FOLDOVER LOWER ABDOMINAL SHAPING GARMENT

Abstract

A lower body garment for shaping an abdominal area of a wearer and methods of making the same.

Claims

1. A lower body garment for shaping a waist area of a wearer, comprising: a torso region and a leg region; a torso-shaping element having a waistline extending in at least a partial loop around the torso region; and an outer layer attached to an inner portion of the waistline and extending up and folding over the waistline of the torso-shaping element to form a folded edge; wherein the outer layer extends downwards from the folded edge to the leg region and over the torso-shaping element.

2. The lower body garment of claim 1, wherein the torso-shaping element extends in a closed loop around the torso region.

3. The lower body garment of claim 1, wherein the torso-shaping element is formed from a continuous piece of fabric.

4. The lower body garment of claim 1, wherein an outer surface of the torso-shaping element is coupled to the outer layer.

5. The lower body garment of claim 4, wherein the outer surface of the torso-shaping element is seamlessly coupled to the outer layer.

6. The lower body garment of claim 5, wherein the outer surface of the torso-shaping element is bonded to the outer layer.

7. The lower body garment of claim 6, wherein the outer surface of the torso-shaping element is bonded to the outer layer across an entire area of the outer surface of the torso-shaping element.

8. The lower body garment of claim 1, wherein an outer surface of the torso-shaping element is not coupled to the outer layer.

9. The lower body garment of claim 1, wherein the outer layer is formed as pants or shorts and comprises a left leg portion, a right leg portion, and a crotch area.

10. The lower body garment of claim 1, wherein the outer layer is formed as a skirt.

11. The lower body garment of claim 10, wherein the torso-shaping element is formed as a short disposed underneath the skirt.

12. The lower body garment of claim 1, wherein the outer layer is seamlessly coupled to the inner portion of the waistline.

13. The lower body garment of claim 12, wherein the outer layer is bonded to the inner portion of the waistline.

14. The lower body garment of claim 1, further comprising left and right side seams coupling the torso-shaping element to the outer layer.

15. The lower body garment of claim 1, wherein the outer layer further comprises at least two front vertical seams and/or at least two rear vertical seams; and wherein the front vertical seams and/or the rear vertical seams extend from the folded edge to a bottom edge of the outer layer.

16. The lower body garment of claim 1, further comprising an additional shaping panel disposed on an inner surface of the torso-shaping element and extending in at least a partial loop around the torso region.

17. The lower body garment of claim 16, wherein the additional shaping panel extends in a closed loop around the torso region.

18. The lower body garment of claim 16, wherein the additional shaping panel is seamlessly coupled to the inner surface of the torso-shaping element.

19. The lower body garment of claim 18, wherein the additional shaping panel is bonded to the inner surface of the torso-shaping element.

20. The lower body garment of claim 19, wherein the additional shaping panel is bonded to the inner surface of the torso-shaping element across an entire area of the additional shaping panel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] The device is explained in even greater detail in the following drawings. The drawings are merely exemplary to illustrate the structure of garments and certain features that may be used singularly or in combination with other features. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0044] FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of a skort in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 1B illustrates a front view of the short portion of the skort of FIG. 1A with the overlying skirt removed for clarity.

[0045] FIG. 2A illustrates a rear view of the skort of FIG. 1A. FIG. 2B illustrates a rear view of the short of FIG. 1A with the overlying skirt removed for clarity.

[0046] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the skort of FIG. 1A.

[0047] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the skort of FIG. 1A.

[0048] FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of an alternate short portion of the skort of FIG. 1A with the overlying skirt removed for clarity.

[0049] FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of a garment in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG. 7 illustrates a rear view of the garment of FIG. 6.

[0051] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the garment of FIG. 6.

[0052] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the garment of FIG. 6.

[0053] FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of a garment with an alternate torso-shaping element in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0054] FIG. 11 illustrates a front view of a garment with additional vertical seams in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0055] FIG. 12 illustrates a rear view of the garment of FIG. 11.

[0056] FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of the garment of FIG. 11.

[0057] FIG. 14 illustrates a front view of shorts in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] This description below refers to certain aspects of the garment relative to other aspects of the garment or to the body of a wearer. As used herein, superior indicates a direction that is closer to the wearer's head. Inferior indicates a direction that is closer to the wearer's feet. Upward, upper, or uppermost indicates a superior direction, or toward a wearer's head. Downward, lower, or lowermost indicates an inferior direction, or toward a wearer's feet. The longitudinal direction refers to an axis extending between the superior and inferior edges of the garment, or between the wearer's head and feet. Lateral indicates a positioning that is closer to the sides of the wearer. Medial indicates a positioning that is farther from the sides of the wearer. Anterior indicates a positioning closer to the front of a wearer. Posterior indicates a positioning closer to the back of a wearer. The terms right and left are in reference to the wearer's body. Some of the figures may include the letters R and L as right and left directional indicators.

