GARMENTS HAVING LIGHTLY LINED PORTIONS WITH A CONCEALER AND RELATED METHODS

Garments having lightly lined portions with a concealer and related methods are provided herein. For example, a garment can be provided that comprises an exterior fabric that forms an exterior portion of the garment and structural seams that hold the exterior fabric to other sections of the garment. The garment also comprises a disc concealer being secured to an interior portion of the garment without being connected at the structural seams at a position where a reproductive region of a wearer will reside upon the wearer wearing the garment to added an extra layer around the interior area of the garment where the reproductive region is intended to reside.

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Description
RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part patent application which claims the benefit of the filing dates of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/796,797, filed Jan. 25, 2018, and U.S. Patent Application. Ser. No. 16/773,732, filed Jan. 27, 2020, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to garments for women or men and related methods. In particular, the present subject matter relates to garments, such as swimwear, undergarments, shirts, and dresses, having upper and/or lower portions that include a concealer to add modesty to the garment.

BACKGROUND

The early 1800's marked the beginning of a revolution in swim wear when Americans flocked to the beaches for seaside recreation. The first swimsuits consisted of bloomers and black stockings. By 1855, drawers were added to prevent the problem of exposure. Women still refrained from swimming too much with the prevailing attitude of the day being that only men should swim. This prevailing attitude gradually began to change making it more acceptable for women to swim while incremental improvements were being made in the cut of the suit itself. By the 1880's the “Princess” cut swimsuit was introduced consisting of a blouse and trousers in one piece. The skirts were traded in for cotton-like pants. There was also a separate skirt that fell below the knee and buttoned at the waist to conceal the figure. A ruffled cap or a straw hat completed the ensemble. Soon after, new swimsuits were developed that relied heavily on the form of the “fashionable” body, gradually exposing more and more skin. In those days, women were still compelled to conceal their bodies so as to be “modest.” These suits were made from heavy flannel fabric that was both opaque and sturdy enough to not rise with the water.

By the end of the 19th century, swimming had become an “art,” as well as an intercollegiate and Olympic sport. With such developments, the beginning of the twentieth century marked a new daring era in swim wear for women and a realization that the current swimwear lineup had been designed without functionality in mind. As the sport grew, swimsuits became more streamlined and less heavy, paving the way for styles to come. In 1909, Australian Annette Kellerman was arrested in the United States for wearing a loose, one-piece suit that became the generally accepted swimsuit for women by 1910. After that swimsuits began the trend of becoming lighter and briefer. The apron disappeared by 1918, leaving a tunic covering the shorts. Even though matching stockings were still worn, bare legs were exposed from the bottom of the trunks to the top of the shorts. With the Roaring 20's following World War I, there was a large increase in appreciation of recreation and the spending of leisure time leading to swimsuits for women showing more skin.

With the introduction of bikinis after World War II, the female bathing suit became more and more revealing. While styles have changed over time, the use of more revealing swimwear has remained in favor to this day. Additionally, the development and use of materials such as nylon and Lycra allowed the use of thinner and more drapeable, sheer and more form-fitting fabrics in the swimwear. With thinner and more fine gauge fabrics, modesty issues can arise depending on the swimsuit wearer. The thinner and more fine gauge fabrics tend to be less concealing and more revealing especially around the reproductive regions of the female anatomy. Generally speaking, American swimwear is overly padded and constructed because American women prefer to cover their reproductive regions and are not comfortable with their breast, and particularly their nipples, showing through a lightly lined swimsuit.

Therefore, a need exists for thin-fabric garments, particularly swimwear, that can provide a high level of drape, stretch and/or a more form fit for the wearer while at the same time provide concealment for parts of the body of the wearer that the wearer would like not to be displayed through the fabric of the garment to deliver modest and discreet comfort for the wearer.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide garments, such as swimwear, undergarments, shirts, and dresses, having upper and/or lower portions that include a concealer to add modesty to the garment.

While objects of the presently disclosed subject matter have been stated hereinabove, which can be achieved in whole or in part by the presently disclosed subject matter, other objects will become evident as the description proceeds when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings as best described hereinbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present subject matter to one of ordinary skill in the art is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, including reference to the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a rear perspective view of an embodiment of top portion of a garment showing where an embodiment of a disc concealer can be positioned to provide modesty to the wearer of the garment according to the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIG. 2A illustrates a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a garment top with an embodiment of a disc concealer positioned within bra fronts of the garment top to provide modesty to the wearer of the garment according to the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIG. 2B illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the garment top according to FIG. 2A taken along the lines AA showing the layers of an exterior fabric and the disc concealer within an interior of the bra front of the garment;

FIG. 3 illustrates top plan views of different embodiments of disc concealers according to the present subject matter;

FIG. 4A illustrates a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a garment top with an embodiment of a disc concealer positioned within bra fronts of the garment top to provide modesty to the wearer of the garment according to the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIG. 4B illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the garment top according to FIG. 4A taken along the lines AA showing the layers of an exterior fabric and the disc concealer within an interior of the bra front of the garment;

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate views of embodiments of a garment bottom that can have embodiments of disc concealers secured therein to provide modesty to a female wearer according to the present subject matter;

FIG. 6A illustrates a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a bra front portion of a garment top showing the composition and application of an embodiment of a disc concealer positioned within the bra front according to the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIG. 6B illustrates a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a bra front portion of a garment top showing the composition and application of another embodiment of a disc concealer positioned within the bra front according to the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIG. 6C illustrates a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a bra front portion of a garment top showing application of an additional embodiment of a disc concealer positioned within the bra front according to the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIG. 6D illustrates a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a bra front portion of a garment top showing application of a further embodiment of a disc concealer positioned within the bra front according to the subject matter disclosed herein; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a side perspective view of an embodiment of a garment in the form of a t-shirt showing application of an embodiment of a disc concealer positioned on an interior of the t-shirt according to the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIG. 8 illustrates a rear perspective view of an embodiment of top portion of a garment showing embodiments of a disc concealer secured to an interior of the garment according to the subject matter disclosed herein; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a top plan view of an embodiment of a disc concealer that includes articulation channels according to the present subject matter;

FIG. 10 illustrates a top plan view of another embodiment of a disc concealer that includes articulation channels according to the present subject matter;

FIG. 11 illustrates a top plan view of an embodiment of a disc concealer that includes three articulation channels according to the present subject matter;

FIG. 12 illustrates a top plan view of an embodiment of a disc concealer that includes six articulation channels according to the present subject matter;

FIG. 13 illustrates a top plan view of an embodiment of a disc concealer that includes eight articulation channels according to the present subject matter;

FIG. 14A-14C illustrate a top plan views of other embodiments of a disc concealer with articulation channels therein according to the present subject matter;

FIGS. 15A-15C illustrate views of embodiments of a garment bottom that can have embodiments of disc concealers secured therein according to the present subject matter; and

FIG. 16 illustrates a top plan view of an embodiment of a transfer sheet with an embodiment of a disc concealer that includes articulation channels on the transfer sheet according to the present subject matter.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the description of the present subject matter, one or more examples of which are shown in the figures. Each example is provided to explain the subject matter and not as a limitation. In fact, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used in another embodiment to yield still a further embodiment. It is intended that the present subject matter cover such modifications and variations.

Although the terms first, second, right, left, front, back, etc. may be used herein to describe various features, elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these features, elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one feature, element, component, region, layer or section from another feature, element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a first feature, element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second feature, element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the disclosure herein.

