A GARMENT

Abstract

A garment comprises a neck opening for receiving a neck of a wearer and a supportive inner layer having a body portion and a pelvic portion. The pelvic portion includes leg openings for receiving a respective leg of a wearer and a crotch portion extending between the leg openings. At least one of the body and pelvic portions includes an elastic material to impart compression on a wearer. The garment also comprises a decorative outer layer, with the inner layer attached to the outer layer only at or adjacent to the neck opening. The outer layer is made from a different material to that of the inner layer and does not impart compression on the wearer.

Claims

1. A garment comprising: a neck opening for receiving a neck of a wearer; a supportive inner layer having a body portion and a pelvic portion, the pelvic portion including leg openings for receiving a respective leg of a wearer and a crotch portion extending between the leg openings, at least one of the body and pelvic portions including an elastic material to impart compression on a wearer; and a decorative outer layer, the inner layer being attached to the outer layer by stitching and only at or adjacent to the neck opening, the outer layer being made from a different material to that of the inner layer, and being configured to not impart compression on the wearer, wherein the outer layer is or includes a material that creates a low friction interface between the inner and outer layers, wherein the crotch portion of the inner later is selectively opened via a fastening means, and wherein the fastening means permits selection of different lengths of the inner layer.

2. A garment according to claim 1 wherein the inner layer is attached to the outer layer only at the neck opening.

3. A garment according to claim 1 wherein the material of the or each of the body and pelvic portions is a mixture of elastic material and non-elastic material, the ratio of elastic material to non-elastic material being configured such that the inner layer is classed as activewear.

4. A garment according to claim 1 wherein the outer layer is or includes a material that creates a low friction interface between the outer layer and another garment worn over the top of the outer layer.

5. A garment according to claim 1 wherein the outer layer is or includes a silk-like fabric that can be washed in a domestic washing machine without being damaged.

6. A garment according to claim 1 wherein the inner layer includes sub-portions which impart different degrees of compression on a wearer.

7. A garment according to claim 1 wherein the outer layer extends over both the body and pelvic portions of the inner layer.

8. A garment according to claim 1 wherein each edge of the leg openings is seamless.

9. A garment according to claim 1 wherein the garment further comprises a shoulder strap attached at or adjacent to the neck opening, the shoulder strap comprising a tapered section having a narrow end and a broader end, wherein the broader end is attached to a front side of the garment.

10. A garment according to claim 1 wherein the inner layer further comprises a chest portion made from a different material to that of the body and pelvic portions, the material of the chest portion being configured to not impart compression on a wearer.

11. A garment according to claim 1 wherein the inner layer is configured to provide one or more of the following properties: low friction, anti-static, anti-perspiration, anti-microbial and high breathability.

12. A garment according to claim 1 wherein the body portion comprises body sub-portions positioned in the body portion so as to wrap around the body of the wearer when the garment is worn, wherein the body sub-portions impart more compression on the wearer than the remainder of the body portion.

13. A garment according to claim 1 wherein the pelvic portion comprises first and second sub-portions, the second sub-portion being positioned below the first sub-portion, and wherein the second sub-portion imparts more compression on the wearer than the first sub-portion.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] There now follows a description of preferred embodiments of the invention, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0035] FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a first embodiment of the invention;

[0036] FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of the first embodiment of the invention;

[0037] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the first embodiment of the invention showing attachment of the decorative outer layer with the supportive inner layer;

[0038] FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the inner layer of the first embodiment of the invention;

[0039] FIG. 5a is a front elevational view of an inner layer belonging to a garment according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0040] FIG. 5b is a rear elevational view of the inner layer shown in FIG. 5a;

[0041] FIG. 6a is a front elevational view of an inner layer belonging to a garment according to a third embodiment of the invention; and

[0042] FIG. 6b is a rear elevational view of the inner layer shown in FIG. 6a.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a garment 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0044] The garment 10 comprises a neck opening 12 positioned at the top of the garment 10 to receive the neck of a wearer. The dimensions of the neck opening 12 are not limited and may be adjusted according to the dimensions of the wearer's neck.

[0045] The garment 10 is formed of two distinct layers, a decorative outer layer 14 and a supportive inner layer 16. The decorative outer layer 14 and the supportive inner layer 16 are made of different materials and are included in the garment 10 for different purposes, as described in more detail below.