[0059] The following description of certain examples of the inventive concepts should not be used to limit the scope of the claims. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description. As will be realized, the device and/or methods are capable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit of the inventive concepts. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

[0060] For purposes of this description, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the aspects of this disclosure are described herein. The described methods, systems, and apparatus should not be construed as limiting in any way. Instead, the present disclosure is directed toward all novel and nonobvious features and aspects of the various disclosed embodiments, alone and in various combinations and sub-combinations with one another. The disclosed methods, systems, and apparatus are not limited to any specific aspect, feature, or combination thereof, nor do the disclosed methods, systems, and apparatus require that any one or more specific advantages be present or problems be solved.

[0061] Although the operations of exemplary aspects of the disclosed method may be described in a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, it should be understood that disclosed aspects can encompass an order of operations other than the particular, sequential order disclosed. For example, operations described sequentially may in some cases be rearranged or performed concurrently. Further, descriptions and disclosures provided in association with one particular aspect or implementation are not limited to that aspect or implementation, and may be applied to any aspect or implementation disclosed. It will understood that various changes and additional variations may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention or the inventive concept thereof. Certain aspects and features of any given aspect may be translated to other aspects described herein. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or device to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular implementations disclosed herein, but that the invention will include all implementations falling within the scope of the appended claims.

[0062] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing aspects. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0063] It should be appreciated that any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

[0064] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms a, an and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from about one particular value, and/or to about another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent about, it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. The terms about and approximately are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In one non-limiting aspect the terms are defined to be within 10%. In another non-limiting aspect, the terms are defined to be within 5%. In still another non-limiting aspect, the terms are defined to be within 1%.

[0065] Optional or optionally means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

[0066] The terms coupled, connected, and the like as used herein mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.

[0067] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word comprise and variations of the word, such as comprising and comprises, means including but not limited to, and is not intended to exclude, for example, other additives, components, integers or steps.

[0068] Exemplary means an example of and is not intended to convey an indication of a preferred or ideal aspect. Such as is not used in a restrictive sense, but for explanatory purposes.

[0069] Disclosed herein is a lower body garment with a foldover lower abdominal shaping region. A portion of the garment is folded inwardly onto a torso-shaping element, thereby securing the torso-shaping element onto the garment. The torso-shaping element provides enhanced abdominal, side, and back/buttocks shaping while allowing the rest of the garment to remain flexible so that the garment can be easily put on and taken off. The garment includes a folded edge that surrounds the edge of the torso-shaping element, which advantageously overcomes the issues of ridges, seams, and waistbands of conventional shapewear digging into the wearer's torso or creating a pinched shape at the wearer's waist. Furthermore, the folded edge helps secure the torso-shaping element to the garment more securely than even conventional seams.

[0070] The garment can be seamlessly coupled to the torso-shaping element to completely eliminate seams from the shaping portion of the garment. The torso-shaping element can further be coupled to the outer layer, in particular seamlessly coupled to the outer layer, to provide enhanced shaping. Additionally or alternatively, the garment can include an additional shaping panel coupled to the torso-shaping element, in particular seamlessly coupled to the torso-shaping element, to provide enhanced shaping. This seamless coupling, for example, bonding, can further stiffen the torso region of the garment, providing an enhanced shaping effect. For example, in some aspects, the torso region can have an elongation of from about 80 to about 100, a warp length modulus of from about 15 to about 65, and a recovery of from about 85% to about 95%. In some such aspects, the torso region can have mechanical properties according to TABLES 1-3.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Example mechanical properties of the folded two-layer region (sample key). Glue Line Sample Tem- Number Material #1 Adhesive Material #2 Color perature 1 NSP32149Q- EFS4- NSP32149Q- Black 140 D 130 D 2 NSP32149Q- EFS4- NSP32149Q- Black 140 D 230 D 3 NSP32149Q- FBT908- NSP32149Q- Black 154 D 100 D 4 NSP32149Q- FBT908- NSP32149Q- Black 154 D 200 D