Similarly, in the present disclosure, when a feature, element, component, region, layer and/or section is being described as “top” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” etc., it should be understood that such terms are relative and not absolute. Thus, something that is described with the adjective of “top” may also be considered on a side or a bottom depending on the orientation of the larger subject being described. Additionally, when a feature, element, component, region, layer and/or section is being described as “under,” “on,” or “over” another feature, element, component, region, layer and/or section, it is to be understood that the features, elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections can either be directly contacting each other or have another feature, element, component, region, layer and/or section between the them, unless expressly stated to the contrary. Similarly, directional movement, such as “back and forth,” “forward,” “backward,” “up,” “down,” or the like are to be understood as relative descriptions that can change depending on the orientation of the subject matter relative to the viewer. Thus, these terms are simply describing the relative position of the features, elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections to each other and do not necessarily mean an absolute position or direction since the relative position above or below depends upon the orientation of the subject matter to the viewer.

Embodiments of the subject matter of the disclosure are described herein with reference to schematic illustrations of embodiments that may be idealized. As such, variations from the shapes and/or positions of features, elements or components within the illustrations as a result of, for example but not limited to, user preferences, manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances are expected. Shapes, sizes and/or positions of features, elements or components illustrated in the figures may also be magnified, minimized, exaggerated, shifted or simplified to facilitate explanation of the subject matter disclosed herein. Thus, the features, elements or components illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes and/or positions are not intended to illustrate the precise configuration of the subject matter and are not intended to limit the scope of the subject matter disclosed herein.

The term “disc concealer” as used herein means a thin, drapeable, and stretchable fabric, wearable film, or combination thereof, that is flat and pliable and has a shape that provides modesty coverage of an area of a garment intended to cover reproductive regions of a wearers body.

The term “bra front” as used herein means the front portion of a garment configured for receiving a breast of a female wearer.

The term “cup” as used herein means the front portion of a garment configured for receiving a breast of a female wearer. The terms “cup” and “bra front” are used interchangeably herein with bra fronts and cups comprising fabric or other non-foam material.

The term “sheer fabric” as used herein means a thin, fine gauge fabric that has a high level of drapeability that can conform to or drape off of a wearer's body depending of the construction of the garment in which the fabric is used.

The term “lightly lined garment” as used herein means a garment having an inner liner that comprises a fabric having a weight of about 10 oz./yd.2 or less.

The term “structural seam(s)” as used herein means one or more seams that are critical to the structure and functionality of a garment that allow the garment to function as a garment. Examples of structural seams include, but are not limited to, sleeve seams, neckline seams, and side seams on shirts and dresses and seams holding front, back, and/or side sections of undergarments, swimwear or the like.

The term “non-structural seam(s)” as used herein means one or more seams that are not critical to the structure or functionality of a garment functioning as a garment.

To give further context, the marketplace is currently populated with bras with permanent foam cups, bras with removable floating cups, and lined bras. The bras with permanent foam cups have large pads that add an unnatural looking shape, but some women like them for the modesty coverage or for their ability to reshape the bustline. With bras with removable foam floating cups, the removable pads are inserted into a pocket on the side of each cup of the bra. These bras are meant to allow the consumer to wear the garment the way that she prefers. Most wearers find that the pad gets crunched, floats around, or is visible through the garment. The lined bras have a single liner against the exterior fabric with no padding or extra liners. The lined bra has a simple construction with the single liner lining the bra fronts. Consumers who prefer a natural look, or who don't like much construction like the lined bra, but many feel as if the lined bra does not quite give enough modesty coverage.

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to different embodiments of strategically designed garments of sheer fabrics for women such as bras, undergarments, and swimwear having lightly lined upper portions and/or lower portions that include a disc concealer to add modesty to a garment, such as a lightly lined garment. The garment when worn covers at least one or more reproductive regions of a female wearer. The garment can comprise a thin, drapeable and stretchable exterior fabric that forms an exterior portion of the garment. In some embodiments, the garment can comprise a disc concealer having a thickness that is the same or less than a thickness of the thin exterior fabric that forms the exterior portion of the garment. In some embodiments, the garment can comprise a disc concealer having a thickness that is about at most double the thickness of the thin exterior fabric that forms the exterior portion of the garment. The disc concealer can be secured to an interior portion of the thin exterior fabric at a position where a reproductive region of the female wearer is intended to reside within the garment to add a thin pliable extra layer to further conceal the reproductive region of the male or female wearer and is not secured to a structural seam that holds the sections of the garment together. In some embodiments of female garments that have bra fronts therein, the garment can have a first liner comprising a thin fabric that is secured to an interior portion of the thin exterior fabric that forms the exterior cup portion, or bra front, on a frontal portion of the garment and the disc concealer can be secured to an interior portion of the first liner at a distance from the structural seams. The garment can be underpants, bras, shirt or dresses that directly contact the body of the wearer, biking shorts, yoga pants, workout pants, one-piece swimsuit, men's shorts and swim trunks, the tops and bottoms of two-piece swimsuits. For example, with bras or swim suit tops, the idea is to add an additional layer of fabric just over the center of the bra fronts that do not extend to the seams that hold the sections of the garment together as a modesty layer for the purpose of modesty just over the nipple area of the swimwear or intimates bra, but without adding bulk, for example, in the neckline or armhole seam, such as a third layer of lining, a bra pad, etc. The purpose is to keep the swim bra natural looking on the outside by removing extra padding or thickness that adds bulk and waste fabrics. The disc concealer adds an extra modesty layer only where it's needed. While these disc concealers can be used in other garments and areas of men and women garments, further explanation is provided herein with reference mainly to garment tops.

Referring to FIG. 1, a shear fitting garment in the form of a swimsuit upper portion, or a swimwear bra, generally designated 10, is provided. The swimwear bra 10 can comprise sections of thin, sheer exterior fabric 12 that is drapeable and stretchable and that forms cups, or bra fronts, 14 for receiving breasts of the wearer. The bra fronts 14 can be connected by a center gore 15 at seams 13. Straps 16 can extend upward from the bra fronts 14 and circle around to back band portions 17, which are secured to fabric 12 of the bra fronts 14 by side seams 19 to form arm openings. To provide modesty for the wearer of the swimwear bra, disc concealers 20 can be added within an interior of the bra fronts 14 made from the thin exterior fabric 12 in the positioned indicated by the arrows. The disc concealers 20 can comprise fabrics, such as drapeable and stretchable woven, knit or nonwoven fabrics, wearable film materials, or combinations thereof, as will be explained further below.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a garment, in the form of a swimwear bra, generally designated 10, is provided. The garment 10 can comprise a thin, sheer exterior fabric 12 as explained above that forms interiors 14A and exteriors 14B of bra front portions 14 of the garment 10 for receiving breasts of a female wearer. The swimsuit bra 10 can comprise disc concealers 20 secured to the interiors 14A of the bra fronts 14 formed by the thin exterior fabric 12. The disc concealers 20 are secured at a position where the female wearer's breast resides to add a thin sheer extra layer around the interior area of the garment where a nipple of the breast is intended to reside. The disc concealers 20 are not padding or thick fabric but comprise a drapeable fabric, film material or some combination thereof, that allows the garment 10 to still drape or be form-fitting without adding bulk or unwanted creases or bulges in the bra fronts when worn. In some embodiments, the disc concealers 20 can have a thickness that is the same or less than a thickness of the thin exterior fabric 12 that forms the exterior portion of the garment. In some embodiments, the fabric disc concealers 20 can have a thickness that is the same or less than about two times the thickness of the thin exterior fabric 12 that forms the exterior portion of the garment.

