Bathing Garments Patents (Class 2/67)
  • Patent number: 5586340
    Abstract: A garment made of stretch molded material such as rubber or elastermeric resin, such as a swimsuit, with cutouts (front and/or rear) molded in contouring for figure enhancement and having ultra thin seams or no seams to present a more flattering and sensual appearance when used as an undergarment with form fitting casual wear designed to accentuate body parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Inventor: Peter J. Russo
  • Patent number: 5561858
    Abstract: A swimsuit for a female infant wearing a diaper, includes a tubular main section enclosing the torso of the infant, and a T-shaped flap extending from the lower rear extremity of the tubular main section. The flap includes a relatively narrow strip portion adapted to extend along the crotch area of the infant's body, and a relatively wide triangular portion adapted to extend across the infant's abdomen. Fastener assemblies are provided at the upper corner extremities of the flap for releasably securing the flap to the lower front edge of the swimsuit main section. The fastener assemblies can be disconnected (or detached) for unfolding the flap to expose the infant's diaper for diaper-changing purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Debra Poirier
  • Patent number: 5518798
    Abstract: A bathing wear is made of a net-like knitted fabric printed with contrasting bright colors, composed of 73% nylon and 27% of a polyurethane elastomer. The knitted fabric has a multiplicity of hexagonal mesh openings, which are aligned in rows in three directions. This bathing wear allows about two-thirds of the incident UV radiation of the sun to pass and thus gives rise to full body tanning, without being transparent however even when wet. In addition, the bathing wear is quick-drying and fits the body elastically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Solar-Fashion GmbH & Co. KG.
    Inventor: Herbert Riedel
  • Patent number: 5515542
    Abstract: A garment made of a material which is opaque when dry and substantially translucent when wet for displaying, when in a wet state, tattoo-like effects of a second opaque material. The garment may include panels under or over an outer shell of the opaque/translucent material for providing tattoo-like designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Inventor: Kimberly A. Simmons
  • Patent number: 5506730
    Abstract: A flip-up helmet mount for a night vision goggle includes a plurality of nested relatively movable brackets, the first of which is secured to a user's helmet. A second bracket pivots relative to the first to provide flip-up motion for the night vision goggle, and a third of the nested brackets is pivotal on the second bracket to provide a tilt angle adjustment for the night vision viewer. In order to both save battery power, and to prevent the user from inadvertently revealing his position by forgetting to turn off the night vision viewer before flipping it up, the support structure includes a magnetic flux source cooperable with a magnetically-responsive switch of the night vision viewer to maintain the viewer turned on only when the viewer is in its use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Roland M. Morley, O'Dell M. Keil, Curtis B. Keepers, Roy K. Fischer
  • Patent number: 5502842
    Abstract: A protective swimwear garment for infants and young children who wear diapers. The panty like garment is waterproof and is worn over the diaper. A seal is made between the body and the garment by inflating an air receiving chamber around the waist and legs which will prevent water from entering and soaking the diaper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Inventor: Sherry S. Wagner
  • Patent number: 5487710
    Abstract: A device for training swimmers includes a swimsuit, one or more drag-creating strips, and fastener(s) for detachably fastening the drag-creating strip(s) to the swimsuit. Each drag-creating strip includes non-porous material forming at least one pocket having a closed bottom, closed sides and an open top. During swimming, water entering the pocket will impact against the sides and bottom of the pocket, thereby creating turbulence. Such turbulence produces resistance to the movement of the swimmer through the water. The layout and number of fasteners allows the drag-creating strip(s) to be attached to the swimsuit in any one of various orientations. Thus, the pockets can be oriented at optimal positions relative to the movement of the swimmer through the water. Moreover, the pockets can be oriented in a manner that isolates a particular muscle group for training.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Inventors: Blaise Lavorgna, Peter R. Sebastian
  • Patent number: 5478278