[0046] The supportive inner layer 16 is sewn to the outer layer 14, forming a super-imposed seam. However, the invention is not limited to a particular type of seam and the attachment may constitute various other seams such as lapped, bound or flat seams. The inner layer 16 is attached to the outer layer 14 only at the neck opening 12, i.e. the top edge of the garment. Therefore, the outer layer 14 freely hangs over the inner layer 16. In other embodiments of the invention, the inner layer 16 may be attached to the outer layer 14 only at a portion of the outer layer 14 adjacent to the neck opening 12. In either case, the outer layer 14 is able to drape over the inner layer 16 from the top third of the wearer's body (i.e. from at least the diaphragm or above).

[0047] As shown more clearly in FIG. 3, the supportive inner layer 16 is formed of a body portion 18 and a pelvic portion 20. The pelvic portion 20 includes leg openings 22, for receiving a respective leg of a wearer, and a crotch portion 24 extending between the leg openings 22. The crotch portion 24 therefore separates each leg opening 22.

[0048] In the embodiment shown, both the body portion 18 and the pelvic portion 20 are made from a mixture of elastic material and non-elastic material, with the ratio of elastic material to non-elastic material being such that the inner layer 16 of the garment 10 is classed as activewear. In the example shown, the percentage of elastic material (e.g. elastane, Spandex™ and/or Lycra™) is 14%. When the garment 10 is worn, the material imparts compression forces on the wearer. In other embodiments of the invention, only one of the body and pelvic portions 18, 20 may be made from, or include, an elastic material, and the ratio of elastic material to non-elastic material may be such that the inner layer 16 of the garment 10 is not classed as activewear, e.g. it may be classed as shapewear.

[0049] The choice of elastic material is not limited and may be variants of, or blends including, elastane or latex. The material may be layered to produce a desired compression profile. The important characteristic is that the material is able to readily return to its original shape after being stretched.

[0050] Ideally, the elastic material is selected such that its resistance to stretching is high enough to sufficiently compress the wearer's body, in order to hold any areas of excess skin and fat firmly to the wearer's body. On the other hand, the resistance to stretch should not be so high as to cause the garment to be uncomfortable to wear. In other words, a balance should be struck between these two competing variables.

[0051] Other factors to take into account when selecting a suitable material are the ultimate elongation, i.e. the elongation until the fabric rips or tears, and the recovery, i.e. the ability of the material to recover to its original state after stretching. Ideally, a material should be selected such that these factors are maximised, however the choice should also be balanced in consideration of cost and comfort.

[0052] In the embodiment shown, the inner layer 16 is configured to be “breathable”. This can be achieved by, for example, the inner layer 16 comprising elastic material that is breathable, or the inner layer 16 comprising e.g. 20% breathable material and 80% non-breathable elastic material.

[0053] The inner layer 16, further includes a chest portion (not shown in the figures) situated above the body portion 18 such that it covers the wearer's chest when the garment 10 is worn. The chest portion is made of a different material than the body and pelvic portions 18, 20 and does not impart compression on the wearer. Preferably, there is no seam at the interface between the bottom edge of the chest portion and the top edge of the body portion 18. This is to avoid the appearance of an undesirable “diaphragm line”.

[0054] In other embodiments, the inner layer 16 may be void of a chest portion so that no material of the inner layer 16 extends across the wearer's chest.

[0055] The decorative outer layer 14 is made of a different material from that of the inner layer 16 and does not impart compression on the wearer. The decorative outer layer 14 is made of a visually attractive material and may include decorative elements such as lace.

[0056] The material of the outer layer 14 is selected to create a low-friction interface between the outer layer 14 and the inner layer 16, and to also create a low friction interface between the outer layer 14 and another garment worn over the outer layer 14. In the embodiment shown, the outer layer 14 is made from a silk-like fabric. In other embodiments of the invention, the outer layer may instead be made from acetate fabric or rayon or silk. These materials enable the creation of the desired low-friction interface while also providing a luxurious and decorative outer appearance.

[0057] Preferably, the material can be washed in a domestic washing machine, i.e. those machines with a specification similar to, or the same as, those typically found in households.

