Adipose tissue bulge minimizing system and methods of use

Abstract

A body shaping garment element includes a garment and a bulge minimizer. The garment includes a superior edge, interior portion, and exterior portion. The bulge minimizer includes a stretchable element and a padded element. The stretchable element includes two ends and is affixed to the garment along the superior edge on the interior portion. The padded element may be removably placed between the stretchable element and the garment though a variety of means, thereby minimizing any bulging of adipose tissue of the wearer above the superior edge of the garment.

Claims

1. A body shaping garment element to minimize a bulging of adipose tissue where an exposed skin of a wearer meets a form-fitting garment edge, said body shaping garment element comprising: a garment, said garment having a superior edge, an interior portion, and an exterior portion; an at least one bulge minimizer, said bulge minimizer having at least one stretchable element with a first end and a second end, said first end and said second end affixed to said interior portion at said superior edge of said garment, and at least one padded element designed to removably fit between said at least one stretchable element and said interior portion of said superior edge of said garment; and a pocket affixed to said interior portion at said superior edge of said garment, said pocket having an at least one opening sufficient to accommodate said padded element within said at least one pocket; wherein said at least one bulge minimizer is affixed to said interior portion of said garment along said superior edge of said garment and configured to reduce said bulging of adipose tissue along said superior edge of said garment.

2. The body shaping garment element of claim 1, further comprises a clasp positioned between said first end and said second end.

3. The body shaping garment element of claim 1, further comprises a cinch positioned between said first end and said second end to reduce said bulging of adipose tissue.

4. The body shaping garment element of claim 1, where said first end and said second end of said stretchable element are stitched to said interior portion at said superior edge of said garment.

5. The body shaping garment element of claim 1, further comprises an at least one interlocking mechanism having a first element and a second element from a group of interlocking mechanisms comprising a hook and eye clasp, a hook and loop fastener fabric, a swimwear clasp, a garment snap, and a button combined with a buttonhole, said first element positioned and affixed on at least one of said first end and said second end of said stretchable element at one element and said second element positioned and affixed to said interior portion at said superior edge of said garment.

6. A body shaping garment element to minimize a bulging of adipose tissue where an exposed skin of a wearer meets a form-fitting garment edge, said body shaping garment element comprising: a garment, said garment having a superior edge, an interior portion, and an exterior portion; and an at least one bulge minimizer, said bulge minimizer having at least one stretchable element with a first end and a second end, said first end and said second end affixed to said interior portion at said superior edge of said garment, and at least one padded element designed to removably fit between said at least one stretchable element and said interior portion of said superior edge of said garment, said padded element is sewn to said stretchable element; wherein said at least one bulge minimizer is affixed to said interior portion of said garment along said superior edge of said garment and configured to reduce said bulging of adipose tissue along said superior edge of said garment.

7. The body shaping garment element of claim 1, further comprises at least one interlocking mechanism having a first element and a second element from a group of interlocking mechanisms, said first element affixed to said interior portion of said garment and said second element affixed to said padded element, said group of interlocking mechanisms comprising a hook and loop fastener fabric, a zipper, a snap, a button, a lace, and a hook and eye clasp.

8. The body shaping garment element of claim 1, further comprises said padded element is sewn to said stretchable element.

9. A body shaping garment element to minimize a bulging of adipose tissue where an exposed skin of a wearer meets a form-fitting garment edge, said body shaping garment element comprising: a garment, said garment having a superior edge, an interior portion, and an exterior portion; a first stretchable element with a first end and a second end, said first end and said second end affixed to said interior portion at said superior edge of said garment; and an at least one bulge minimizer, said bulge minimizer having a second stretchable element with a first end and a second end, said first end and said second end affixed to said interior portion at said superior edge of said garment and having at least one padded element designed to removably fit between said second stretchable element and said interior portion of said superior edge of said garment; and a pocket affixed to said interior portion at said superior edge of said garment, said pocket having an at least one opening sufficient to accommodate said padded element within said at least one pocket; wherein said at least one bulge minimizer is affixed to said interior portion of said garment along said superior edge of said garment and configured to reduce said bulging of adipose tissue along said superior edge of said garment.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The present adipose tissue bulge minimizing system and method of use will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a wearer of a form-fitting top garment, and an enlarged front sectional view of an adipose tissue bulge minimizing system beneath one side of the garment.

(3) FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a wearer of a form-fitting top garment with a front sectional view of systems beneath the garment.

(4) FIG. 3A is an exploded view of a select embodiment of an adipose tissue bulge minimizing system.

(5) FIG. 3B is an exploded view of a select embodiment of an adipose tissue bulge minimizing system.