    Abstract: An adjustable inner breast cup insert assembly for a woman's swimsuit or garment such as a leotard, dancewear, etc. The inner breast cup insert assembly comprises two breast cups connected at a midsection. Each breast cup contains a vertical extension and a side extension. Attached to the vertical extensions and side extensions of the breast cups is fastening material such as hook and loop type fasteners. On an inner side of the shoulder area and side seams of the under arm area of the swimsuit or garment is attached complimentary fastening material. The fastening material of the inner breast cup insert assembly is connected to the fastening material of the swimsuit or garment, thereby securely anchoring the insert assembly to the swimsuit or garment and providing proper fit, choice of size, proper support, comfort, shape and desired look to a wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Inventor: Irwin Greenblatt
  • Patent number: 5471678
    Abstract: A flip-up mount is provided for a night vision system. The mount comprises a carriage which is configured to engage a coupling device provided on the night vision system and secure the system in place. A pivotal armature is attached to the carriage and extends from a pivot point. The armature pivots between a first operational position enabling an operator to use the system, and a second stowed position. An anchor secures the pivot point to a helmet worn by the operator of the system. The pivot point further comprises a brace having an axle shaft, a sleeve integral to the armature and rotatable about the shaft, and a spring biased locking member securing the sleeve in a selected one of the first and the second positions. A supplemental chin strap is provided to prevent unwanted movement of the helmet when the night vision system is in the stowed position. Alternatively, the flip-up mount can be used in conjunction with a face mask worn by the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Amotz Dor
  • Patent number: 5469578
    Abstract: A headgear mount (10) for night vision goggles (12) is disclosed. The headgear mount (10) is formed with a goggle mounting structure (14) secured to a mounting block (16). Mounting block (16) is secured to frame (22) that is secured to the front portion of the user's cranium by straps (28, 32, 38, 52, 54). Goggle mounting structure (14) allows the goggles (12) to rotate between a line-of-sight position when in use and a stowed position when not in use. A magnet means formed by two magnet positioners (72, 74) and two magnets (74, 76) adjust the power switch of goggles (12) so that the goggles (12) receive power in the line-of-sight position and do not receive power when in the stowed position. Headgear mount (10) has adapters (98, 104) that allow headgear mount (10) to be used with various types of night vision goggles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Varo, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul B. Mattes
  • Patent number: 5467482
    Abstract: A self supporting thong type brief has no side or waist portions and can be shaped to custom fit the wearer for substantial exposure of the midsection and buttocks area and is particularly suited for sun bathing and tanning. In a preferred embodiment the tanning brief has an interior frame formed of a length of small diameter resilient malleable wire bent to form a relatively short front portion, opposed elongate side portions which extend rearwardly and angularly inward from said front portion and converge toward each other and then extend rearwardly parallel to one another to form a longitudinal rear portion. At least the longitudinal rear portion of the frame is covered by a soft cushioning material. The frame and cushioning material is completely enclosed by a fabric covering. The brief is preferably packaged and sold in a straight configuration, and is thereafter manually shaped into a generally C-shaped configuration curved along its length to custom fit the body of an individual wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Inventor: William E. Crawford, II
  • Patent number: 5467479
    Abstract: A helmet mount (10) for night vision goggles (12) is disclosed that is formed with a rear clamp (24), front clamp (16), a strap (20) disposed between the front and rear clamps (16, 24), and a goggle mounting structure (14). The goggle mounting structure (14) secures the night vision goggles (12) to the helmet mount (10) and allows the goggles (12) to be placed in a stowed position when not in use and a line-of-sight position when a used. Additionally, the goggle mounting structure (14) has power activator (58, 60, 62, 64) that automatically deactivates the power when the goggles are not in use and activates the power when the goggles are in use. The helmet mount (10) has adapters (80, 86) that allow the mount to be used with various types of night vision goggles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Varo Inc.
