 depicts a front elevational view of another embodiment of the slimming shirt according to the present disclosure, comprising tails extending downwardly from the shirt.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying FIGS. 1-8. It should be understood that these figures are exemplary in nature and in no way serve to limit the scope of the invention as the invention will be defined by the claims, as interpreted by the Courts in an issued U.S. patent.

Disclosed herein are embodiments of shirts that provide flexible styling and function. The garment includes a combination of a stylish shirt collar top portion combined with a stretchy, knit body portion. The shirt may be worn with an over-garment, such as a light sweater. The construction gives the wearer a polished look of a collared shirt, without the hulk around their belly. The shirt can be worn with V-necks, cardigans, crew necks, dresses, tank tops, T-shirts, without limitation. The shirt, is useful for travel because there is less bulk when packed and it is more comfortable when worn.

As a matter of convention, embodiments of the shirt disclosed herein are generally referred to as a “slimming shirt.” and by other similar terms. This is generally for purposes of clarity in the discussion herein, and is not to be construed as limiting.

In some embodiments, the shirt provides the wearer with a type of orthopedic control. That is, the shirt may be configured to provide a traditional top portion while the body portion is configured for shaping or retaining the physique of the wearer. This may be particularly beneficial for those wearers that are struggling with weight management, or pregnant.

Generally, as used herein the term “orthopedic control” refers to configurations of the shirt (referred to as a “shaper shirt”) which are adapted for shaping the body (i.e., the torso) of the wearer. This may also be referred to as providing a “shaping function.” This is not. meant to imply presence of medical concerns or the involvement of medical professionals. Conversely, in some embodiments, the shaper shirt may be useful for addressing such conditions and maybe further configured accordingly.

As discussed herein, the terms “typical,” “traditional,” “conventional” and other such terms generally refer to the prior art.

FIG. 1A illustrates a prior art shirt 1 worn underneath a sweater 2. The prior art shirt 1 is a button-down shirt, and the sweater 2 is a V-neck sweater. The illustration shows bunching of material in the prior art shirt 1 under the sweater 2 results in substantial wrinkling of the material in the sweater 2. For example, upper wrinkles 71 are apparent in the shoulder, armpit and sleeve areas. Midriff wrinkles 72 are apparent in the abdominal area.

FIG. 1B illustrates a slimming shirt 10 that is worn underneath sweater 2. In this exemplary embodiment, the slimming shirt 10 is configured to provide a smooth upper area 81 and a smooth midriff area 82. The slimming shirt 10 is configured to at least be partially exposed so as to create the illusion of a traditional shirt 1. The garment construction of the slimming shirt 10 is particularly advantageous in light of modern fashion trends of layering. Thus, slimming shirt 10 is configured to provide shape and support to a user while minimizing garment wrinkling, ruffling, as well as provide increased body coverage and offering an attractive look.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, slimming shirt 10 includes an upper portion 30 joined to a body portion 40 at a seam 50. Joining may be by stitching and/or gluing, bonding, welding, use of a zipper or by other similar techniques. Of course, some implementations are dependent upon materials used in the upper portion 30 and the body portion 40. For example, welding (e.g., thermal fusion) may be useful where appropriate synthetic materials are used, while being inappropriate for use with all natural fibers.

FIG. 2A depicts aspects of embodiments of the back side (posterior) of the slimming shirt 10. In this example, the upper portion 30 includes a collar 31, a yoke 32, and a back 34. The yoke 32 is joined to the back at seam 36. In some further embodiments, the back 34 may include a box pleat 33 alone or in combination with side pleats 35. In some further embodiments, the back 34 may include a hang loop (not shown). The hang loop may be included, for example, on top of the box pleat 33.

In some embodiments, the back side of the upper portion 30 is not nearly as elaborate. For example, the back side of the upper portion 30 may be provided as a single continuous piece of material (i.e., the yoke 32 and the back 34 are one piece of material).