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Example mechanical properties of the folded two-layer region. Sample Unwashed Peel strength Washed Peel strength Number Warp Weft Warp Weft 1 7.532 7.234 6.913 6.285 2 9.004 6.477 7.723 5.93 3 9.057 7.137 8.557 7.205 4 9.315 7.729 8.999 7.436

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Example mechanical properties of the folded two-layer region. Sample Elongation @ Warp (Length) Modulus Number 100 N 30% 50% 70% Recovery 1 92.64 19.64 36.66 57.65 91.70% 2 89.07 21.52 39.94 62.82 90.40% 3 93.86 19.09 35.25 55.33 92.10% 4 90.24 22.39 39.99 61.66 92.90%

[0071] FIG. 1A shows a front view of garment 100 including a torso region 102 and a leg region 104. As used herein, the term torso region refers to any portion of the garment which at least partially covers the wearer's torso, and the term leg region refers to any portion of the garment which at least partially covers the wearer's legs. The garment 100 includes an outer layer 106, which is formed as a skirt, and a short 108 (shown in FIG. 1B with the outer layer 106 not depicted for clarity) disposed underneath the outer layer 106. The outer layer 106 can be formed from multiple panels joined together by interconnecting seams to form an encircling garment or can be formed of a single panel. For example, the outer layer 106 includes four panels joined together by two front vertical seams 110a, 110b and two rear vertical seams 112a, 112b (shown in FIG. 2A). FIG. 3 shows a side view of the garment 100 which also depicts the two front vertical seams 110a, 110b and the two rear vertical seams 112a, 112b. In other aspects, the outer layer can be formed from three panels joined together by interconnecting seams or two panels joined together by interconnecting seams. In yet other aspects, the outer layer can be formed from one continuous piece of fabric joined together by interconnecting seams. In yet still other aspects, the outer layer can be circularly knit or woven. The outer layer 106 is depicted as a mini skirt, however, it is understood that in other aspects, the outer layer can be a skirt of any length (e.g., midi, knee-length, calf-length, maxi). In yet other aspects, the outer layer can be formed as a pair of loose shorts (e.g., running shorts).

[0072] Referring to FIG. 1B, the short 108 is formed continuously from a single piece of fabric, which is interconnected by seams to form an encircling garment. For example, the short 108 includes a rear center seam 114 (shown in FIG. 2B) and an inseam 116. In other aspects, the short can be circularly knit or woven. In yet other aspects, the short can be formed from multiple panels joined together by interconnecting seams to form an encircling garment. The short 108 includes a waistline 118, which extends in a closed loop around the torso region 102. The short 108 also includes a crotch panel 120, which is coupled to the short 108 by the inseam 116 and crotch seams 122a, 122b (which bifurcate from the rear center seam 114). In other aspects, the short may not include a crotch panel. The short 108 also includes pocket 124 on the right side of the short 108, however, in other aspects, the short may not include a pocket. In yet other aspects, the short may include one or more pockets on the right side of the short, the left side of the short, the front side of the short, or the back side of the short. The short 108 is depicted as a booty short, however, it is understood that in other aspects, the short can be any length (e.g., regular shorts, bike shorts, knee-length shorts, capri pants, or full-length pants).

[0073] Referring back to FIG. 1A, the outer layer 106 is attached to an inner portion of the waistline 118. The edge of the outer layer 126 is shown as a dotted line in FIG. 1A, FIG. 2A, and FIG. 3 to indicate that it is generally not visible from the exterior of the garment 100, as the outer layer 106 is folded inward to create a more sleek appearance from the exterior of the garment.

[0074] From this attachment point, the outer layer 106 extends up and over the short 108 and down through the leg region 104, thereby covering the short 108 such that the short 108 is not visible from the exterior of the garment. This also creates a folded edge 128 which extends around the torso region 102. The folded edge 128 surrounds the edge of the waistline 118, which prevents the edge of the waistline 118 and the edge of the outer layer 126 from digging into the wearer's abdomen. It is understood that the folded edge can be disposed at any point along the torso of the wearer depending on the rise of the garment, for example, above the navel of the wearer (i.e., high rise), at the navel of the wearer (i.e., midrise), or below the navel of the wearer (i.e., low rise).