    Inventor: Paul B. Mattes
  • Patent number: 5459875
    Abstract: A garment, having a garment body, having a pair of brassiere cups located adjacent to one another. A slide fastener having a pair of tracks and a slide is attached to the cups, with the tracks attached along the periphery of the cups and the slide originating between the cups. Upon operation of the slide, the tracks are brought together, in turn bringing the cups together forming a pouch with a cavity therebetween, whereby, the garment body can be stuffed into the pouch, so as to be stored an contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventors: Louis J. Fattorusso, Helen Sanchez
  • Patent number: 5459874
    Abstract: Two embodiments of swimsuits providing flotation for the wearer of the suits are disclosed, in addition to methods of constructing such suits and a specialized tool facilitating the construction of such suits. The suits include a series of lower flotation pads located approximately adjacent the center of mass of the wearer, which pads provide the majority of buoyancy for the suit and its wearer. Upper flotation pads are located at the upper back and chest areas, to keep the body of the wearer of the suit upright in the water and preclude the lengthy immersion of the wearer's head or breathing passages. Both a generic suit and a suit tailored primarily for boys and men are disclosed. Methods of construction for the two suits are disclosed, in which specific steps preclude the need for time consuming and laborious hand sewing operations. A specialized tool is also disclosed, which tool facilitates the insertion of the foam pads into the pockets of the suits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignees: Patti Gilmer, Nancy Packard, Pam Thomas, Rodney Robinson
    Inventor: Jerry R. Meredith
  • Patent number: 5452477
    Abstract: An item of swimming wear (10) arranged to be worn closely to the body of a user to provide or enhance buoyancy, which item (10) comprises a piece of flexible closed-cell foam material (12) combined with a piece of textile or plastics material (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Inventor: Ho-Keung Mann
  • Patent number: 5435010
    Abstract: An article of clothing that changes color when exposed to varying moisture levels within the article. The article has a body with an outer surface, and a moisture sensitive coating disposed upon the outer surface of the body that changes color when in contact with varying moisture levels in the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Inventor: Robert E. May
  • Patent number: 5421032
    Abstract: A bathing suit includes a pocket, a waterproof pouch disposed in the pocket and a tether having a first end attached to the suit and a second end attached to the waterproof pouch. The tether is flexible and of sufficient length such that the waterproof pouch can be removed from the pocket for inserting therein items for safekeeping. The pouch is made of pliable waterproof material and has a sealable opening such that, when sealed, liquids may not enter. Preferred embodiment, the pocket is constructed such that the tether can be anchored to the suite's waistband. Preferably, also, the pocket is constructed such that the tether is concealed entirely within the pocket during storage of the pouch. With use of a rear pocket, the tether is sufficiently long such that the pouch can be removed from the rear pocket and held to the front of a wearer for inserting therein items for safekeeping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: Edward D. Murphy
  • Patent number: 5413485
    Abstract: A process for teaching a person how to swim by using a swimsuit having a front portion with a variable buoyancy flotation device that acts to maintain a person in a swimming position, instructing a person how to use proper swimming techniques, and periodically adjusting the buoyancy of the flotation devices to reflect the swimming skills of the pupil. Additionally, an apparatus for practicing the method includes a swimsuit having a front portion covering the chest and abdominal region of a person wearing the swimsuit and one or more compartments in the front portion of the swimsuit to receive flotation devices which act to place the person wearing the swimsuit in a swimming position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Inventor: Keith Adee
  • Patent number: 5406646
    Abstract: The stretchable and water resistant laminated fabric composition comprises two layers of stretchable fabrics bonded together by a heat activated adhesive comprising a urethane polymer suspended in a toluene containing solvent, in a proportion of about 40% by weight of urethane polymer. Such an adhesive leaves stretchability properties of the fabrics of the layers substantially intact and provides a water resistant bond between said layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Robert Balit
    Inventors: Robert Balit, Esther Larkin
  • Patent number: 5380578
    Abstract: A laminated elastic fabric for use in making a garment having reduced drag with respect to a surrounding fluid as a wearer of the garment moves through the surrounding fluid comprises a stretch layer and an elastic, plastic layer bonded to the stretch layer having a plurality of parallel, spaced grooves disposed in an outer surface of the plastic layer. A preferred, plastic layer is a breathable, waterproof thermoplastic film. A garment, such as a swimsuit, made from the grooved fabric has the grooves substantially aligned with the direction of movement of fluid over a portion of the garment as the wearer of the garment moves through the fluid. Methods for making the fabric and garment are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Arlington Fabrics Corporation
    Inventor: Leonard J. Rautenberg
  • Patent number: 5359732
    Abstract: A swimsuit is provided having the holding power of a typical figure control swimsuit using a single panel construction. The fabric of the swimsuit includes a substantially uniform stretch in both the longitudinal and horizontal directions. The fabric is cut to include a high modulus in the horizontal direction of the suit, as compared to the vertical direction, so as to provide improved retention and camouflage of body parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Inventors: Herman B. Waldman, Mark S. Waldman
  • Patent number: 5347656
    Abstract: A bathing suit top includes inflatable bladders in each of the cup portions of the top to provide support for the breasts of the wearer. An air pump is secured to the inflatable portions of the bathing suit top to selectively fill the first and second breast support bladders with ambient air. The air pump is preferably positioned in the connecting portion of the bathing suit between the two cups such that the pump can be discretely hidden behind a small piece of fabric. When the air pump is depressed air is forced into the two air bladders in the bathing suit cups and the breast support bladders are simultaneously filled to the same level in order to provide the identical amount of support to both breasts. The breast support bladders are designed to include three peninsula shaped sections to enable the breast support bladder to conform to the shape of the individual wearers breasts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: CCC Acquisitions Corp.