Unlike other linings or liners, the disc concealers 20 are not attached at the structural seams 13, 19 of the garment 10, but are secured to a liner or the exterior fabric 12 separate and apart from the structural seams of the garment, For example, at some locations in some garment embodiments, the disc concealer 20 can be a distance DC of about two and half (2½) inches or less away from the nearest structural seam. At some locations in some garment embodiments, the disc concealer 20 can be a distance DC of about two (2) inches or less away from the nearest structural seam. At some locations in some garment embodiments, the disc concealer 20 can be a distance DC of about one and a half (1½) inches or less away from the nearest structural seam. At some locations in some garment embodiments, the disc concealer 20 can be a distance DC of about one (1) inch or less away from the nearest structural seam. At some locations in some garment embodiments, the disc concealer 20 can be a distance DC of about 0.5 (½) or less inches away from the nearest structural seam. At some locations in some garment embodiments, the disc concealer 20 can be a distance DC of about 0.25 (¼) or less inches away from the nearest structural seam. At some locations in some garment embodiments, the disc concealer 20 can be a distance DC of about 0.125 (⅛) or less inches away from the nearest structural seam.

The disc concealers 20 can be secured within the bra front 14 and/or to the exterior fabric 12 in different manners. The disc concealer 20 can be secured by an adhesive or adhesive material. As used herein, the terms “adhesive” and “adhesive material” are used interchangeable. For example, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2B, the disc concealers 20 can be secured to the interior portion 14A of the bra front 14 of the exterior fabric 12 with garment tape 22. The garment tape 22 can be, for example, a narrow stretchable bonding tape having a width of about ¼ of an inch to about ⅜ of an inch, such as FRAMIS manufactured in Italy. The tape 22 can be a dual side adhesive tape. Using the tape 22, the disc concealers 20 and the exterior fabric 12 can be heat sealed together along the edges of the disc concealers 20. The tape 22 can be positioned between the exterior fabric 12 and the disc concealers 20 along the edges of disc concealers 20 so that the portions of disc concealers 20 inward from the edges are separate from the thin exterior fabric 12 and can move more freely. In some embodiments, the adhesive layer can comprise small intermittently spaced adhesive areas, known as adhesive dots or glue dots that can be heat activated as will be explained further below.

As shown in FIG. 3, the size and shape of the fabric disc concealers 20 can varying to an extent depending on the size of the garment 10 and the intended user. For instance, the disc concealers 20 can be heart-shaped discs 40, star-shaped discs 42, oval-shaped discs 44, or the like. Other examples not shown can include elliptical shapes discs, triangular discs, hexagonal discs, octagonal discs, or other polygonal-shaped discs or the like. Similarly, each of the disc concealers 20 can comprise the shapes of different objects, such as a leaf or the like. For some embodiments, the disc concealers 20 can comprise circular fabric disc having a diameter D of between about two (2) inches and six (6) inches (as shown in FIG. 1). For examples, in some embodiments, the diameter D of the disc concealers 20 can be about two and half (2½) inches. For examples, in some embodiments, the diameter D of the disc concealers 20 can be about four and half (4½) inches.

In some embodiments, the exterior fabric 12 of the garment 10 can comprise a stretchable knitted fabric having a weight of about 7 oz/yard2 or less. In some embodiments, the exterior fabric 12 of the garment 10 can comprise a fabric that weighs about 10 oz./yd.2 or less. In some embodiments, the exterior fabric 12 of the garment 10 can comprise a fabric that weighs about 5.5 oz./yd.2 or less. In some embodiments, the exterior fabric 12 of the garment 10 can comprise a fabric that weighs about 4.5 oz./yd.2 or less.

The disc concealers 20 can be any type of fabric and/or other wearable material, such as a wearable film material, or combination thereof that can have the same or similar stretch and drapability as the exterior fabric 12 in order to function in a way that makes it look as minimal or “bare” as possible, while still adding that extra layer at specific portions of the garment to provide modesty. For example, the fabric of the disc concealers 20 can be a stretchable nonwoven or knit fabric. In some embodiments, the disc concealers 20 can comprises a stretchable knitted fabric having a weight of about 5.5 oz/yard2 or less. In some embodiments, the disc concealers 20 can comprise knitted fabrics having yarns comprising polyester, nylon, elastane, wool, silk, cotton, rayon, bamboo, or combinations thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the disc concealers 20 can comprise a knitted fabric comprising nylon and elastane.

The disc concealers 20 can also have different images thereon that are visible when viewing the interior portion 14A of the garment that faces the body of the wearer but are not visible from the exterior 14B. For example, images of flowers, stars, leaves, the moon, or the like, can be printed on the side of the disc concealer 20 facing outward when secured to the interior 14A of the garment 10. For example, an image of a leaf can be printed on the leaf-shaped disc concealer 20.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, another embodiment of a garment in the form of a swimwear bra, generally designated 10, is provided that is configured to cover breasts of a female wearer. As above, the swimwear bra 10 can comprise sections of a thin, fine gauge, drapeable, sheer exterior fabric 12 that forms at least an outer portion of bra fronts, or cups, 14, or exterior 14B, for receiving breasts of the wearer. The bra fronts 14 can be connected to a center gore 15 by structural seams 13. Straps 16 can extend upward from the bra fronts 14 and circle around to back band portions 17, which are secured to fabric 12 of the bra fronts 14 by side seams 19 to form arm openings.

The garment 10 can be a lightly lined garment that can further comprise first liners 30 comprising a thin, sheer fabric. For example, in some embodiments, the first liner 30 can comprise a fabric with a weight of about 10 oz./yd.2 or less. In some embodiments, the first liner 30 can comprise a fabric that weighs about 7 oz./yd.2 or less. In some embodiments, the first liner 30 can comprise a fabric that weighs about 5.5 oz./yd.2 or less. In some embodiments, the first liner 30 can comprise a fabric that weighs about 4.5 oz./yd.2 or less.

The first liners 30 can be secured to an interior portion of the exterior fabric 12 that forms the exterior 14B to form an interior 14A of each of the bra fronts 14 on a frontal portion of the garment 10. The garment 10 can comprise disc concealers 20 secured to an interior portion of the first liners 30 at a position where the female wearer's breast is intended to reside to add a thin sheer extra layer around the interior area of the bra fronts 14 where a nipple of the breast is intended to reside. As above, in some embodiments, the disc concealers 20 can have a thickness that is the same or less than a thickness of the exterior fabric 12 that forms the exterior 14B of the cups 14 of the garment 10. In some embodiments, the thickness of the disc concealer can be about twice the thickness of the exterior fabric 12.

To provide a sheer-fitting, the thin, sheer exterior fabric 12 can be drapeable and can comprise a stretchable knitted fabric having a weight of about 7 oz/yard2 or less. The disc concealers 20 can be any type of fabric or other fine material, including but not limited to, film material or laminates comprising one or more layers of fabrics and/or film. The disc concealers 20 can have the same or similar stretch and drapability as the exterior fabric 12 in order to function in a way that makes it look as minimal or “bare” as possible, while still adding that extra layer at specific portions of the garment. For example, the fabric of the fabric disc concealers 20 can be a stretchable nonwoven or knit fabric. If a woven fabric can provide the same or similar stretch and drapability as the exterior fabric 12, then such a woven fabric can be used to make the disc concealers 20. In some embodiments, the disc concealers 20 can comprise a stretchable knitted fabric having a weight of about 5.5 oz/yard2 or less. For example, the fabric disc concealers 20 comprises a nylon elastane knit fabric.