[0075] The outer layer 106 is seamlessly coupled to the inner portion of the waistline 118, more specifically bonded to the inner portion of the waistline 118. In some aspects, the bonding adhesive can decrease the elasticity of the waistline and/or the outer layer, thereby increasing the shaping effect of the garment. In some aspects, the outer layer can be seamlessly coupled to the inner portion of the waistline across the entire area where the outer layer and the inner portion of the waistline overlap. In other aspects, the outer layer can be seamlessly coupled to the inner portion of the waistline across only a portion of the area where the outer layer and the inner portion of the waistline overlap (e.g., along the edges of the area and/or in the center of the area). In some aspects, the outer layer can be seamlessly coupled to the inner portion of the waistline using an adhesive or adhesive tape. In other aspects, the outer layer can be seamlessly coupled to the inner portion of the waistline by a double knit or double weave configuration. In yet other aspects, the outer layer can be sewn to the inner portion of the waistline.

[0076] The edge of the outer layer 126 extends about 0.5 inches down from the edge of the waistline, however, in other aspects, the edge of the outer layer can extend to any point above the crotch area of the short such that the area where the outer layer and the inner portion of the waistline overlap provides a sufficient attachment. For example, in some aspects, the edge of the outer layer can extend about 0.4 inches, about 0.5 inches, about 0.6 inches, about 0.7 inches, about 0.8 inches, about 0.9 inches, about 1 inch, about 1.25 inches, about 1.5 inches, about 1.75 inches, about 2 inches, about 2.25 inches, about 2.5 inches, about 2.75 inches, about 3 inches, about 3.5 inches, about 4 inches, about 4.5 inches, or about 5 inches down from the edge of the waistline. In other aspects, the edge of the outer layer can extend approximately to the navel of the wearer. In yet other aspects, the edge of the outer layer can extend approximately to below the navel of the wearer. In yet other aspects, the edge of the outer layer can extend to the crotch area of the short. In yet still other aspects, the edge of the outer layer can extend to the crotch panel. In some aspects, the edge of the outer layer can extend to the same distance around the entire short. In other aspects, the edge of the outer layer can extend further in some regions (e.g., abdominal region, side region, and/or back/buttocks region) to provide enhanced shaping in those regions.

[0077] The short 108 is tight-fitting to provide torso and buttocks shaping to the wearer. To provide additional torso shaping, the short 108 includes an additional shaping panel 130 disposed on the inner surface of the short 108 and extending in a closed loop around the torso region 102. In other aspects, the additional shaping panel may only extend in a partial loop around the torso region (e.g., only around the abdominal region, the sides, and/or the back/buttocks region). The additional shaping panel 130 is shown in dotted lines in FIG. 1B and FIG. 2B to indicate that it is not visible from the exterior of the short 108. The additional shaping panel 130 abuts the edge of the outer layer 126, however, in other aspects, it can be spaced from the edge of the outer layer or can overlap the edge of the outer layer. In other aspects, the garment may not include an additional shaping panel.

[0078] The additional shaping panel 130 is seamlessly coupled to the inner surface of the short 108, more specifically bonded to the inner surface of the short 108. In some aspects, the bonding adhesive can decrease the elasticity of the additional shaping panel and/or the short, thereby increasing the shaping effect of the garment. In some aspects, the additional shaping panel can be seamlessly coupled to the inner surface of the short across the entire area of the additional shaping panel. In other aspects, the additional shaping panel can be seamlessly coupled to the inner surface of the short across only a portion of the area of the additional shaping panel (e.g., along the edges of the additional shaping panel and/or in the center of the additional shaping panel). In some aspects, the additional shaping panel can be seamlessly coupled to the inner surface of the short using an adhesive or adhesive tape. In other aspects, the additional shaping panel can be seamlessly coupled to the inner surface of the short by a double knit or double weave configuration. In yet other aspects, the additional shaping panel can be sewn to the inner surface of the short.

[0079] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the garment 100. The outer layer 106 and the additional panel 130 are attached to the short 108 via a bonding layer 132. In some aspects, the outer layer and the additional panel can be attached to the short via the same bonding layer. In other aspects, the outer layer and the additional panel can be attached to the short via different bonding layers. In yet other aspects, the outer layer can be bonded to the short and the additional panel can be attached to the short via another coupling mechanism (e.g., seamlessly coupled or sewn together as described above). In yet other aspects, the additional panel can be bonded to the short and the outer layer can be attached to the short via another coupling mechanism (e.g., seamlessly coupled or sewn together as described above).

[0080] In the front, the additional shaping panel 130 extends approximately to the navel of the wearer. In other aspects, the additional shaping panel can extend in the front to any point above the crotch area of the short, for example, above the navel of the wearer, at the navel of the wearer, or below the navel of the wearer. In yet other aspects, the additional shaping panel can extend in the front to the crotch area of the short. In yet still other aspects, the additional shaping panel can extend in the front to the crotch panel, as depicted in FIG. 5.