(6) FIG. 4 is a rear sectional view of a select embodiment of an adipose tissue bulge minimizing system.

(7) FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of a select embodiment of an adipose tissue bulge minimizing system.

(8) FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a select embodiment of a method of minimizing an adipose tissue bulge.

(9) It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended solely for the purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neither desired nor intended to limit the disclosure to any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except insofar as they may be deemed essential to the claimed disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(10) In describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, and 6, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The present disclosure, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed to be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples, and are merely examples among other possible examples.

(11) Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, and 4 by way of example, and not limitation, therein is illustrated example embodiments of adipose tissue bulge minimizing system 100. Adipose tissue bulge minimizing system 100 may be referred herein as just system 100. System 100 may be used on garment G. Although garment G is shown in the drawings as a strapless top, the disclosure is not so limited, and system 100 may be used on any laterally secured form-fitting garment or the like, including, but not limited to: strapless shirts, strapless dresses, tube tops, skirts, and low-cut pants, the like, and/or combinations thereof.

(12) In one embodiment, system 100 may provide the following elements: a stretchable element 104 (see FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 4, and 5), a padded element 102 (see FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 4, and 5), and a garment G having a superior edge 109 (see FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, and 4). Further enhancing its capabilities, system 100 may permanently secure garment G to stretchable element 104 by using a stitch 108 (see FIGS. 1, 2, and 4), or may removably attach using an interlocking mechanism such as first element of interlocking garment clasp 126 and second element of interlocking garment clasp 127 or hook fastener 136 and loop fastener 137 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B). System 100 may be intended as a versatile garment element, the use of which may appeal to any wearer W of laterally secured form-fitting garments, wherein the wearer may wish to reduce a bulging of adipose tissue above the superior edge of a garment.

(13) System 100 may generally include at least one pocket element 140, first element of interlocking garment clasp 126 and second element of interlocking garment clasp 127, hook fastener 136 and loop fastener 137, and system 200 may include second stretchable element 206. These elements will be described in greater detail below.

(14) System 100 may generally be formed by stretchable element 104. Stretchable element 104 of system 100 may provide the overall shape, size and structure of system 100. Stretchable element 104 of system 100 may include or be made from a band of stretchable fabric configured to be secured along garment G along superior edge 109 at a length sufficient to accommodate padded element 102 of system 100 between garment G and stretchable element 104 of system 100. System 100 may be configured as one element to attach to the garment G, or as multiple, interchangeable and adjustable elements. As examples, and clearly not limited thereto, stretchable element 104 of system 100 can be constructed of such materials as elastic, rubber, silicone, stretchable fabric blend, or the like, or combinations thereof. Stretchable element 104 of system 100 may be affixed at each end 106 to garment G at varying lengths. One skilled in the art could determine where to affix each end 106 by first measuring a first length, or the length of the stretchable element 104 when in its unstretched state. Stretchable element 104 would then preferably be affixed to garment G at a second length apart, the second length being greater than the first length. Different materials of stretchable element 104 of system 100 may result in different constricting capabilities. Thus, stretchable element 104 of system 100 may be designed out of different materials for various styles and sizes of garments.

(15) It is further contemplated that stretchable element 104 of system 100 could be manufactured from one or more circular stretchable bands wherein no true end would be discernible. In such cases, one skilled in the art could consider any portion where stretchable element 104 is affixed to garment G as an end and so long as stretchable element 104 attaches to garment G in at least one position along stretchable element 104, system 100 could be created using the same or similar elements in the same or similar manner to provide the same or similar function.

(16) System 100 may further generally include padded element 102. Padded element 102 of system 100 may be secured to stretchable element 104 of system 100, or in an alternative embodiment, be secured in place removably in pocket element 140 of system 100. Padded element 102 of system 100 should generally conform to a length short enough to fit lengthwise along stretchable element 104 of system 100 between stretchable element 104 of system 100 and garment G along superior edge 109 such that it would not need to fold or bunch when worn against wearer W. System 100 may be configured as one element to attach to the garment G, or as multiple, interchangeable elements. As examples, and clearly not limited thereto, padded element 102 of system 100 can be constructed of such as thick fabric, foam, miniature down pillow, pocketed gel, or the like, or combinations thereof. Different materials of padded element 102 of system 100 may result in different constricting capabilities. Thus, padded element 102 of system 100 may be designed out of different materials for various sizes and styles of garments.

(17) Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, stretchable element 104 may be permanently secured at each end 106 to garment G at superior edge 109 using stitches 108. In this configuration of system 100, it may be important that padded element 102 may be sufficiently sized to fit between the stitches 108 on each end 106 of stretchable element 104. In this configuration of system 100, may also be important to secure padded element 102 to stretchable element 104 by a number of means. These could include stitching padded element 102 to stretchable element 104 or providing a means of removably attaching padded element 102 to stretchable element 104.