Unlike other linings or liners, the disc concealers 20 are not attached at the structural seams 13, 19 of the garment 10 that hold the section of the overall garment together, but are secured to a liner or the exterior fabric 12 separate and apart from those structural seams 13, 19 of the garment 10 as above. By having disc concealers 20 that do not extend to the structural seams of the garment 10, waste can also be minimized while still providing modesty coverage for the wearer. For example, in the embodiments, the disc concealer 20 can be secured to a liner by an adhesive material. In some embodiments, the disc concealers 20 can be secured to the first liner 30 with garment tape around an edge of the discs 20 through a heat-sealing process. The tape is applied with a dual side adhesive, so the disc concealers 20 can be applied directly to the liner 30. The disc concealers 20 can be attached to the inside of the liner 30, making the disc an interliner (not shown), sandwiched between the first liner 30 and the exterior fabric 12 that forms the face of the garment, making the disc invisible to the wearer. Alternatively, the disc concealers 20 can be bonded to the exterior of the liner 30 that forms an interior portion 14B of the bra fronts 14 of the garment 10, facing towards the wearer's skin in a visible way. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4B, the disc concealers 20 can be secured to the portion of the first liner 30 that forms an interior portion 14A of the cup 14 facing towards the wearer's skin in a visible manner with stitching 24 around an edge of the disc concealers 20 facing towards the wearer's skin. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the disc concealers 20 can be secured by stitching to the inside of the liner 30, making the disc concealers 20 interliners (not shown), sandwiched between the first liner 30 and the face of the garment, making the disc invisible to the wearer. Such stitching for securing the disc concealers 20 to the liners 30 form nonstructural seams that are not critical to the functionality of the garment like structural seams are. As above, the size and shape of the disc concealers 20 can vary as shown in FIG. 3 to an extend depending on the size of the garment 10 and the intended user. For some embodiments, the disc concealers 20 can comprise circular fabric disc having a diameter D of between about two (2) inches and six (6) inches (as shown in FIG. 1). For examples, in some embodiments, the diameter D of the disc concealers 20 can be about four and half (4½) inches. For examples, in some embodiments, the diameter D of the disc concealers 20 can be about two and half (2½) inches. By keeping the size of the disc concealer small, waste can be reduced as well.

Referring to FIGS. 5A-5C, an embodiment of a lightly lined garment bottom, generally designated 50, is provided. The garment bottom 50, in the form of a swimwear pant bottom, can comprise sections of exterior fabric 52 that forms exterior of the garment bottom 50. The garment bottom 50 can further comprise a first liner 54 comprising a thin, sheer fabric. The first liner 54 can be secured along structural seams 56 to an interior portion of the exterior fabric 52 that forms the exterior 58 of the garment bottom 50 as shown in FIG. 5A. In some embodiments, the first liner 54 can comprise a fabric that weighs about 10 oz./yd.2 or less. In some embodiments, the first liner 54 can comprise a fabric with a weight of about 7 oz./yd.2 or less. In some embodiments, the first liner 54 can comprise a fabric that weighs about 5.5 oz./yd.2 or less. In some embodiments, the first liner 54 can comprise a fabric that weighs about 4.5 oz./yd.2 or less.

FIGS. 5B and 5C show the exterior fabric 52 turned inside out to show the interior 59 of the garment bottom 50 with different shaped disc concealers 60, 60A secured to the liner 54. As shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, the garment bottom 50 can comprise a disc concealer 60, 60A secured to an interior portion of the liner 54 at a position where the female wearer's intimate reproductive region is intended to reside to add a thin extra layer having the same or similar stretchable or drapeability as the exterior fabric. As above, in some embodiments, the disc concealers 60, 60A can have a thickness that is the same or less than a thickness of the exterior fabric 52 that forms the exterior 58 of the garment bottom 50.

The exterior fabric 52 can be drapeable and can comprise a stretchable knitted fabric having a weight of about 7 oz/yard2 or less. The disc concealers 60, 60A can be any shape or size as those shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C that provide modesty to the wearer. The fabric of the fabric disc concealers 60, 60A can be any type of fabric or other fine material, including but not limited to, film material or laminates comprising one or more layers of fabrics and/or film can have the same or similar stretch and drapability as the exterior fabric 52 in order to function in a way that makes it look as minimal or “bare” as possible, while still adding that extra layer at specific portions of the garment to provide modesty. For example, the material of the disc concealers 60, 60A can be a stretchable and drapeable nonwoven or knit fabric. In some embodiments, the disc concealers 60, 60A can comprise a stretchable knitted fabric having a weight of about 5.5 oz/yard2 or less. For example, the disc concealers 60, 60A can comprise knitted fabrics having yarns comprising polyester, nylon, elastane, wool, silk, cotton, rayon, bamboo, or combinations thereof.

The disc concealers 60 are not attached at the structural seams 56 of the garment bottom 50 but are secured to the liner 54 or the thin, sheer exterior fabric 52 separate and apart from the structural seams 56 of the garment bottom 50. For example, at some locations in some garment embodiments, the disc concealer 60 can be a distance DC of about 0.03125 ( 1/32) or more inches away from the nearest structural seam. At some locations in some garment embodiments, the disc concealer 60 can be a distance DC of about 0.125 (⅛) or less inches away from the nearest structural seam. At some locations in some garment embodiments, the disc concealer 60 can be a distance DC of about 0.25 (¼) or less inches away from the nearest structural seam. At some locations in some garment embodiments, the disc concealer 60 can be a distance DC of about 0.5 (½) or less inches away from the nearest structural seam. At some locations in some garment embodiments, the disc concealer 60 can be a distance DC of about one (1) inch or less away from the nearest structural seam. At some locations in some garment embodiments, the disc concealer 60 can be a distance DC of about two (2) inches or less away from the nearest structural seam.

The disc concealers 60 can be secured in different ways. For example, disc concealers 60 can be secured by adhesive, or adhesive material. In some embodiments, the disc concealers 60, 60A can be secured to the interior portion of the liner 54 with garment tape around an edge of the disc concealers 60, 60A through a heat-sealing process as discussed above. The tape can be applied with a dual side adhesive, so the disc concealers 60, 60A can be applied directly to the liner 54. The disc concealers 60, 60A can be attached through a heat-sealing process to the inside of the liner 54, making the disc concealers an interliner, sandwiched between the first liner 54 and the thin, sheer exterior fabric 52 that forms the face of the garment bottom 50, making the disc invisible to the wearer. Alternatively, the disc concealers 60, 60A can be secured by stitching to the inside of the liner 30, making the disc concealers 60, 60A interliners, sandwiched between the liner 54 and the exterior fabric 52 that forms the face of the garment bottom 50.

The intention of the disc concealers 20, 40, 42, 44, 60, 60A are to have the same or similar properties as the outer fabric, including stretch and drapability, so the wearer intimate areas look as natural as possible in her swimwear or intimate undergarments. It eliminates the need for a bulky foam pad, yet offers modesty to the clientele who prefer it.