[0058] The outer layer 14 is formed of a satin weave, further reducing the friction at the interface between outer and inner layers 14, 16. The satin weave also improves the appearance of the outer layer 14, providing enhanced sheen.

[0059] The outer surface of the inner layer 16 and the inner surface of the outer layer 14 are coated with a compound that reduces the friction coefficients of respective surfaces.

[0060] Similarly, the outer surface of the inner layer and the inner surface of the outer layer are coated with an anti-static coating to reduce the build-up of triboelectric charges. In the embodiment shown, the outer surface of the outer layer is also coated with an anti-static coating, this time to reduce the build-up of triboelectric charges between the outer layer 14 and another garment worn over the outer layer 14. The coatings are not particularly limited to a specific compound. Each surface may be coated with a different coating.

[0061] Also, the inner surface of the inner layer and the outer surface of the inner layer may be coated with an anti-perspiration coating, and the inner surface of the outer layer may be coated with a hydrophobic coating.

[0062] It will be understood that the decorative outer layer 14 can be worn as an outer garment itself, or may be worn as a decorative under-slip.

[0063] The body portion 18 of the supportive inner layer 16 extends over the upper and middle part of the wearer's abdomen, whereas the pelvic portion 20 extends over the wearer's pelvis and lower abdomen.

[0064] The length of the outer layer 14 is such that it extends over the body portion 18 and pelvic portion 20 of the inner layer 16. Therefore, the outer layer 14 hangs down to the bottom of the wearer's pelvis (i.e. the upper half of the wearer's thigh), thereby fully covering the inner layer 16. In this embodiment, the outer layer 14 extends past the pelvic portion 30 by a small amount to give the garment 10 a “babydoll” appearance. It is appreciated that the outer layer 14 may extend past the pelvic portion 30 by a larger amount to form a dress garment.

[0065] The supportive inner layer 16 comprises body sub-portions 26a, 26b, 26c which allow for different magnitudes of compression forces to be imparted to different parts of the wearer's body. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the body portion 18 is divided into adjacent body sub-portions 26a, 26b and a front intermediate body sub-portion 26c (the front intermediate body sub-portion 26c laying between the adjacent body sub-portions 26a, 26b).

[0066] The adjacent body sub-portions 26a, 26b extend over and around the wearer's abdomen, while the front intermediate body sub-portion 26c is positioned at or just above the navel. In the embodiment shown, the adjacent body sub-portions 26a, 26b formed on the body portion 18 are configured to impart more compression to the wearer than the front intermediate body sub-portion 26c.

[0067] FIG. 4 shows the rear of the inner layer 16 of the garment 10 (the outer layer is not shown in this figure). As can be seen, the adjacent body sub-portions 26a, 26b extend all the way around to the back of a wearer. The body portion 18 further includes a rear intermediate body sub-portion 26d, which lies between the adjacent body sub-portions 26a, 26b. Again, adjacent body sub-portions 26a, 26b are configured to impart more compression to the wearer than the rear intermediate body sub-portion 26d.

[0068] As can also be seen in FIG. 4, the pelvic portion 20 at the rear of the garment 10 is divided into first and second sub-portions 28a, 28b. The first sub-portion 28a is positioned at the wearer's lower back, whereas the second sub-portion 28b is positioned over the wearer's buttocks.

[0069] The second sub-portion 28b of the pelvic portion 20 is configured to impart more compression to the wearer than the first sub-portion 28a.

[0070] It will be appreciated that the configuration of body sub-portions 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, 28a, 28b may be different in other embodiments.

[0071] One way to achieve the variation in compression is to increase the thickness of the elastic material in the desired sub-portions. Another method is to use a “purer” elastic material in the desired sub-portion compared to the other sub-portions. A combination of thickness and material variation may also be used. Other embodiments may have different sub-portion arrangements.

[0072] The crotch portion 24 of the inner layer 16 is formed of two extended sections 30a, 30b of the pelvic portion 20. The first extended section 30a is situated at the front of the inner layer 16, while the second extended section 30b is situated at the rear of the inner layer 16. The extended sections 30a, 30b are connected together, towards their respective ends, by poppers (not shown). The second extended section 30b comprises three pairs of female poppers. Each pair is spaced apart in the lengthwise direction of the extended section 30b. The first extended section 30a on the other hand comprises one pair of male poppers. The poppers within each pair (regardless of whether male or female) are spaced apart equally in the crosswise direction of their respective extended sections 30a, 30b. The pair of male poppers can therefore engage with either pair of female poppers to connect the first extended section 30a to the second extended section 30b.