[0081] On the sides, the additional shaping panel 130 extends approximately above the hips of the wearer. In other aspects, the additional shaping panel can extend on the sides to any point above the leg region, for example, above the hips of the wearer, at the hips of the wearer, or below the hips of the wearer.

[0082] In the back, the additional shaping panel 130 extends approximately above the buttocks of the wearer. In other aspects, the additional shaping panel can extend in the back to any point above the crotch area of the short, for example, below the buttocks of the wearer. In yet other aspects, the additional shaping panel can extend in the back to the crotch area of the short. In yet still other aspects, the additional shaping panel can extend in the back to the crotch panel.

[0083] FIG. 6 is a front view of an alternate garment 600 including a torso region 602 and a leg region 604. The garment 600 includes an outer layer 606 and a torso-shaping element 608, which is shown in dotted lines to indicate that it is not visible from the exterior of the garment, as the outer layer 606 is folded inward to create a sleek appearance from the exterior of the garment. The outer layer 606 is formed from a continuous piece of fabric, which is interconnected by seams to form an encircling garment. For example, the outer layer 606 includes a rear center seam 614 (shown in FIG. 7) and an inseam 616. In other aspects, the outer layer can be formed from multiple panels joined together by interconnecting seams to form an encircling garment. In yet other aspects, the outer layer can be circularly knit or woven.

[0084] The garment 600 includes a left leg 634a, a right leg 634b, and a crotch panel 620. The crotch panel 620 is coupled to the garment 600 by the inseam 616 and crotch seams 622a, 622b (which bifurcate from the rear center seam 614). In other aspects, the garment may not include a crotch panel. The garment 600 is depicted as full-length pants, however, it is understood that in other aspects, the left and right legs can extend to any point along the wearer's legs. For example, in some aspects, the left and right legs can extend to the wearer's calves, below the wearer's knees, just above the wearer's knees, the wearer's mid-thigh, or above the wearer's mid-thigh. In some aspects, the left and right legs can extend past the wearer's ankles. In some aspects, the garment can be full length pants, length pants, length pants, length pants, capri pants, bike shorts, regular shorts, or booty shorts. In some aspects, a skirt can be disposed over the pants or shorts and coupled to the lower body garment, for example, at or below the waist. In some aspects, the left and right legs can have split inseams.

[0085] The torso-shaping element 608 includes a waistline 618 which extends in a complete loop around the torso region 602, however, in other aspects, the torso-shaping element may only extend in a partial loop around the torso region (e.g., only around the abdominal region, the sides, and/or the back/buttocks region of the wearer). The outer layer 606 is attached to an inner portion of the waistline 618. From this attachment point, the outer layer 606 extends up and over the torso-shaping element 608 and down through the leg region 604, thereby covering the torso-shaping element 608 such that the torso-shaping element is not visible from the exterior of the garment. This also creates a folded edge 628 which extends around the torso region 602. The folded edge 628 surrounds the edge of the waistline 618, which prevents the edge of the waistline 618 and the edge of the outer layer 626 from digging into the wearer's abdomen. It is understood that the folded edge can be disposed at any point along the torso of the wearer depending on the rise of the garment, for example, above the navel of the wearer (i.e., high rise), at the navel of the wearer (i.e., midrise), or below the navel of the wearer (i.e., low rise).

[0086] The outer layer 606 is seamlessly coupled to the inner portion of the waistline 618, more specifically bonded to the inner portion of the waistline 618. In some aspects, the bonding adhesive can decrease the elasticity of the waistline and/or the outer layer, thereby increasing the shaping effect of the garment. In some aspects, the outer layer can be seamlessly coupled to the inner portion of the waistline across the entire area where the outer layer and the inner portion of the waistline overlap. In other aspects, the outer layer can be seamlessly coupled to the inner portion of the waistline across only a portion of the area where the outer layer and the inner portion of the waistline overlap (e.g., along the edges of the area and/or in the center of the area). In some aspects, the outer layer can be seamlessly coupled to the inner portion of the waistline using an adhesive or adhesive tape. In other aspects, the outer layer can be seamlessly coupled to the inner portion of the waistline by a double knit or double weave configuration. In yet other aspects, the outer layer can be sewn to the inner portion of the waistline.