FIG. 6A illustrates a bra front portion of a swimwear bra 10 can comprise a thin, sheer exterior fabric 12 that forms interior 14A of bra front 14 of the garment 10 for receiving breasts of a female wearer. The swimsuit bra 10 can comprise a disc concealer 20 that is to be secured to the interior 14A of the bra front 14 formed by the thin exterior fabric 12. The disc concealer 20 is secured at a position where the female wearer's breast resides to add a thin pliable extra layer around the interior area of the garment where a nipple of the breast is intended to reside. The disc concealer 20 can have the same or similar stretchability and drapeability as the exterior fabric 12. An adhesive layer 25 can be placed on an interior 14A of bra front 14 of the garment 10. The adhesive layer 25 can comprise small intermittently spaced adhesive areas, known as adhesive dots 25A. The adhesive dots 25A can be heat and/or pressure activated. The disc concealers 20 can be place on and secured to the adhesive layer 25 to secure the disc concealer 20 to the exterior fabric 12, or if present a liner (not shown), that resides over the exterior fabric 12 on the inner side of the exterior fabric 12 that is configured to face the body of the wearer.

FIGS. 6B and 6C illustrates other bra front portions of a swimwear bra 10 can comprise a thin, sheer exterior fabric 12 that forms interior 14A of bra front 14 of the garment 10 for receiving breasts of a female wearer with a different disc concealer 70. The disc concealer 70 can comprise a top concealer layer 72 and a second bottom concealer layer 74. The top concealer layer 72 can be secured to the bottom concealer layer 74 by an adhesive material, such as an adhesive layer 76, to form a laminate. Once formed, the disc concealer 70 can then is secured to the interior 14A of bra front 14 of the garment 10. As shown in FIG. 6B, for example, in some embodiments, the disc concealer 70 can be secured to the interior 14A of bra front 14 of the garment 10 using adhesive material, such as an adhesive layer 25 of adhesive dots 25A as described above. As shown in FIG. 6C, as a further example, in some embodiments, the disc concealer 70 can be secured to the interior 14A of bra front 14 of the garment 10 using an adhesive layer 25 of adhesive tape 22.

FIG. 6D illustrates a bra front portion of a swimwear bra 10 that can comprise a thin, sheer exterior fabric 12 that forms interior 14A of bra front 14 of the garment 10 for receiving breasts of a female wearer. The swimsuit bra 10 can comprise disc concealer 80 that is to be secured to the interior 14A of the bra front 14 formed by the thin exterior fabric 12. The disc concealer 80 can comprise a film material that does not irritate the skin of the wearer. For example, the disc concealer 80 can be transferred onto the interior 14A of the bra front 14 using a heat transfer label. By having small disc concealers that do not extend to the structural seams of the garment, bulk within the garment can be reduced and waste minimized while still providing modesty coverage for the wearer.

Referring to FIG. 7, an embodiment of a garment in the form of a t-shirt, generally designated 90, is provided. The t-shirt 90 is turned inside out showing the interior 90A of the t-shirt 90 that faces and contacts the body of the wearer when worn. The t-shirt 90 can comprise sections of a thin, fine gauge, drapeable exterior fabric 92 that forms at least an outer portion or exterior of the t-shirt 90. The t-shirt 90 can comprise a disc concealer 20 that is to be secured to the interior 90 of the t-shirt 90 formed by the thin exterior fabric 92. To provide modesty for the wearer of the t-shirt 90, disc concealers 100 can be added on the interior 90A made from the exterior fabric 92. The disc concealers 100 can be any type of fabric and/or other wearable material, such as a wearable film material, or combination thereof that can have the same or similar stretch and drapability as the exterior fabric 92 in order to function in a way that makes it look as minimal or “bare” as possible, while still adding that extra layer at specific portions of the garment to provide modesty. The disc concealers 100 can comprise fabrics, such as drapeable and stretchable woven, knit or nonwoven fabrics, wearable film materials, or combinations thereof, as described above. The disc concealer 20 can be secured by an adhesive or adhesive material that allows the exterior fabric 92 to drape and flow in the same manner as or similarly to the natural drape of the exterior fabric 92. For example, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2B, the disc concealers 20 can be secured to the interior 90A of the exterior fabric 92 with garment tape or adhesive dots.

The disc concealers 100 are not attached at structural seams 94, 96, 98 of the garment 90 but are secured to the exterior fabric 92 separate and apart from the structural seams 94, 96, 98 of the t-shirt 90. Depending on the size of the t-shirt 90 and the size of the concealers 100, the distances DC1, DC2 between the edges of the concealers 100 to the closest structural seams 94, 96, 98 can vary as described above. Other garments such as dresses, for example, sundresses, can employer disc concealers in a similar fashion as to t-shirt 90.

In further embodiments, the disc concealers can have articulation channels formed therein that further facilitate a more natural look. In particular, the articulations channels can allow the wear's reproductive region to move within the garment as the wearer moves while helping to prevent unnatural looking ridges or protrusions that show through the external fabric of a garment due to creases or folders in the disc concealer or caused by an outer perimeter of the disc concealer that presents itself as a protruding outline in the garment. For example as shown in FIG. 8, a garment, in the form of a bikini top, 110 can be provided that comprises an exterior fabric 112 that forms an exterior portion of the garment 110 and structural seams 114 that hold the exterior fabric 112 to other sections of the garment 110 as described above. For example, exterior fabric 112 of the garment 110 can form bra fronts, 116 for receiving breasts of the wearer. The bra fronts 116 can be connected by a center gore 115 at one of the seams 114. Straps 118, which can be formed by the fabric 112 or can be a different panel of fabric or different material, can extend upward from the bra fronts 116 and circle around to back band portions 117, which can be secured to fabric 112 of the bra fronts 116 by side seams 119 to form arm openings.

The garment 110 can also comprise a disc concealer 120 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The disc concealer 120 can be secured to an interior portion 110B of the garment 110 without being connected at the structural seams 114 at a position where a reproductive region of a wearer will reside upon the wearer wearing the garment 110 to added an extra layer around the interior portion of the garment 110 where the reproductive region is intended to reside. As shown in FIG. 8, a disc concealer is secured on an interior of each bra front 116. The disc concealer 120 can comprise a body 122 having a shape 122A with an outer perimeter 124 and a center portion 126. For example, the shape 122A of the body 122 can comprise a circular shape with an outer circumference, i.e., the outer perimeter 124. The disc concealer 120 can also comprise two or more articulation channels 128 in the disc concealer 120 to permit the disc concealer 120 to conform to the reproductive region of the wearer to allow the wearer to move within the garment 110 without causing the disc concealer 120 to create an unnatural protrusion that can be seen through the exterior fabric 112.

For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the articulation channels 128 can be spaced around the outer circumference 124 of the circular shape 122A of the disc concealer 120 with the articulation channels 128 extending inward from the outer circumference 124 toward the center portion 126 (shown in a dotted line in FIG. 9) to permit the disc concealer 120 to better conform to the reproductive region of the wearer. The articulation channels 128 are positioned in the outer circumference 124 of the circular shape 122A such that projections 127 are formed. In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 9, the articulation channels 128 in the circumference of the disc concealer 120 can comprise a V-shaped configuration with each of the articulation channels 128 having a wider width at the outer circumference 124 and narrowing to a lesser width at a base 125 of the respective channel 128 closer to the center portion 126 of the disc concealer 120. For example, in some embodiments as shown in FIG. 9, the articulation channels 128 in the disc concealer can comprise four channels 128 formed in the outer circumference 124 of the disc concealer 120 with the channels 128 being spaced about equidistance from adjacent channels 128 around the outer circumference 124 of the disc concealer 120. The center portion 126 of the disc concealer 120 can be defined by the channel bases 125 of the articulation channels 128.