    Inventors: Jacqueline M. B. Fabritz, Marshall L. Barth, Anthony R. Longo
  • Patent number: 5347657
    Abstract: A swim suit bottom for both genders having a unique attachment of each end thereof to the user. The swim suit bottom is formed into a single flexible fabric cover having a narrow mid section sized to cover the crotch area and widening at either end thereof to define a front and a back panel. When fully extended over the user in an in-use position, the front panel covers essentially the pubic area and the back panel covers a central buttocks area of the user. The back panel is supported in position by a slender resilient arcuate band which only partially encircles and biasingly engages against the lower torso, extending across the lower back, up around the right and left iliac crests and diagonally downward toward, but not to, the stomach and pubic area. The front panel is held in position by a strip of replaceable double-sided adhesive tape adhered adjacent the end margin of the front panel and then across the skin of the upper pubic area below the stomach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Inventor: Robert D. Unsell
  • Patent number: 5331684
    Abstract: The present invention is a mounting assembly for mounting a night vision apparatus onto a standard army issue helmet. The present invention includes a support member for retaining the night vision apparatus and a clamping assembly used to join the support member to the helmet. The clamping assembly is removably attachable to a standard army issue helmet above the eyes of the wearer. The support member is pivotably connected to the clamping assembly in a manner that enables the support member to be pivotably rotated about the clamping assembly between an operational position and a stowed position. At the operational position, the support member retains the night vision apparatus in front of the eyes of the wearer. At the stowed position, the night vision apparatus is "flipped up" to a position above the field of view of the wearer, where the night vision apparatus can be retained until again needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: ITT Corporation
    Inventors: Albert M. Baril, Roy H. Holmes
  • Patent number: 5303424
    Abstract: A boxer-type swim suit for a water skier in which the suit has at least one rear panel, a liner attached thereto along a waistband, a band attached to the rear panel and an elongated strip having its upper edge joined to the rear panel and its lower edge joined to the liner. The elongated strip and band define opposing sides of a vent which extends across substantially the entire width of the rear portion of the swim suit. The vent allows first water and then air to escape which would otherwise be trapped below the waistband of a water skier's swim suit. Both the strip and band are disposed generally parallel to an edge of the waistband and proximate thereto and are joined to each other along a plurality of junctures situated between the ends of the band. Disposed generally perpendicularly to the waistband, contiguous pairs of these junctures are spaced sufficiently apart from each other to allow either water or air to flow substantially unimpeded through the vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Inventor: Hendrick L. Cromartie
  • Patent number: 5282277
    Abstract: A body cover, or clothing, for athletes is disclosed. The body cover is comprised of a first material portion adapted to be placed over the anterior portion of the body of the athletes. The first material portion is comprised of a plurality of longitudinal, attached panels of "NEOPRENE" having a thickness of preferably from about 1 to 3 millimeters. The first material portion is waterproofed, provides insulation and wind protection, and is adapted to hold liquid against the anterior portion of the athlete's body such that the liquid absorbs body thermal energy. A second material portion adapted to be placed over the posterior portion of the body of the athlete is comprised of a plurality of longitudinal, attached panels of "LYCRA". The second material portion allows evaporation of liquid on the posterior portion of the body of the athlete and radiation of thermal energy therethrough. Third material portions attach the first material portion and the second material portion to form the body covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Inventor: Shoji Onozawa
  • Patent number: 5255392
    Abstract: A concealed pocket assembly, and more particularly, a concealed pocket assembly which can be incorporated into swim wear, beach wear, active wear, exercise wear and related articles. The concealed pocket assembly is generally provided for incorporation into clothing. The concealed pocket assembly includes a pocket member attached to a fabric portion adjacent an edge of the opening of the pocket and in association with a lining portion of the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Vacco Corporation
    Inventor: Thelma E. Stanislaw
  • Patent number: 5189736
    Abstract: A support garment for use during exercise. A front panel is connected to a left rear panel and a right rear panel. A left front panel strap is adapted to be connected to a left rear panel strap, and a right front panel strap is adapted to be connected to a right rear panel strap. A belt is connected to the rear of the garment at approximately the center thereof. The garment enables the wearer's shoulders to provide support to the lower back and gluteal/pelvic area by pulling upward from the shoulders. The two ends of the belt are pulled forward and upward and fastened at the approximately the waist of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Inventor: Lisa N. Price
  • Patent number: 5171182
    Abstract: A garment having the combined appearance of a brassiere and a camisole is provided with a camisole top, the brassiere function of the garment being provided by non-stretchable shoulder straps that extend across the interior of the breast cups, and, which are securely connected with the brassiere frames, the shoulder straps extending on a diagonal of the breast cups, portions of the breast cups being reinforced to provide for the support of the weight of the breast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: Wacoalamerica, Inc.