FIG. 2B depicts aspects of embodiments of the front side (anterior) of the slimming shirt 10. In this example, the upper portion 30 includes a placket 35. The placket 35 may be a faux style that does not actually function to open or close. In some embodiments, the placket 35 at least partially opens and closes. In some embodiments, the placket 35 is button down. In some other embodiments, the placket 35 is outfitted with a zipper, snaps or other such apparatus. The collar 31 may be any shape or style. For example, the collar 31 may include stiffeners and/or may be button down.

Edges of the body portion 40 may be finished with an appropriate hem 41 as is known in the art.

In one embodiment, upper portion 30 may have a collar 31. In an exemplary embodiment, seam 50 is shaped to produce a plunging neckline, such as a sweetheart neckline 51, or as shown in FIG. 3A, seam 50 may produce a V-neckline. Other embodiments of necklines are envisioned. For example, a rounded neckline may be used. Regardless of style used, the neckline is generally provided to create the illusion of a full shirt below the over-garment, while also allowing for the greatest surface area of body portion 40, thus reducing bulk as much as possible and allowing for the greatest benefits from the body portion 40.

Generally, the body portion 40 is configured to provide support and shape to the body of the user. For example, the body portion 40 can be used to provide support and shape to the abdominal region of the user. As shown in FIG. 6, the body portion 40 can be configured to accommodate and provide support to a pregnant belly.

In some embodiments, body portion 40 acts as a shaper. For example, body portion 40 may include at least one piece of material stitched to or otherwise included in body portion 40. The material provides body portion 40 with sufficient resilience to mold to the abdomen of the wearer, while sufficiently maintaining position of the upper portion 30. Accordingly, in some of these embodiments, the body portion 40 may provide body shaping while the upper portion 30 retains a desired aesthetic.

In one embodiment, the slimming shirt 10 is made of a suitable material and has a uniform, tapered, or silhouette contour that provides support and shapes the abdominal region of the user. The slimming shirt 10 can also have a non-uniform pattern of increased support in certain regions, such as in the back, front, or sides, by using different or reinforced garment construction material in specified locations. Either one of the upper portion 30 or the body portion 40 may be made of one or more pieces of garment construction material or a front and a back section being joined at the two sides.

The slimming shirt may include any material deemed appropriate for elastic garment constructions, such as nylon, cotton, or a combination of other types of fabrics. The type of material may be chosen from a number of fabrics or fabric combinations in order to achieve a desired elasticity. Body portion 40 may be made of any elastic material that tends to shape, support, or control the user's body. For example, materials may be chosen having characteristics of greater or lesser elasticity or by using multiple layers of a material with a high level of elasticity. In some embodiments, composition of material for the body portion 40 is interwoven nylon and spandex. An exemplary composition may be 92% nylon, polyester or cotton, and 8% spandex. In this configuration, the body portion 40 will serve as a simple underpinning with less bulk than a traditional shirt, but will generally not offer shaping and controlling characteristics. In order for the body portion 40 to serve as a shaper, an exemplary composition may be 15%-20% spandex, and even up to 25% spandex or more, the remaining portion being nylon, polyester or cotton. Other combinations of fabrics may be used provided that the combination results in the desired effects. The material used in the body portion 40 may be non-woven. The upper shirt portion 30 may be made from a woven fabric such as 97% cotton and 3% stretch material so that there will be less buckling where the woven material meets knit material. In one embodiment, the back 34 has woven fabric as well.

Generally, the body portion 40 is configured to allow the user to wear the slimming shirt 10 under another article of clothing, such as a sweater 2 (as illustrated in FIGS. 4B and 5B, shown without over-garment sweater 2 in FIGS. 4A and 5A, respectively). Thus, slimming shirt 10 may project an illusion that the user is wearing a conventional shirt 1 underneath the outer layer of clothing. Body portion 40 may be further configured to extend down substantially beyond the cut line of the user's pants, shorts, or skirt, as the case may be. This facilitates the covering of the midriff of the user so that the stomach and lower back are substantially covered.