Additionally, the disc concealer 128 can further comprise a notch 129 on the outer circumference 124. The notch 129 can be used to ensure proper placement and orientation of the disc concealer 120 when placing it in the garment 110. For example, the notch 129 can be in one of the projections 127 formed by the articulation channels 128 that can be used indicate the particular projection 127 with the notch 129 in it should be placed pointing upward on a bra front in which it is installed as the upper most portion of the disc concealer 120 on the bra front. In this manner, the notch 129 can provide information relating to at least one of orientation of the disc concealer 120 and its placement in the garment.

FIG. 10 shows a similar embodiment of a disc concealer 130. The disc concealer 130 can comprise a body 132 having a shape 132A, such as a circular shape, with an outer perimeter 134, i.e. an outer circumference, and a center portion 126. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the disc concealer 130 can also comprise four articulation channels 138 in the disc concealer 130 to permit the disc concealer 130 to conform to the reproductive region of the wearer to allow the wearer to move within the garment without causing the disc concealer 130 to create an unnatural protrusion that can be seen through the exterior fabric. In the embodiment of the disc concealer 130 shown in FIG. 10, each of the four channels 138 can have a V-shaped configuration with each of the articulation channels 138 having a wider width DCH at the outer circumference 134 and narrowing to a lesser width at a base 135 of the respective channel 138 closer to the center portion 136 of the disc concealer 130. The articulation channels 138 reside in the outer circumference 134 of the circular shape 132A such that projections 137 are formed. Additionally, the disc concealer 138 can further comprise a notch 139 on the outer circumference 134. As described above in reference to the disc concealer 120 in FIGS. 8 and 9, the notch 139 can provide information relating to at least one of orientation of the disc concealer 130 and its placement in the garment.

Unlike the disc concealers 120 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the articulation channels 138 of the disc concealer 130 can have a smaller width DCH at the outer circumference 134 than the articulation channels 128 of the disc concealers 120. For example, in some embodiments, the articulation channels 138 of the disc concealer 130 can have a width DCH at the outer circumference of between about 0.125 inches and about 1 inch. In some embodiments, the articulation channels 138 of the disc concealer 130 can have a width DCH at the outer circumference of between about 0.25 inches and about 0.75 inches. For instance, in some embodiments, the articulation channels 138 of the disc concealer 130 can have a width DCH at the outer circumference of about 0.25 inches

Additionally, the articulation channels 138 of the disc concealer 130 can have a longer depth distance DD than the articulation channels 128 of the disc concealers 120 such that the center portion 136 is smaller than the center portion 126 of the disc concealers 120. Even though the center portion 136 is smaller, it still provides discrete modesty coverage of the most sensitive area of the reproduction region, such as the nipple. For example, in some embodiments, each of the four channels 138 can extend inward to a channel base 135 such that the center portion 136 can have a width DC of about 0.25 inches. For example, for embodiments that have an even number of articulation channels 138, the width DC can be measured from opposing channel bases 135 that are aligned across from each other. Alternatively, the center portion 136 can be defined by a circular area of the disc concealer 130 that has an outer circumference that touches or is just under the channel bases 135. Thereby, the center portion 136 of the disc concealer 130 can be defined by the channel bases 135 and the width of the center portion 136 can be a diameter DC of the circular area of the disc concealer 130 that constitutes the center portion 136.

Similarly, if the articulation channels 138 are equidistant apart from one another, then each of the four articulation channels 138 of the disc concealer 130 can extend inward converging toward the center portion 136 of the disc concealer 130 to points where the channel bases 135 are at a distance DA from adjacent channel bases 135. For example, in some embodiments, the distance DA between adjacent channel bases 135 can be between about 0.25 inches and about 1 inch. In some embodiments, the distance DA between adjacent channel bases 135 can be between about 0.25 inches and about 0.75 inches. For instance, in some embodiments, each of the four articulation channels 138 of the disc concealer 130 can extend inward converging toward the center portion 136 of the disc concealer 130 to points where the channel bases 135 have a distance DA of about 0.25 inches from adjacent channel bases 135.

With the smaller widths DCH as well as the longer depth distance DD of articulation channels 138 of the disc concealer 130, the projections 137 of the disc concealer 130 formed by the articulation channels 138 are larger than the projections 127 of the disc concealer 120. Similarly, the center portion 136 of the disc concealer 130 is smaller than the center portion 126 of the disc concealer 120. Thereby, the different disc concealers 120, 130 can provide different coverage with less of a noticeable presence in the garment depending on the intended use. For example, the disc concealers 120 may be better for use in certain cup sizes for women, while disc concealers 130 may be better for use in other cup sizes. While the articulation channels 128, 138 are shown to be symmetrical in natural in the respective disc concealers 120, 130 in FIGS. 9 and 10, it is noted also that the articulation channels and the disc concealers do not have to be symmetrical. The channel widths and depths of articulation channels within a given disc concealer may vary. The number of articulation channels in a given disc concealer can be selected and the articulation channels can be designed to have different shapes (widths and depths) within a given disc concealer to optimize modesty coverage as well as optimize concealment of the disc concealer itself within the garment so that it is not noticeable when the garment is worn.

As stated above, the number of articulation channels in a disc concealer can vary. For example, the number of articulation channels in a disc concealer can vary depending on the use and/or desired effect. FIGS. 11-13 illustrate some examples of embodiments of disc concealers with differing number of articulation channels.

Referring to FIG. 11, a disc concealer 140 is provided. The disc concealer 140 can comprise a body 142 having a shape 142A, such as a circular shape, with an outer perimeter 144, i.e. an outer circumference, and a center portion 146. The disc concealer 140 comprises three articulation channels 148 in the disc concealer 140 to permit the disc concealer 140 to conform to the reproductive region of the wearer to allow the wearer to move within the garment without causing the disc concealer 140 to create an unnatural protrusion that can be seen through the exterior fabric. The three articulation channels 148 in the disc concealer 140 each can have a channel base 145 that can used to define the center portion 146. The three articulation channels 148 reside in the outer circumference 144 of the circular shape 142A such that three projections 147 are formed.

As shown in FIG. 12, a disc concealer 150 is provided that can comprise a body 152 having a shape 152A, such as a circular shape, with an outer perimeter 154, i.e. an outer circumference, and a center portion 156. The disc concealer 150 comprises six articulation channels 158 in the disc concealer 150 to permit the disc concealer 150 to conform to the reproductive region of the wearer to allow the wearer to move within the garment without causing the disc concealer 150 to create an unnatural protrusion that can be seen through the exterior fabric. The six articulation channels 158 in the disc concealer 150 each can have a channel base 155 that can used to define the center portion 156. The six articulation channels 158 reside in the outer circumference 154 of the circular shape 152A such that six projections 157 are formed.

Referring to FIG. 13, a disc concealer 160 is provided. The disc concealer 160 can comprise a body 162 having a shape 162A, such as a circular shape, with an outer perimeter 164, i.e. an outer circumference, and a center portion 166. The disc concealer 160 comprises eight articulation channels 168 in the disc concealer 160 to permit the disc concealer 160 to conform to the reproductive region of the wearer to allow the wearer to move within the garment without causing the disc concealer 160 to create an unnatural protrusion that can be seen through the exterior fabric. The eight articulation channels 168 reside in the outer circumference 164 of the circular shape 162A such that eight projections 167 are formed. Additionally, the disc concealer 168 can further comprise a notch 169 on the outer circumference 164. The notch 169 can provide information relating to at least one of orientation of the disc concealer 160 and its placement in the garment. The three articulation channels 168 in the disc concealer 160 each can have a channel base 165 that can used to define the center portion 166.