[0087] The edge of the outer layer 626 extends about 0.5 inches down from the edge of the waistline, however, in other aspects, the edge of the outer layer can extend to any point above the crotch area of the short such that the area where the outer layer and the inner portion of the waistline overlap provides a sufficient attachment. For example, in some aspects, the edge of the outer layer can extend about 0.4 inches, about 0.5 inches, about 0.6 inches, about 0.7 inches, about 0.8 inches, about 0.9 inches, about 1 inch, about 1.25 inches, about 1.5 inches, about 1.75 inches, about 2 inches, about 2.25 inches, about 2.5 inches, about 2.75 inches, about 3 inches, about 3.5 inches, about 4 inches, about 4.5 inches, or about 5 inches down from the edge of the waistline. In other aspects, the edge of the outer layer can extend approximately to the navel of the wearer. In yet other aspects, the edge of the outer layer can extend approximately to below the navel of the wearer. In yet other aspects, the edge of the outer layer can extend to the crotch area of the short. In yet still other aspects, the edge of the outer layer can extend to the crotch panel. In some aspects, the edge of the outer layer can extend to the same distance around the entire short. In other aspects, the edge of the outer layer can extend further in some regions (e.g., abdominal region, side region, and/or back/buttocks region) to provide enhanced shaping.

[0088] The outer surface of the torso-shaping element 608 is further seamlessly coupled to the outer layer 606, more specifically bonded to the outer layer 606, to provide enhanced shaping. In some aspects, the bonding adhesive can decrease the elasticity of the torso-shaping element and/or the outer layer, thereby increasing the shaping effect of the garment. In some aspects, the outer surface of the torso-shaping element can be seamlessly coupled to the outer layer across the entire area of the torso-shaping element. In other aspects, the outer surface of the torso-shaping element can be seamlessly coupled to the outer layer across only a portion of the area of the torso-shaping element (e.g., along the edges of the area and/or in the center of the area). In some aspects, the outer surface of the torso-shaping element can be seamlessly coupled to the outer layer using an adhesive or adhesive tape. In other aspects, the outer surface of the torso-shaping element can be seamlessly coupled to the outer layer by a double knit or double weave configuration. In yet other aspects, the outer surface of the torso-shaping element can be sewn to the outer layer. In yet still other aspects, the outer surface of the torso-shaping element may not be coupled to the outer layer.

[0089] The torso-shaping element 608 is further coupled to the outer layer 606 by left and right side seams 636a, 636b (shown in FIG. 8). The left and right side seams 636a, 636b extend to the edge of the torso-shaping element 608, however, it is understood that in other aspects, the left and right side seams can extend to any point along the side of the garment (e.g., above the edge of the torso-shaping element or below the edge of the torso-shaping element). In yet other aspects, the left and right side seams can extend to any point along the side of the left and right legs (e.g., above the knee of the wearer, at the knee of the wearer, at the calves of the wearer, at the edge of the left and right legs). In still yet other aspects, the garment may not include left and right side seams.

[0090] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the garment 600. The outer layer 606 is attached to the torso-shaping element via a first bonding layer 632a, which is between the outer layer 606 and the outer surface of the torso-shaping element 608, and a second bonding layer 632b, which is between the inner portion of the waistline 618 and the outer layer 606. In other aspects, the outer layer can be bonded to the inner portion of the waistline and the outer surface of the torso-shaping element can be attached to the outer layer via another coupling mechanism (e.g., seamlessly coupled or sewn together as described above). In yet other aspects, the outer surface of the torso-shaping element can be bonded to the outer layer and the outer layer can be attached to the inner portion of the waistline via another coupling mechanism (e.g., seamlessly coupled or sewn together as described above).

[0091] In the front, the torso-shaping element 608 extends approximately to the navel of the wearer. In other aspects, the torso-shaping element can extend in the front to any point above the crotch area of the short, for example, above the navel of the wearer, at the navel of the wearer, or below the navel of the wearer. In yet other aspects, the torso-shaping element can extend in the front to the crotch area of the short. In yet still other aspects, the torso-shaping element can extend in the front to the crotch panel, as depicted in FIG. 10.

[0092] On the sides, the torso-shaping element 608 extends approximately above the hips of the wearer. In other aspects, the torso-shaping element can extend on the sides to any point above the leg region, for example, above the hips of the wearer, at the hips of the wearer, or below the hips of the wearer.