In one embodiment, the shirt of the present disclosure also comprises a tails portion 92 which is connected to the body portion and extends downwardly therefrom, preferably past the user's waistline, at a seam 90. This can be seen in FIG. 8. In one embodiment, the body portion and the tails portion are combined in a single piece of material. In another embodiment, they can be separate pieces secured together, i.e., the upper edge of the tails portion is stitched together to the bottom edge of the body portion. In another embodiment, the tails portion extends further in the back of the user than in the front of the user. Preferably, the tails portion 92 is configured to provide the appearance of a traditional shirt (in the same manner as the upper portion 30). This allows a user to wear the shirt 10 of the present invention underneath an over-garment, such as a sweater 2, with the upper portion 30 and the tails portion 92 sticking out from the top and bottom of the sweater 2, respectively, thus providing an even greater appearance that the user is wearing a full shirt, such as a button-down shirt, underneath the sweater 2, while simultaneously providing the shaping feature of the body portion 40 which cannot be seen underneath the sweater 2. Preferably, the tails portion 92 is stylized to match the upper portion 30, as both portions can be visible to a third party if they extend past a sweater 2.

Upper portion 30 may be worn over other exterior layers of clothing. Upper portion 30 may include a cotton-based fabric. Material in the body portion 40 should have sufficient resiliency so as to reduce migration of the upper portion 30 and to retain a presentable appearance. Appropriately selecting sizes and designs of the upper portion 30 and the body portion 40 may provide for improved fitting for any given wearer.

Upper portion 30 and body portion 40 may be any color and can be made of any suitable clothing fabric sufficient to serve the purposes described herein. Upper portion 30 can include a solid piece of material and/or may include adornments, such as a lace type of material.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an alternative embodiment of the slimming shirt 10. In this embodiment, the slimming shirt 10 includes upper portion 30 joined to body portion 40 at seam 50. Sleeves 60 are included and attached to body portion 40 at seam 61. Sleeves 60 may include cuffs 65. Each cuff 65 may be joined to a respective sleeve 60 at seam 66.

Images of an additional embodiments of the slimming shirt 10 as worn are shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A and 5B. An image of a sleeveless embodiment of the slimming shirt 10 is provided in FIG. 4A. The sleeveless embodiment of FIG. 4A is shown covered by an over-garment 84 in FIG. 4B. FIG. 5 A depicts a long sleeve embodiment of the slimming shirt 10. The long sleeve embodiment of FIG. 5 A is shown covered by an over-garment 84 in FIG. 5B. In FIGS. 4B and 5B, the body portion 40 is concealed by the over-garment 84.

While certain configurations are shown herein, any style that is preferred may be adopted for the upper portion 30 and the sleeve 60. For example, a basic tee shirt version may use cotton fabric for the upper portion 30.

Some of the advantages present in this invention include the following: the ability to add a style and color accent to an outfit or ensemble through use of the garment construction; comfort knowing one's modesty is assured; the body portion also ensures that there will be less bulkiness created under an over-garment.

In some embodiments, the body portion 40 serves as a shaper. That is, the garment construction generally slims, shapes or supports the body of the wearer. For example, the garment construction may provide support for the abdominal and back muscles. As a more specific example, and as shown in FIG. 6, the slimming shirt 10 may be configured for pregnant women as fashionable maternity wear. Further, the slimming shirt may be configured to give post-pregnancy mothers support, help them return to their pre-pregnancy form, and help them to fit into their pre-pregnancy clothes again. In some embodiments, the slimming shirt 10 is also nursing-mother friendly because it can be worn immediately below the chest line.