Referring to FIG. 14A, another embodiment of a disc concealer, generally designated 170, is provide for use on an interior portion of a garment in a region of the garment where a reproductive region of a wearer will reside. The disc concealer 170 has a different shape from the disc concealers disclosed above. The disc concealer 170 comprises a body 172 having a shape 172A, in the form of an oval or ellipse, with an outer perimeter 174. The disc concealer 170 can comprise two or more articulation channels 178 in the disc concealer 170 to permit the disc concealer 170 to conform to the reproductive region of the wearer. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14A, the disc concealer 170 comprises four articulation channels 178. As above, the body 172 of the disc concealer 170 can be configured to be secured to an interior portion of a garment without being connected at a structural seam of the garment at a position where a reproductive region of a wearer will reside upon the wearer wearing the garment to added an extra layer around the interior area of the garment where the reproductive region is intended to reside. The articulation channels 178 in the disc concealer 170 can permit the disc concealer 170 to cover a sensitive area of the reproductive region while the disc concealer 170 moves with the reproductive region of the wearer as the wearer moves without the disc concealer 170 protruding unnaturally within the garment.

The disc concealer 170 can also comprise a center portion 176. The articulation channels 178 extend inward from the outer perimeter 174 toward the center portion 176. As shown in FIG. 14A, each of the articulation channels 178 in the outer perimeter 174 of the disc concealer 170 can comprise a V-shaped configuration with each of the articulation channels 170 having a wider width at the outer perimeter 174 and narrowing to a lesser width at a base 175 of the respective articulation channel closer to the center portion of the disc concealer.

Referring to FIG. 14B, a different embodiment of a disc concealer, generally designated 180, is provide for use on an interior portion of a garment in a region of the garment where a reproductive region of a wearer will reside. The disc concealer 180 also has a different shape from the disc concealers disclosed above. The disc concealer 180 comprises a body 182 having a shape 182A with an outer perimeter 184. The shape 182A of the body 182 can be considered a sunrise, or bell curve shape, with a flat base and a curved top forming a portion of the perimeter 184. For example, the shape 182A of the body 182 may be considered conducive in use in garments around the reproductive region of a female's breast.

The disc concealer 180 can comprise two or more articulation channels 188 in the disc concealer 180 to permit the disc concealer 180 to conform to the reproductive region of the wearer. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14B, the articulation channels 188 can comprise articulation slits across the body 182 of the disc concealer 180. The articulation slits 188 can be within the body 182 of the disc concealer 180 without extending to and/or through the outer perimeter 184 of the disc concealer 180. The articulation slits 188 can be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, or other shape. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14B, the disc concealer 180 comprises four articulation channels 188, though the number of articulation channels 188 can vary depending on use and need. As above, the body 182 of the disc concealer 180 can be configured to be secured to an interior portion of a garment without being connected at a structural seam of the garment at a position where a reproductive region of a wearer will reside upon the wearer wearing the garment to added an extra layer around the interior area of the garment where the reproductive region is intended to reside. The articulation channels 188 in the disc concealer 180 can permit the disc concealer 180 to cover a sensitive area of the reproductive region while the disc concealer 180 moves with the reproductive region of the wearer as the wearer moves without the disc concealer 180 protruding unnaturally within the garment.

Referring to FIG. 14C, another different embodiment of a disc concealer, generally designated 190, is provide for use on an interior portion of a garment in a region of the garment where a reproductive region of a wearer will reside. The disc concealer 190 also has a different shape from the disc concealers disclosed above. The disc concealer 190 can comprise a body 192 having a shape 192A, such as a triangular shape, with an outer perimeter 194. For example, the triangular shape 192A of the body 192 may be considered conducive in use in garments such as underpants or swimsuit bottoms for men or women to provide modesty for the person's reproductive region covered by the garment.

The disc concealer 190 can comprise two or more articulation channels 198 in the disc concealer 190. As above, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 14C, the articulation channels 198 can comprise articulation slits across the body 192 of the disc concealer 190. The silts 198 can be wavy so that the slits fall along different portions of the fabric to which it is attached. The articulation slits 198 can be within the body 192 of the disc concealer 190 without extending to and/or through the outer perimeter 194 of the disc concealer 190. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14C, the disc concealer 190 comprises six articulation channels 198, though the number of articulation channels 198 can vary depending on use and need. As above, the body 192 of the disc concealer 190 can be configured to be secured to an interior portion of a garment without being connected at a structural seam of the garment at a position where a reproductive region of a wearer will reside upon the wearer wearing the garment to added an extra layer around the interior area of the garment where the reproductive region is intended to reside. The articulation channels 198 in the disc concealer 190 can permit the disc concealer 190 to cover a sensitive area of the reproductive region while the disc concealer 190 moves with the reproductive region of the wearer as the wearer moves without the disc concealer 190 protruding unnaturally within the garment.

For example, other embodiments of disc concealers are shown in reference to FIGS. 15A-15C. Referring to FIGS. 15A-15C, an embodiment of a lightly lined garment bottom, generally designated 200, is provided. The garment bottom 200, in the form of a swimwear pant bottom, can comprise sections of exterior fabric 202 that forms exterior of the garment bottom 200. The garment bottom 200 can further comprise a first liner 204 comprising a thin, sheer fabric. The first liner 204 can be secured along structural seams 206 to an interior portion of the exterior fabric 202 that forms the exterior 208 of the garment bottom 200 as shown in FIG. 15A. In some embodiments, the first liner 204 can comprise a fabric that weighs about 10 oz./yd.2 or less. In some embodiments, the first liner 204 can comprise a fabric that weighs about 7 oz./yd.2 or less. In some embodiments, the first liner 204 can comprise a fabric that weighs about 5.5 oz./yd.2 or less. In some embodiments, the first liner 204 can comprise a fabric that weighs about 4.5 oz./yd.2 or less.

FIG. 15B and 15C show the exterior fabric 202 turned inside out to show the interior 209 of the garment bottom 200 with different shaped disc concealers 210, 220 secured to the liner 54. As shown in FIGS. 15B and 15C, the garment bottom 200 can comprise a disc concealer 210, 220 secured to an interior portion of the liner 204 at a position where the wearer's intimate reproductive region is intended to reside to add a thin extra layer that can have the same or similar stretchability or drapeability as the exterior fabric. As above, in some embodiments, the disc concealers 210, 220 can have a thickness that is the same or less than a thickness of the exterior fabric 202 that forms the exterior 208 of the garment bottom 200.

Referring to FIG. 15B, the disc concealer 210 can comprise a body 212 having a shape 212A, such as a triangular shape, with an outer perimeter 214. The disc concealer 210 can comprise two or more articulation channels 218 in the disc concealer 210 that can extend across the body 212 of the disc concealer 210 and through the outer perimeter 214 of the disc concealer 210. In this manner, the body 212 of the disc concealer 210 can comprise two or more disc concealer body members 212B since the articulation channels 218 pass through the body 212. One or more of the disc concealer body members 212B can comprise a center portion 216 of the disc concealer 210. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15B, the disc concealer 210 comprises four disc concealer body members 212B, though the number of disc concealer body members 212B can vary depending on the number of articulation channels 218. The articulation channels 218 shown in FIG. 15B are horizontal in orientation. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15B, the disc concealer 210 comprises three articulation channels 218, though the number of articulation channels 218 can vary depending on use and need.