(18) Referring now more specifically to FIG. 2, illustrated therein is an example of a prior art garment constriction system 110 alongside of system 100 as viewed in perspective of wearer W from the back B. The prior art garment constriction system 110 may be constructed from a stretchable element 118 affixed to garment G. The tension of material constricting along the superior edge 109 of garment G may cause bulging of adipose tissue 105 above superior edge 109 in prior art garment constriction system 110. By comparison, when combining stretchable element 104 with padded element 102 along superior edge 109 of garment G, an area of reduced or no bulging of adipose tissue 107 is present above superior edge 109 of garment G.

(19) Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 3A and 3B, illustrated therein is an example of system 100, where the alternate embodiments of FIGS. 3A and 3B are substantially equivalent in form and function to that of the preferred embodiment detailed and illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 except as hereinafter specifically referenced. Specifically, the embodiments of FIGS. 3A and 3B include stretchable element 104 of system 100. Stretchable element of system 100 may be removably attached to garment G at superior edge 109. This may be accomplished by affixing first element of interlocking garment clasp 126 to the stretchable element 104 at its end 106 and second element of interlocking garment clasp 127 to garment G near superior edge 109. This may also be accomplished by affixing a hook fastener 136 to the stretchable element 104 at its end 106 and loop fastener 137 to garment G near superior edge 109. These are only exemplary embodiments of means to removably attach stretchable element 104 to garment G near superior edge 109. One skilled in the art may understand a group of other means to removably attach stretchable element 104 of system 100 to garment G near superior edge 109, the group including but not limited to: a button and a buttonhole and hook, a garment snap, loop fastener fabric, the like, and combinations thereof. Different interlocking mechanisms of system 100 may result in different removability. Thus, the choice of interlocking mechanism of system 100 may be designed out of different mechanisms for various sizes, functions, capabilities, and styles of garments.

(20) Referring now more specifically to FIG. 4, illustrated therein is an example of system 100, where the alternate embodiment of FIG. 4 is substantially equivalent in form and function to that of the preferred embodiment detailed and illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, and 3B except as hereinafter specifically referenced. Specifically, the embodiment of FIG. 4 include pocket element 140 of system 100. Pocket element 140 of system 100 may be designed to accommodate padded element 102 of system 100, which may securely confine padded element 102 of system 100 between stretchable element 104 of system 100 and garment G at superior edge 109 via opening 141 of pocket element 140 of system 100. Opening 141 of pocket element 140 of system 100, as illustrated herein, may be configured to open along garment G near superior edge 109, but may also be configured in any number of directions so long as pocket element 140 may accommodate padded element 102 between stretchable element 104 and garment G along superior edge 109 of system 100. System 100 may be configured as one element to attach to the garment G, or as multiple, interchangeable and adjustable elements. As examples, and clearly not limited thereto, pocket element 140 of system 100 may be constructed of such materials as cotton, linen, silk, polyester, plaid, rayon, material conforming to the material of the garment or liner, or the like, or combinations thereof. Different materials of pocket element 140 of system 100 may result in different securing capabilities. Thus, pocket element 140 of system 100 may be designed out of different materials for various styles of garments. One skilled in the art may understand a group of alternative means or group of interlocking mechanisms, the group could include a first element and a second element, and may removably attach padded element 102 of system 100 to garment G near superior edge 109 or to stretchable element 104 of system 100 by attaching the first element at padded element 102 and the second element either at stretchable element 104 or near superior edge 109 of garment G, the group of means or group of interlocking mechanisms including but not limited to: a hook and loop fastener fabric, a zipper, a snap, a button, a lace, a hook and eye clasp, the like, and combinations thereof.

(21) Referring now to FIG. 5 by way of example, and not limitation, therein is illustrated an example embodiment of adipose tissue bulge minimizing system 200. Adipose tissue bulge minimizing system 100 may be referred herein as just system 200. System 200 may be used on garment G. Although garment G is shown in other drawings as a strapless top, the disclosure is not so limited, and system 200 may be used on any laterally secured form-fitting garment or the like, including, but not limited to: strapless shirts, strapless dresses, tube tops, skirts, and low-cut pants, the like, and/or combinations thereof.