    Inventor: Valerie L. Heinen
  • Patent number: 5167566
    Abstract: A brassiere construction has breast cups provided with a central diagonally extending panel that is stretchable in vertical directions, and which is non-stretchable in horizontal directions, thus to accommodate different volumes of breast tissue falling within a determined range of volumes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: Wacoal America, Inc.
    Inventors: Rosalie M. Novitsky, Harold Stern, Nancy Fishman, Miguel Cintron
  • Patent number: 5165115
    Abstract: A concealed pocket assembly, and more particularly, a concealed pocket assembly which can be incorporated into swim wear, beach wear, active wear, exercise wear and related articles. The concealed pocket assembly is generally provided for incorporation into clothing. The concealed pocket assembly includes a pocket member attached to a fabric portion adjacent an edge of the opening of the pocket and in association with a lining portion of the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Assignee: Vacco Corporation
    Inventor: Thelma E. Stanislaw
  • Patent number: 5162015
    Abstract: An undergarment affording bust support and an unobstructed view of the wearer's back including a panty portion, a bra portion and joining straps. The panty portion has a front panel, a rear panel, and fasteners for joining the front and rear panels together at the crotch. The bra portion has a pair of cups, a connector joining the cups at the front, and, for each cup, a shoulder strap for supporting the cup on a respective shoulder of the wearer. On each side, the joining straps are a first strap joining the rear panel and a respective one of the cups and a second strap joining the front panel and a respective one of the shoulder straps. The first and second joining straps cross and are secured together adjacent a respective one side of the wearer, preferably at about waist level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Warnaco, Inc.
    Inventor: Carol Otani
  • Patent number: 5120264
    Abstract: A women's undergarment that combines support for acting as a brassiere and underpants formed as a unitary garment made from nylon mesh fabric in one piece with a single flat seam at the back. A top band for breast support sized to fit around the upper torso of the female with a lower triangular shaped portion which is wider in the front and has a thong-like shaped panty in the rear portion of the garment where it is unitarily formed. The undergarment has no visible seams, straps, hooks or buttons and is totally functional and unrestricting for the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Inventor: Pearl E. Van Engel
  • Patent number: 5119511
    Abstract: An inner bust control portion of a swimsuit includes an elasticized fabric band that completely encircles the chest. A stretchy elastic horizontal strip is attached at its upper margin, and another at its lower margin, so that the band is pulled up against the chest. Two vertical elastic strips, one at the side of each breast extends from upper to lower horizontal elastic strips. At least one midline vertical elastic strip separates the breasts so that pockets are formed within the fabric band bounded by the elastic strips. The upper margin of the inner bust control portion is attached to the upper margin of the outer fabric of the swimsuit. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the midline vertical elastic strip or strips are replaced by a drawstring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Inventors: Jack W. Packer, Shirley G. Packer
  • Patent number: 5116278
    Abstract: A woman's brassiere individual sizes of which can accommodate a substantial range of rib cage and cup sizes. A pair of cups, with an elastic web is joined to an encircling band A shoulder loop is attached to each cup and to the encircling band. Elastic risers bind the sides of each cup and extend from the band to respective shoulder straps. An elastic cradle has a lower edge anchored to the band, and an upper free edge entirely unattached to the web of the cup so it can move in relative shear-like movement relative to the web. The cradle reinforces the web when the web is substantially deflected by a breast, and supports the lower portion of the breast independently of the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Assignee: Brian J. Sroub
    Inventors: Brian J. Sroub, Melvin A. Pomeranz
  • Patent number: 5083316