Accordingly, it may be considered that, at least in some embodiments, the slimming shirt 10 will function similarly to a conventional girdle. In some of these embodiments, material used in the body portion 40 may include a mix of NYLON and SPANDEX mix that uses a percentage of NYLON that ranges from between 15% to 35%. NYLON is a generic designation for a family of synthetic polymers known generically as aliphatic polyamides. SPANDEX is a designation for elastane and is a synthetic fiber known for its exceptional elasticity.

Referring now also to FIG. 7, in some embodiments, the seam 50 is offset from an upper edge 49 of the body portion 40 and a lower edge 39 of the upper portion 30. In this illustration, the seam 50 is subordinated below the upper edge 49 of the body portion 40.

In some embodiments, the upper portion 30 and the body portion 40 are separable. That is, the upper portion 30 may be joined with the body portion via a fastening system that permits the owner to interchange portions. Accordingly, changes in attire, body shape and the like are easily accommodated.

Exemplary fastening systems include CONCEAL zipper systems available from YKK USA of Marietta Ga. Other suitable systems may include hook and loop style fasteners and other such products.

Having introduced embodiments of the slimming shirt 10, some additional aspects and embodiments are now provided.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a garment construction that includes an upper portion with a bottom edge, the bottom edge attached to a top edge of a body portion. The body portion serves as an underpinning that helps to create a smoothing and slimming look. The body portion will generally be completely covered by a sweater or other garment worn thereover. The upper portion, which may be as little as a collar alone (or no collar at all, such as in a T-shirt form) or a collar and top portion of a shirt, will generally be exposed. This will give the appearance of a traditional shirt being worn under a sweater, but given that the body portion remains under the sweater or other over-garment, the garment construction will create less bulk than a traditional shirt would create.

A second exemplary embodiment relates to a garment construction comprising a upper portion with a bottom edge, the bottom edge attached to a top edge of a body portion. The body portion serves as a shaper garment that functions to shape and control the mid-section of the wearer. The body portion will generally be completely covered by a sweater or other garment worn thereover. The upper portion, which may be as little as a collar alone (or no collar at all, such as in a T-shirt form) or a collar and top portion of a shirt, will generally be exposed. This will give the appearance of a traditional shirt being worn under a sweater, but given that the body portion remains under the sweater or other over-garment, the envisioned garment construction will create less bulk than a traditional shirt would create and provide the important function of shaping the mid-section of the wearer.

An advantageous feature is the utility given by shaping the upper portion in a way that can accommodate a V-neck, scoop, or other neckline of an over-garment sweater, to still create the illusion of a full shirt below, while also allowing for the greatest surface area of body portion, thus reducing bulk as much as possible and allowing for the greatest benefits from the body portion.

Another advantageous feature is the utility in giving the illusion that the user of the garment is wearing a conventional shirt underneath the user's exterior clothing. The body portion is relatively less bulky than a traditional shirt and has the advantage of resulting in a smooth appearance when combined with an over-garment. This has the effect of providing the user with shaping, support, modesty, and a fashionable accent to the user's wardrobe.

Accordingly, users are provided with an added benefit of having an upper portion that gives the illusion that a traditional shirt is being worn under the user's other clothing. The body portion can be either tucked into, worn under, or worn over the top of the user's other clothing, and provides functional support.

The present invention envisions the use of a combination of fabrics that was heretofore unavailable in any garment. The combination provides the beneficial effects described herein.

In an alternative embodiment, the garment construction may be incorporated into various designs of shirts so as to provide the added benefits of support, modesty, and less bulk, while maintaining a certain level of style. For example, in one embodiment, the garment construction may include long sleeves, the long sleeves being knit arms and a with woven cuff for warmth and aesthetics.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the garment construction may be designed for use as maternity wear by providing additional material in the body portion to accommodate a pregnant belly. In another embodiment, the shirt is proportioned for a teenager, and may target girls who need to wear white collar shirts to private or parochial schools. In other embodiments, various collar treatments are provided including rounded with piping, bow collars, tie neck collars, embellished collars, and mandarin collars. In another embodiment there is no collar per se and can instead appear as a T-shirt or other collarless shirt. The shirt may be provided in silk or chiffon versions as well as versions with ruffles.