(22) In one embodiment, system 200 may provide the following elements: a first stretchable element 204 (see FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 4, and 5), a padded element 202 (see FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 4, and 5), a second stretchable element 206, and a garment G having superior edge 209 (see FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 4, and 5). Further enhancing the capabilities of system 100, system 200 may add the second stretchable element 206 of system 200. Second stretchable element 206 of system 200 serves to further constrict garment G around wearer W, thereby securing it in place. In combination with other elements of system 200, including but not limited to first stretchable element 204, padded element 202, and garment G having superior edge 209, system 200 may function to reduce or minimize adipose tissue bulging above superior edge 209 of system 200 while enhancing also the security of garment G to wearer W.

(23) A distinction of system 200 in comparison to system 100 preferably is generally be the inclusion of second stretchable element 206. Second stretchable element 206 of system 200 may provide the overall shape, size and structure of system 200. Stretchable element 204 of system 200 may include or be constructed from a band of stretchable fabric configured to be secured along garment G along superior edge 209 at a length sufficient to be accommodated beneath padded element 202 and first stretchable element 204 of system 200 between garment G and padded element 202 of system 100. System 200 may be configured as one element to attach to the garment G, or as multiple, interchangeable and adjustable elements. As examples, and clearly not limited thereto, stretchable element 204 of system 200 can be constructed of such materials as elastic, rubber, silicone, stretchable fabric blend, or the like, or combinations thereof. Different materials of stretchable element 204 of system 200 may result in different constricting capabilities. Thus, stretchable element 204 of system 200 may be designed out of different materials for various sizes and styles of garments.

(24) It is contemplated that system 100 and system 200 can be applied to a variety of garment types in a variety of locations. System 100 and system 200 may be used on any laterally secured form-fitting garment or the like, including, but not limited to: strapless shirts, strapless dresses, tube tops, skirts, and low-cut pants or shorts, the like, and/or combinations thereof. Depending on the body shape of wearer W and how constricting garment G is to wearer W, system 100 and system 200 may also be located at one or multiple locations along superior edge 109 of any garment G. System 100 or system 200 may be used individually or in combination to achieve the result of minimizing the bulging of adipose tissue along superior edge 109 of garment G. Additionally, it is contemplated that system 100 and/or system 200 may be incorporated into the manufacture of garment G or may be applied afterward to garment G as an alteration by a professional or consumer.

(25) It is contemplated herein that system 100 and/or system 200 may be utilized to reduce or eliminate bulging of adipose tissue 105 above superior edge 109 of garment G.

(26) It is further contemplated herein that system 100 and/or system 200 (padded element 102) may be utilized to redistribute the grip or linear grip thereof superior edge 209 of garment G to reduce or eliminate bulging of adipose tissue 105 above superior edge 109 of garment G.

(27) Referring now more specifically to FIG. 6, there is illustrated a flow diagram of a method of minimizing bulging of adipose tissue where the exposed skin of wearer W meets form-fitting garment G at superior edge 109, or method 300. In step 301, providing a garment G with superior edge 109, an interior portion, and an exterior portion, as described above in FIGS. 1-5. In step 302, providing at least one stretchable element 104 with a first end and a second end 106 as described above in FIGS. 1-5. In step 303, determining whether to permanently affix stretchable element 104 to garment G, allow adjustment of stretchable element 104 within system 100, or removably affix stretchable element 104 within system 100. To permanently affix stretchable element 104 to garment G, in step 314, sewing stretchable element 104 to garment G at each end 106, thereby permanently affixing stretchable element 104 to garment G within system 100, as described above in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4. To allow adjustment of stretchable element 104 within system 100, in step 313, providing a cinch or clasp between the ends 106 of stretchable element 104, thereby allowing the user to further constrict stretchable element 104 using a cinch or release the tension completely using a clasp. To removably affix stretchable element 104 to garment G, in step 312, using an interlocking mechanism to removably secure at each end 106 the stretchable element 104 to the garment G along the superior edge 109, as described above in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In step 304, providing padded element 102, as described above in FIGS. 1-5. In step 305, determining whether to permanently affix padded element 102 within system 100 or whether to removably secure padded element 102 within system 100. To permanently affix padded element 102 within system 100, in step 321, sewing padded element 102 to stretchable element 104, as described above in FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, and 3B. In alternative embodiments of method 300, padded element 102 may alternatively be permanently affixed within system 100 by sewing padded element 102 to garment G or to garment G and stretchable element 104. To removably affix padded element 102 within system 100, in step 322, use a removable means to secure padded element 102 to garment G or stretchable element 104, as described above in FIG. 4. If the padded element 102 does not already fit to the length of stretchable element 104, at step 306, padded element may be adjusted to fit the length of stretchable element 104. When completed at step 307, reducing or eliminating any bulging of adipose tissue 105 along superior edge 109 of garment G, resulting in an area of reduced or no bulging of adipose tissue 107 as described above in FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, and 4.

(28) The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments. Having thus described exemplary embodiments, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.