[0093] In the back, the torso-shaping element 608 extends approximately above the buttocks of the wearer. In other aspects, the torso-shaping element can extend in the back to any point above the crotch area of the short, for example, below the buttocks of the wearer. In yet other aspects, the torso-shaping element can extend in the back to the crotch area of the short. In yet still other aspects, the torso-shaping element can extend in the back to the crotch panel.

[0094] In some aspects, the garment can further include an additional shaping panel in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0095] FIG. 11, FIG. 12, and FIG. 13 show front, rear, and side views, respectively, of an alternate garment with front vertical seams and rear vertical seams and without side seams. FIG. 14 shows a front view of an alternate garment formed as shorts.

[0096] The garment 100 and/or the garment 600 can be formed by joining one or more pieces of fabric together to form an outer layer; joining one or more pieces of fabric together to form a torso-shaping element having a waistline; attaching the outer layer to an inner portion of the waistline; and folding the outer layer up and over the waistline of the torso-shaping element to form a folded edge. In some aspects, the garment can further be formed by seamlessly coupling an additional shaping panel onto the torso-shaping element. It is understood that the steps of the method can be performed in any order. For example, the outer layer and the torso-shaping element can first be made as encircling garments and then coupled together, or the outer layer and the torso-shaping element can be coupled together and then made as an encircling garment.

EXAMPLE ASPECTS

[0097] Example 1: A lower body garment for shaping a waist area of a wearer, comprising: a torso region and a leg region; a torso-shaping element having a waistline extending in at least a partial loop around the torso region; and an outer layer attached to an inner portion of the waistline and extending up and folding over the waistline of the torso-shaping element to form a folded edge; wherein the outer layer extends downwards from the folded edge to the leg region and over the torso-shaping element.

[0098] Example 2: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 1, wherein the torso-shaping element extends in a closed loop around the torso region.

[0099] Example 3: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 1, wherein the torso-shaping element is formed from a continuous piece of fabric.

[0100] Example 4: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 1, wherein an outer surface of the torso-shaping element is coupled to the outer layer.

[0101] Example 5: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 4, wherein the outer surface of the torso-shaping element is seamlessly coupled to the outer layer.

[0102] Example 6: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 5, wherein the outer surface of the torso-shaping element is bonded to the outer layer.

[0103] Example 7: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 6, wherein the outer surface of the torso-shaping element is bonded to the outer layer across an entire area of the outer surface of the torso-shaping element.

[0104] Example 8: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 1, wherein an outer surface of the torso-shaping element is not coupled to the outer layer.

[0105] Example 9: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 1, wherein the outer layer is formed as pants or shorts and comprises a left leg portion, a right leg portion, and a crotch area.

[0106] Example 10: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 1, wherein the outer layer is formed as a skirt.

[0107] Example 11: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 10, wherein the torso-shaping element is formed as a short disposed underneath the skirt.

[0108] Example 12: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 1, wherein the outer layer is seamlessly coupled to the inner portion of the waistline.

[0109] Example 13: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 12, wherein the outer layer is bonded to the inner portion of the waistline.

[0110] Example 14: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 1, further comprising left and right side seams coupling the torso-shaping element to the outer layer.

[0111] Example 15: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 1, wherein the outer layer further comprises at least two front vertical seams and/or at least two rear vertical seams; and wherein the front vertical seams and/or the rear vertical seams extend from the folded edge to a bottom edge of the outer layer.

[0112] Example 16: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 1, further comprising an additional shaping panel disposed on an inner surface of the torso-shaping element and extending in at least a partial loop around the torso region.

[0113] Example 17: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 16, wherein the additional shaping panel extends in a closed loop around the torso region.

[0114] Example 18: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 16, wherein the additional shaping panel is seamlessly coupled to the inner surface of the torso-shaping element.

[0115] Example 19: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 18, wherein the additional shaping panel is bonded to the inner surface of the torso-shaping element.

[0116] Example 20: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 19, wherein the additional shaping panel is bonded to the inner surface of the torso-shaping element across an entire area of the additional shaping panel. Example 21: A lower body garment for shaping a waist area of a wearer, comprising: a torso region; a leg region comprising a left leg portion, a right leg portion, and a crotch area; a torso-shaping element having a waistline extending in at least a partial loop around the torso region; and an outer layer attached to an inner portion of the waistline and extending up and folding over the waistline of the torso-shaping element to form a folded edge; wherein the outer layer extends downwards from the folded edge to the leg region and over the torso-shaping element.

[0117] Example 22: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 21, wherein the torso-shaping element extends in a closed loop around the torso region.