    Abstract: A garment system for the full or partial enclosure of the torso, preferably in the form of a ladies bathing suit. The garment system includes a first central portion which constitutes a first ornamental region. The central portion is formed of front and rear body panels, the extents of which are defined by lateral perimeters. The lateral perimeters include first cooperative fastening elements, which perimeters define the geometry of the first ornamental region. Further provided are left and right portions proportioned to encircle the left and right sides of the torso. The left and right portions constitute second and third ornamental regions, which regions are defined by lateral perimeters, which perimeters include second cooperative fastening elements complemental to the first cooperative fastening elements of the central portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Inventor: Ellen M. Kuehner
  • Patent number: 5067178
    Abstract: The present invention involves an undergarment and an integral pocket secured thereto. The invention is applicable to men's brief, men's boxer shorts, women's panties, women's brassieres, and to pockets which may be secured thereto. The undergarment is generally made of a first material, and the pocket is made of second material which is different from the first material. The pocket has an elasticized band of material disposed across the opening thereof, the elasticized band of material being stretched taut across the body portion. The pocket opening includes a double density of material. Preferably, the pocket material is made of a plurality of stretch fibers which are oriented transversely from a plurality of nonstretch fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Inventor: Michael P. Katchka
  • Patent number: 5065458
    Abstract: The appearance modifying garments include appearance enhancing color differences creating a new type of garment which promotes an improved appearance of the wearer through the formation of apparent marginal edges on the garment itself. The apparent marginal edges provide the outline of a shapely appearance and are formed by darkening areas of the garments so that they appear smaller or less noticeable to the eye when the garment is worn. The shapely portion stands out and the darker shaded portions are less noticeable and there is a distinct demarcation between the light area and the dark area so that the viewer's eye is drawn to the shapely portion of the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Inventor: Mary S. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5042092
    Abstract: The present invention teaches a one-piece garment which is capable of being worn either alone or over panty hose, underpants, tights, or the like, as well as being worn under pants, slacks, a dress and/or a skirt and a blouse, and which permits performing one or more bodily or hygienic functions without the need to remove any of same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Inventor: Elizabeth Ewing
  • Patent number: 5033116
    Abstract: A clothing, such as swimwear and cycling wear, for reducing fluid resistance, air resistance and water resistance, by covering at least one portion adjacent to neck opening, side cuts and back cut of the clothing by means of a patch of a smooth-surfaced, airtight and water-proof sheet made of flexible resin sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Descente Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Itagaki, Shunsaku Kagechi, Masanori Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 5033986
    Abstract: A woman's bodysuit for exercising or swimming comprises an outer covering for encasing at least a portion of a woman's torso, including the bust, abdomen, hips and rear regions. The covering extends below the arms and around at least a portion of the back and includes shoulder straps forming openings for the neck and arms. A bra portion is provided beneath the outer covering, the bra portion including a full bra liner covering the breasts and a separate partial bra liner beneath the full liner supporting the undersides and sides of the breasts. The full and partial bra liners are each secured along common edges to the outer covering centrally between the shoulder straps at the neck opening and on either side at the arm openings. An elastic strap is secured along a bottom edge of the bra portion and is secured to the outer covering in the region behind or below the arms. The outer covering, full bra liner and partial bra liner are made of stretchable natural or synthetic fabrics, or blends thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Apparel America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay Feigenbaum, Janna Parris, Maurice Forman
  • Patent number: 4999845
    Abstract: A one-piece wet suit comprises a continuous body portion having a neck opening, arm openings and leg openings, the suit being formed from panels of a first, insulative material and panels of a second material having higher elasticity than the first material. The second material extends around at least part of the neck opening to allow the suit to be pulled on or taken off over the body of a wearer via the neck opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Assignee: Ocean Pacific Sunwear Ltd.
