Compression Garments

Abstract

A compression garment that is provided that is configured to cover a lower body portion of a form fitting garment, wherein the compression garment is particularly suited for covering the lower body portion of a swimsuit. The compression garment includes an elongated band formed into a loop that is configured to encircle the lower abdominal region of a wearer. The elongated band is composed of a compression material that applies an inward force on the wearer's lower abdominal region so as to restrain the wearer's body, providing a slimming effect. A non-compressive layer is circumferentially attached to the elongated band, wherein the non-compressive layer extends downwardly and below the lower end of the elongated band. The non-compressive layer includes a non-compression material and serves to provide additional coverage of the wearer's body when the compression garment is worn.

Claims

1. A compression garment for covering a lower body portion of a form fitting garment, comprising: an elongated band formed into a closed loop and configured to encircle a lower abdominal region of a user, wherein the elongated band comprises a compression material; a non-compressive layer, wherein an upper end of the non-compressive layer is attached at least partially circumferentially to the elongated band, wherein the non-compressive layer comprises a non-compression material.

2. The compression garment of claim 1, wherein the non-compressive layer is permanently affixed to the elongated band.

3. The compression garment of claim 1, wherein the non-compressive layer has a tubular construction.

4. The compression garment of claim 1, wherein the non-compressive layer comprises a sheer material.

5. The compression garment of claim 1, wherein the compression material comprises a blend of a nylon and Spandex®.

6. A compression garment for covering a lower body portion of a form fitting garment, comprising: an elongated band formed into a closed loop and configured to encircle a lower abdominal region of a user, wherein the elongated band comprises a compression material; a non-compressive layer, wherein an upper end of the non-compressive layer is attached circumferentially to a lower end of the elongated band, and wherein the non-compressive layer comprises a non-compression material.

7. The compression garment of claim 6, wherein the non-compressive layer is permanently affixed to the elongated band.

8. The compression garment of claim 6, wherein the non-compressive layer has a tubular construction.

9. The compression garment of claim 6, wherein the non-compressive layer comprises a sheer material.

10. The compression garment of claim 6, further comprising an outer layer disposed on an exterior surface of the elongated band.

11. A compression garment for covering a lower body portion of a form fitting garment, comprising: an elongated band formed into a closed loop and configured to encircle a lower abdominal region of a user, wherein the elongated band comprises a compression material; a non-compressive layer, wherein an upper end of the non-compressive layer is attached at least partially circumferentially to an upper end of the elongated band and the non-compressive layer extends over an exterior surface of the elongated band, wherein the non-compressive layer comprises a non-compression material.

12. The compression garment of claim 11, wherein the non-compressive layer is permanently affixed to the elongated band.

13. The compression garment of claim 11, wherein the non-compressive layer has a tubular construction.

14. The compression garment of claim 11, wherein the non-compressive layer comprises a sheer material.

15. The compression garment of claim 11, wherein the non-compressive layer comprises a width measured in a transverse direction that is greater than a width measured in a transverse direction of the elongated band, such that a lower end of the non-compressive layer extends below a lower end of the elongated band.

16. A method of assembling a compression garment suited for covering a lower body portion of a form fitting garment, comprising the steps of: forming an elongated band into a closed loop, wherein the elongated band comprises a compression material; securing an upper end of a non-compressive layer at least partially to a circumference of the elongated band, wherein the non-compressive layer comprises a non-compression material.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein securing the upper end of the non-compressive layer to the circumference of the elongated band includes one or more of: stitching, heat sealing, heat welding, ultrasonic welding, or gluing.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein securing the upper end of the non-compressive layer to the circumference of the elongated band includes attaching the upper end of the non-compressive layer to a lower end of the elongated band.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein securing the upper end of the non-compressive layer to the circumference of the elongated band includes attaching the upper end of the non-compressive layer to an upper end of the elongated band.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

[0025] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the compression garment.

[0026] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the compression garment of FIG. 1.

[0027] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the compression garment of FIG. 1 as worn by a user.

[0028] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the compression garment according to FIG. 1 having a greater length.

[0029] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the compression garment of FIG. 1 having a removable non-compressive layer.

[0030] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the compression garment.

[0031] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the compression garment of FIG. 6 as worn by a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the compression garment. The compression garment 11 comprises a compressive layer configured to encircle a user's lower abdominal region. Preferably, the compressive layer is an elongated band 12 of material that is formed into a closed loop having an open central area 21. The elongated band 12 may be formed of a single piece of material as shown and secured by overlapping and securing the ends, such as by a seam 18 as shown in FIG. 2, or may be formed from multiple pieces or sections of material (not shown). The elongated band 12 is configured to cover the front (F), sides (S), and rear (R) portion of the user's (U) lower abdominal region (AR). The elongated band 12 comprises a width measured in a transverse direction that is suitable for covering the lower body portion of a form fitting garment, such as a bikini bottom or the lower body portion of a one piece swimsuit. The compression garment 11 is also suited to cover any other similar form fitting garment worn on the lower abdominal region (AR) of a user (U), such as a leotard, a unitard, a wetsuit, swim briefs, or bike shorts, among others. In a preferred embodiment, when the compression garment 11 is worn, the upper end 13 is configured to be disposed in an area near or below the wearer's navel and the lower end 14 is positioned on the hip or upper thigh region of the wearer. In some embodiments, the elongated band 12 is substantially rectangular in configuration, however, in alternate embodiments, the elongated band 12 may have other shapes or configurations (not shown), such as a triangular shape, a semi-circular shape, a serpentine or an arcuate shape, among others as will be understood to one skill in the art based on this disclosure.