[0118] Example 23: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 21, wherein the torso-shaping element is formed from a continuous piece of fabric.

[0119] Example 24: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 23, wherein an outer surface of the torso-shaping element is coupled to the outer layer.

[0120] Example 25: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 24, wherein the outer surface of the torso-shaping element is seamlessly coupled to the outer layer.

[0121] Example 26: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 24, wherein the outer surface of the torso-shaping element is bonded to the outer layer.

[0122] Example 27: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 25, wherein the outer surface of the torso-shaping element is bonded to the outer layer across an entire area of the outer surface of the torso-shaping element.

[0123] Example 28: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 21, wherein the torso-shaping element covers an abdominal area of the wearer from the folded edge to below a navel of the wearer.

[0124] Example 29: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 21, wherein the torso-shaping element covers a back area of the wearer from the folded edge to above a buttocks of the wearer.

[0125] Example 30: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 21, wherein the torso-shaping element covers left and right sides of the wearer from the folded edge to below left and right hips of the wearer.

[0126] Example 31: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 21, wherein the outer layer is seamlessly coupled to the inner portion of the waistline.

[0127] Example 32: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 31, wherein the outer layer is bonded to the inner portion of the waistline.

[0128] Example 33: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 21, further comprising left and right side seams coupling the torso-shaping element to the outer layer.

[0129] Example 34: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 33, wherein the left and right side seams extend to a bottom edge of the torso-shaping element.

[0130] Example 35: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 21, wherein the outer layer further comprises at least two front vertical seams and/or at least two rear vertical seams; and wherein the front vertical seams and/or the rear vertical seams extend from the folded edge to a bottom edge of each of the left and right leg portions.

[0131] Example 36: A lower body garment for shaping a waist area of a wearer, comprising: a torso region; a leg region; a torso-shaping element having a waistline extending in a closed loop around the torso region; and an outer layer formed as a skirt and attached to an inner portion of the waistline and extending up and folding over the waistline of the torso-shaping element to form a folded edge; wherein the outer layer extends downwards from the folded edge to the leg region and over the torso-shaping element; wherein the torso-shaping element is formed as a short disposed underneath the skirt.

[0132] Example 37: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 36, wherein the torso-shaping element is formed from a continuous piece of fabric.

[0133] Example 38: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 36, wherein an outer surface of the torso-shaping element is not coupled to the outer layer.

[0134] Example 39: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 36, wherein the outer layer is seamlessly coupled to the inner portion of the waistline.

[0135] Example 40: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 39, wherein the outer layer is bonded to the inner portion of the waistline.

[0136] Example 41: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 36, further comprising left and right side seams coupling the torso-shaping element to the outer layer.

[0137] Example 42: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 36, wherein the outer layer further comprises at least two front vertical seams and/or at least two rear vertical seams; and wherein the front vertical seams and/or the rear vertical seams extend from the folded edge to a bottom edge of the skirt.

[0138] Example 43: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 36, further comprising an additional shaping panel disposed on an inner surface of the torso-shaping element and extending in at least a partial loop around the torso region.

[0139] Example 44: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 43, wherein the additional shaping panel extends in a closed loop around the torso region.

[0140] Example 45: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 44, wherein the additional shaping panel is seamlessly coupled to the torso-shaping element.

[0141] Example 46: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 45, wherein the additional shaping panel is bonded to the torso-shaping element.

[0142] Example 47: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 46, wherein the additional shaping panel is bonded to the torso-shaping element across an entire area of the additional shaping panel.

[0143] Example 48: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 43, wherein the additional shaping panel covers an abdominal area of the wearer from the folded edge to below a navel of the wearer.

[0144] Example 49: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 43, wherein the additional shaping panel covers a back area of the wearer from the folded edge to above a buttocks of the wearer.

[0145] Example 50: The lower body garment of any example herein, particularly Example 43, wherein the additional shaping panel covers left and right sides of the wearer from the folded edge to above left and right hips of the wearer.

[0146] Example 51: A method of making a lower body garment, the method comprising: joining one or more pieces of fabric together to form an outer layer; joining one or more pieces of fabric together to form a torso-shaping element having a waistline; attaching the outer layer to an inner portion of the waistline; and folding the outer layer up and over the waistline of the torso-shaping element to form a folded edge.

[0147] Example 52: The method of any example herein, particularly Example 51, further comprising: seamlessly coupling an additional shaping panel onto the torso-shaping element.

[0148] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications, variations, and/or combinations of the features disclosed herein will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The implementation was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various implementations with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.