[0073] The foregoing fastening means permits the overall length of the garment 10 to be easily adjusted without the need for sewing or stitching. It also makes the garment easier to wear and remove. The number of pairs of female poppers may be adjusted to increase or decrease the number of discrete garment lengths available. It will be understood that any other suitable fastening means may be used to selectively open the crotch portion 24. For example, Velcro™, hooks and eyes or buttons may be used.

[0074] Preferably, the male poppers should be positioned as high up the first extended section 30a as possible, such that it is in line with the top part of the wearer's groin. This is to enable the fastening means to be more easily accessed, thereby making it easier for the wearer to wear, adjust and remove the garment 10. Alternatively, the poppers are positioned at the groin towards the rear of the wearer (i.e. in between the wearer's legs) so that the poppers are not visible from the front of the wearer.

[0075] Returning to FIGS. 1 and 2, the garment 10 further includes two shoulder straps 32 that are sewn to the outer layer 14 at the neck opening 12. The shoulder straps 32 each constitute a length of material, with each length of material having a tapered section 34a and a non-tapered section 34b. The tapered section 34a is broader than the non-tapered section 34b. The broader end 36a of the tapered section 34a is sewn to the neck opening 12 at the front of the outer layer 14. The narrower end 36b of the tapered section 34a forms an interface with an end of the non-tapered section 34b. The other end of the non-tapered section 34b (i.e. the end that does not form an interface with the tapered section) is sewn to the neck opening 12 at the rear of the outer layer 14. Preferably, the width of the broader end 36a is wide enough to hide the front arm pit areas of the wearer so that no loose skin is shown.

[0076] Each non-tapered section 34b includes an adjusting clip 38, through which the non-tapered section 34b is thread. The non-tapered section 34b can be fed through the adjusting clip 38 so as to shorten or lengthen the strap 32, thus lowering or raising the neckline of the garment 10. The non-tapered sections 34b are narrower than the tapered sections 34a to allow for easier adjustment via the adjusting clip 38.

[0077] A garment 100, according to a second embodiment of the invention, is shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b. The garment 100 of the second embodiment is similar to the garment 10 of the first embodiment, and like features share the same reference numerals. The garment 100 of the second embodiment differs from the garment 10 of the first embodiment in that the pelvic portion 102 includes a pair of outward extending leg sub-portions 104a, 104b which extend downwards from the pelvic portion 102 such that the position of the leg openings 22 sits further down the legs of a wearer. The dimensions of the outward extending leg sub-portions 104a, 104b are not limited and may be increased or decreased in the lengthwise direction (relative to the wearer) to provide compression to as much of the legs as desired. As a result, the outward extending leg sub-portions 104a, 104b enable the pelvic portion 102 to take the form of “shorts” or “leggings”. In this embodiment, the outward extending leg sub-portions 104a, 104b are configured to impart less compression on a wearer than the first and second sub-portions 28a, 28b. In other embodiments, the outward extending leg sub-portions 28a, 28b may instead be configured to impart the same or more compression on wearer than the first and second sub-portions 28a, 28b.

[0078] The garment 200 according to a third embodiment, is shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b. The garment 200 of the third embodiment is similar to the garment 10 of the first embodiment, and like features share the same reference numerals. The garment 200 of the third embodiment differs from the garment 10 of the first embodiment in that the pelvic portion 220 includes inward extending leg sub-portions 204a, 204b. The inward extending leg sub-portions 204a, 204b extend inwards from the leg openings 22 and are configured to impart less compression on a wearer than either of the first and second sub-portions 28a, 28b. This results in increased comfort for some of the more sensitive areas of the wearer (i.e. the outer edge of the groin).

[0079] Preferences and options for a given aspect or feature of the invention should, unless the context indicates otherwise, be regarded as having been disclosed in combination with any and all preferences and options for all other aspects and features of the invention.