    Inventors: James E. Jenks, Jr., Howard A. Barmazel
  • Patent number: 4989273
    Abstract: A loose-fitting boxer-type bathing suit having a pair of elongated, trapezoidally-shaped stays insertable into pockets stitched to the inside of the legs of the suit. Each pocket includes a short seam which juts inwardly, partially blocking the entrance to the pocket. The distance between this short seam and a bottom of the pocket is approximately equal to the overall length of the stay, so that a snug fit between it and the pocket is attained. Away from the short seams, the upper edges of both stays slope downwardly towards the wearer's crouch. The stays are positioned a sufficient distance below the waistband of the bathing suit that both upper edges lie generally parallel to and slightly below the two natural creases that form between the wearer's torso and his thighs when his body is bent forward at the hips. These natural creases tend to prevent the legs of the bathing suit, reinforced by the stays, from riding up. In the event the legs do ride up anyway, the stays make them pop back down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Inventor: Hendrick L. Cromartie
  • Patent number: 4983140
    Abstract: A backless, strapless ladies' body briefer is made practical by providing a lateral, full-length bone at each of the two seams connecting the front and back halves of the garment. The back half has a V-shaped cutout and an elastic band extending along the waistline and attached to the lateral bones. At least one auxiliary bone, spaced from each lateral bone, is attached to the elastic band and extends to the V-shaped cutout. Additional auxiliary bones attached to the elastic band can help keep the V-shaped edges of the garment snugly against the wearer's back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: Va Bien Ltd., Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Gimble
  • Patent number: 4972522
    Abstract: A garment, such as a swimsuit, made from a laminated elastic fabric having reduced drag with respect to a surrounding fluid as a wearer of the garment moves through the surrounding fluid. The fabric has a stretch fabric layer and an elastic, plastic layer bonded to the stretch layer to form a laminate, and has a plurality of parallel, spaced grooves disposed in an outer surface of the plastic layer. The garment has its grooves substantially aligned with the direction of movement of fluid over a portion of the garment as the wearer of the garment moves through the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Inventor: Leonard J. Rautenberg
  • Patent number: 4956878
    Abstract: A garment for securely supporting a person while allowing freedom of movement that includes a front outer shell of at least two-way stretchable fabric, a first liner stretchable in at least two directions and having the same general shape as the front outer shell when attached along its periphery. A support member of two-way vertically stretchable fabric to permit stretching for vertical movement while providing lateral support is attached at least along its upper edge and one other edge. A rear outer shell is shaped and has complementary edges for attaching it to the front outer shell and liner. Elastic is placed in some of the seams to provide support for the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1990
    Inventor: Nancy V. Boynton
  • Patent number: 4916755
    Abstract: A swimsuit having an inner liner of stretchable and resilient fabric for encasing at least a portion of a person's torso, including the abdomen, hips and rear areas; at least one control panel bonded to the inner liner for restricting the stretching of the inner liner fabric and controlling bulging at a desired area of the encased torso; and an outer swimsuit fabric covering over the inner liner. The control panels are preferably located on the abdomen and both upper rear hip areas of the inner liner and have significantly less stretch than the inner liner fabric alone. The panels may be made of soft, flexible synthetic fabric or plastic laminated to either the interior or exterior surface of the inner liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Robby Len Fashions, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay Feigenbaum, Janna Parris
  • Patent number: 4875236
    Abstract: A garment for securely supporting a person while allowing freedom of movement that includes a front outer shell of at least one-way stretchable fabric, a first liner stretchable in at least one direction and having the same general shape as the front outer shell when attached along its periphery. A support member of one-way vertifcally stretchable fabric to permit stretching for vertical movement while providing lateral support is attached at least along its upper edge and one other edge. A rear outer shell is shaped and has complementary edges for attaching it to the front outer shell and liner. Elastic is placed in some of the seams to provide support for the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1989
    Inventor: Nancy V. Boynton
  • Patent number: 4853976
    Abstract: A swimming suit for infants and children which helps keep the child warm by reducing body heat loss to the water. The suit has a body portion extending from the shoulders to the tops of the legs and the body portion is fabricated from double-layered material. Right and left arms and right and left legs are attached to the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Inventor: Gail Mertz
  • Patent number: RE33406
    Abstract: A swimsuit for ladies designed with an inner figure-controlling liner garment and an outer single ply bathing garment. The inner and outer garments, formed of elastic materials, are sewn separately along their common perimeters. The inner garment is smaller than the outer garment with greater lateral than vertical stretch for freedom of movement. Secured to the upper edge of the inner liner is a set of arcuate stays which are attached at their ends only to the inseam of the outer garment. The stays support the breasts and lift them upwardly and outwardly against the outer garment for an enhanced but natural appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Assignee: The WIOR Corporation
    Inventor: Carol W. Wior