The garment construction may be worn without other clothing if desired, or may be utilized in connection with other shirts or other articles of clothing. The garment construction may be worn under a shirt or over a shirt, and may be tucked into pants or worn over pants. The garment construction may be worn by both males and females. It may be sized and configured to meet the size constraints and desired support of any particular individual, whether it is a child or an adult, overweight individual, or pregnant individual.

Various other components may be included and called upon for providing for aspects of the teachings herein. For example, additional materials, combinations of materials and/or omission of materials may be used to provide for added embodiments that are within the scope of the teachings herein.

When introducing elements of the present invention or the embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. Similarly, the adjective “another,” when used to introduce an element, is intended to mean one or more elements. The terms “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive such that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications will be appreciated by those skilled in the art to adapt a particular instrument, situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A shirt comprising:

an upper portion, having a front and a back and a top edge and a bottom edge, the upper portion joinable with a body portion having a front and a back and a top edge and a bottom edge;

wherein the upper portion and body portion are joined at a first seam, the first seam creating a neckline; and

wherein the upper portion is configured to provide the appearance of a conventional shirt below an over-garment, and wherein the body portion is configured to provide a wearer with a shaping function and support for their midsection.

2. The shirt as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper portion comprises a collar.

3. The shirt as claimed in claim 2, wherein the upper portion further comprises one or more of a yoke component, a back component, a box pleat, and one or more side pleats.

4. The shirt as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper portion and the body portion are separable, and configured to be joined via a fastening system.

5. The shirt as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper portion comprises a placket.

6. The shirt as claimed in claim 5, wherein the placket comprises one of buttons, zippers, and snaps.

7. The shirt as claimed in claim 1, wherein the neckline is a plunging neckline or a V-neckline.

8. The shirt as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body portion is an elastic material configured to shape, support, and control a wearer's body.

9. The shirt as claimed in claim 8, wherein the elastic material comprises a combination of spandex and one or more of nylon, polyester, and cotton.

10. The shirt as claimed in claim 9, wherein the elastic material of the body portion comprises 15-25% spandex.

11. The shirt as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body portion comprises non-woven fabric and the upper portion comprises woven fabric.

12. The shirt as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a tails portion, having a top edge and bottom edge, wherein the top edge of the tails portion is secured to and extends downwardly from the bottom edge of the body portion at a second seam.

13. The shirt as claimed in claim 12, wherein the tails portion is configured to provide the appearance of a conventional shirt below an over-garment.

14. The shirt as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body portion comprises a piece of material secured thereto, the material configured to provide the body portion with sufficient resilience to mold to the abdominal region of a wearer and maintain position of the upper portion.

15. The shirt as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body portion further comprises sleeves, attached to the body portion at a third seam.

16. The shirt as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first seam is configured to connect the top edge of the body portion to the bottom edge of the upper portion.

17. The shirt as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first seam is offset from the top edge of the body portion and the bottom edge of the upper portion.

18. A shirt comprising:

an upper portion, having a front and a back and a top edge and a bottom edge, the upper portion joinable with a body portion having a front and a back and a top edge and a bottom edge; and

a tails portion, having a top edge and bottom edge, wherein the top edge of the tails portion is secured to and extends downwardly from the bottom edge of the body portion;

wherein the upper portion and body portion are joined at a first seam, the first seam creating a neckline; and

wherein the upper portion and the tails portion are configured to provide the appearance of a conventional shirt below an over-garment, and wherein the body portion is configured to provide a wearer with a shaping function and support for their midsection.

19. The shirt as claimed in claim 18, wherein the body portion is an elastic material configured to shape, support, and control a wearer's body.

20. The shirt as claimed in claim 19, wherein the elastic material comprises a combination of spandex and one or more of nylon, polyester, and cotton.