Referring to FIG. 15C, the disc concealers 220 can comprise a body 222 having a shape 222A, which is also a triangular shape, with an outer perimeter 224. The disc concealer 220 can comprise two or more articulation channels 228 in the disc concealer 220 that can extend vertically through the body 222 of the disc concealer 220 and through the outer perimeter 224 of the disc concealer 220. Thereby, as above, the body 222 of the disc concealer 220 can comprise two or more disc concealer body members 222B since the articulation channels 228 pass through the body 222. The articulation channels 228 shown in FIG. 5B are vertical in orientation as stated above. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15C, the disc concealer 220 comprises four articulation channels 228, though the number of articulation channels 228 can vary depending on use and need.

Referring to FIG. 16, a transfer, or release, sheet 240 for a disc concealer 230 similar to the disc concealer shown in FIG. 15B is shown. As above, the disc concealer 230 can comprise a body 232 having a shape 232A, such as a triangular shape, with an outer perimeter 234. The disc concealer 230 comprises three articulation channels 238 in the disc concealer 230 that can extend across the body 232 of the disc concealer 230 in a horizontal direction and through the outer perimeter 234 of the disc concealer 230. In this manner, the body 232 of the disc concealer 230 can comprise four disc concealer body members 232B since the articulation channels 238 pass through the body 232. One or more of the disc concealer body members 232B can comprise a center portion 236 of the disc concealer 230.

The disc concealer body members 232B can reside on the transfer sheet 240 in a pattern that creates the articulation channels 238. The transfer sheet 240 can comprise a paper, such as a wax paper or polymer, that allows for the release of the disc concealer body members 232B onto a fabric of a garment through the application of heat and/or pressure, for example. The disc concealer body members 232B can include an adhesive layer 233 that can be placed on a side of the disc concealer body members 232B that is to be secured to the fabric of the garment. The adhesive layer 233 can comprise small intermittently spaced adhesive areas, known as adhesive dots 233. The adhesive dots 233 can be heat and/or pressure activated to secure the disc concealer body members 232B of the disc concealer 230 to the fabric forming the articulation channels 238.

These and other modifications and variations to the present subject matter may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter, which is more particularly set forth herein above. In addition, it should be understood the aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged both in whole or in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the present subject matter.

Claims

1. A garment comprising;

an exterior fabric that forms an exterior portion of the garment and structural seams that hold the exterior fabric to other sections of the garment; and
a disc concealer being secured to an interior portion of the garment without being connected at the structural seams at a position where a reproductive region of a wearer will reside upon the wearer wearing the garment to added a thin extra layer around the interior area of the garment where the reproductive region is intended to reside, the disc concealer comprising: a body having a circular shape with an outer circumference and a center portion; and two or more articulation channels spaced around the outer circumference of the disc concealer that extend inward from the outer circumference toward the center portion to permit the disc concealer to conform to the reproductive region of the wearer without the disc concealer protruding unnaturally within the garment.

2. The garment according to claim 1, wherein each of the articulation channels in the circumference of the disc concealer comprise a V-shaped configuration with each of the articulation channels having a wider width at the outer circumference and narrowing to a lesser width at a base of the respective articulation channel closer to the center portion of the disc concealer.

3. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the articulation channels comprise three or more articulation channels formed in the outer circumference of the disc concealer.

4. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the articulation channels comprise four articulation channels formed in the outer circumference of the disc concealer with the articulation channels being spaced about equidistance from adjacent articulation channels around the outer circumference of the disc concealer.

5. The garment according to claim 4, wherein each of the four articulation channels have a width at the outer circumference of about 0.25 inches.

6-7. (canceled)

8. The garment according to claim 4, wherein the disc concealer has a notch in the outer circumference, the notch providing information relating to at least one of orientation of the disc concealer and its placement in the garment.

9-10. (canceled)

11. A garment comprising:

an exterior fabric that forms an exterior portion of the garment and structural seams that hold the exterior fabric to other sections of the garment; and
a disc concealer being secured to an interior portion of the garment without being connected at the structural seams at a position where a reproductive region of a wearer will reside upon the wearer wearing the garment to added a thin extra layer around the interior area of the garment where the reproductive region is intended to reside, the disc concealer comprising:
a body with an outer shape with an outer perimeter and a center portion; and
two or more articulation channels in the disc concealer to permit the disc concealer to conform to the reproductive region of the wearer without the disc concealer protruding unnaturally within the garment.

12. The garment according to claim 11, wherein the articulation channels comprise three or more articulation channels formed in the disc concealer and the articulation channels extend inward from the outer perimeter toward the center portion.

13. (canceled)

14. The garment according to claim 12, wherein each of the articulation channels in the outer perimeter of the disc concealer comprise a V-shaped configuration with each of the articulation channels having a wider width at the outer perimeter and narrowing to a lesser width at a base of the respective articulation channel closer to the center portion of the disc concealer.

15. The garment according to claim 11, wherein the articulation channels comprise four articulation channels formed in the outer perimeter of the disc concealer with the articulation channels being spaced about equidistance from adjacent articulation channels around the outer perimeter of the disc concealer.

16-18. (canceled)

19. The garment according to claim 11, wherein the disc concealer has a notch in the outer perimeter, the notch providing information relating to orientation of the disc concealer and its placement in the garment.

20. The garment according to claim 11, wherein the articulation channels comprise articulation slits across the body of the disc concealer.

21-23. (canceled)

24. A disc concealer for use on an interior portion of a garment in a region of the garment where a reproductive region of a wearer will reside, the disc concealer comprising:

a body having a shape with an outer perimeter; and
two or more articulation channels in the disc concealer to permit the disc concealer to conform to the reproductive region of the wearer;
the body of the disc concealer being configured to be secured to an interior portion of a garment without being connected at a structural seam of the garment at a position where a reproductive region of a wearer will reside upon the wearer wearing the garment to added an extra layer around the interior area of the garment where the reproductive region is intended to reside with the articulation channels in the disc concealer permitting the disc concealer to cover a sensitive area of the reproductive region while the disc concealer moves with the reproductive region of the wearer as the wearer moves without the disc concealer protruding unnaturally within the garment.

25. The disc concealer according to claim 24, wherein the body comprises a center portion and the two or more articulation channels extend inward from the outer perimeter toward the center portion.

26. The disc concealer according to claim 25, wherein each of the articulation channels in the outer perimeter of the disc concealer comprise a V-shaped configuration with each of the articulation channels having a wider width at the outer perimeter and narrowing to a lesser width at a base of the respective articulation channel closer to the center portion of the disc concealer.

27. The disc concealer according to claim 24, wherein the articulation channels comprise four articulation channels formed in the outer perimeter of the disc concealer with the articulation channels being spaced about equidistance from adjacent articulation channels around the outer perimeter of the disc concealer.

28. The disc concealer according to claim 27, wherein each of the four articulation channels have a width at the outer perimeter of about 0.25 inches.

29. The disc concealer according to claim 24, wherein the disc concealer has a notch in the outer perimeter, the notch providing information relating to orientation of the disc concealer and its placement in the garment.

30. The disc concealer according to claim 24, wherein the articulation channels comprise articulation slits across the body of the disc concealer.

31. (canceled)

32. The disc concealer according to claim 24, wherein the shape of the disc concealer comprises at least one of a triangular shape, a circular shape, or an oval shape.

Patent History
Publication number: 20210368871
Type: Application
Filed: May 20, 2021
Publication Date: Dec 2, 2021
Inventor: Jill E. Palese (Hingham, MA)
Application Number: 17/326,111
Classifications
International Classification: A41C 3/14 (20060101); A41B 9/00 (20060101);