[0033] The elongated band 12 is formed of a compression material that is elastic and/or stretchable such that it can fit onto users having various sized waistlines and so that the elongated band 12 fits tightly and securely onto the wearer's body. However, the elongated band 12 may be provided in various sizes if desired to better fit the waistline of users with different body shapes and waistlines. The compression material is capable of applying an inward force on the user's lower abdominal region so as to restrain the user's body to provide a slimming effect, and in use the compression material applies such inward force on the user's lower abdominal region. In one embodiment, the compression material is a blend of Spandex® and a polyamide, such as Nylon 6 or Nylon 6/6. For example, the compression material may be a blend of 88% Nylon and 12% Spandex®. However, in alternate embodiments, other compression materials, such as Lycra®, and blends thereof may be used.

[0034] In another embodiment that is suited to be worn by pregnant women, the compression garment 11 may include a stretchable panel. In such embodiments, the stretchable panel forms part of the elongated band 12 or is attached to the ends of the elongated band 12. The stretchable panel is preferably composed of a material having increased elasticity and stretchability relative to the material of the elongated band 12, and may be composed of Spandex®, Lycra®, a polyamide such as a nylon, or other stretchable or elastic materials and blends thereof. In this way, the compression garment 11 provides compression to the user's body while the stretchable panel provides increased flexibility to allow the compression garment 11 to conform to the shape of the women's abdomen throughout the pregnancy.

[0035] In some embodiments, the elongated band 12 is covered by an outer layer 16 having a decorative appearance. The outer layer 16 has a similar size and shape as the elongated band 12 so as to cover the exterior surface 25 of the elongated band 12. The outer layer 16 is affixed to the exterior surface of the elongated band 12 via any of various conventional cloth fastening methods, including stitching, heat sealing, heat welding, ultrasonic welding, gluing or adhesives. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the outer layer is affixed to the exterior surface 25 of the elongated band 12 by stitching at a seam 23. The seam 23 is positioned at an upper end of the elongated band 12 and extends along the circumference thereof. The outer layer 16 is configured so as not to be compressive or apply an inward force to the user's body. The outer layer 16 is preferably composed of a non-compression material so as to not apply an inward force on the wearer's body. However, the outer layer 16 may include elastic or stretchable materials, but preferably such materials are configured and secured in such a way that the outer layer 16 does not provide an inward compressive force on the wearer's body when the compression garment 11 is worn.

[0036] The outer layer 16 may include any of various designs, patterns, or colors (not shown). The outer layer 16 may have a solid color, or may have two or more colors thereon, such as a plurality of differently colored stripes, blocks of color, a color gradient, or a tie-dye appearance. Further, the outer layer 16 may include a pattern thereon, such as a floral pattern. The outer layer 16 of the elongated band 12 may include ornamentation thereon to provide additional aesthetic appeal. In embodiments not having an outer layer 16, the elongated band 12 may have any of various designs, patterns, and colors thereon to provide visual interest. This allows the compression garment 11 to resemble conventional clothing so that the compression garment 11 can be worn without being covered by another garment.

[0037] A non-compressive layer 15 is secured circumferentially around the elongated band 12. In one embodiment, an upper end 20 of the non-compressive layer 15 is secured to a lower end 14 of the elongated band 12 via a seam 22 as shown in FIG. 2, and preferably is secured at the lowermost portion of the elongated band 12. The non-compressive layer 15 is preferably attached to the elongated band 12 so as to preferably extend about the entire circumference of the elongated band 12, such that the non-compressive layer 15 forms a loop that encircles the wearer's body. Accordingly, the non-compressive layer 15 has a tubular construction so that the compression garment 11 resembles a skirt. However, in some embodiments, the non-compressive layer 15 may be attached to only a portion of the circumference of the elongated band 12, such as a front portion of the elongated band 12.

[0038] The non-compressive layer 15 may be formed of a single panel of material or multiple panels of material (not shown). Further, the non-compressive layer 15 may have a single layer or may be layered so as to provide ruffles, as shown for example at FIG. 1. The non-compressive layer 15 extends downwardly from the elongated band 12 to provide additional coverage of the user's body when the compression garment 11 is worn. In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 3, the non-compressive layer 15 extends to the mid or upper thigh of the user when worn by the user. However, in alternate embodiments as shown in FIG. 4, the non-compressive layer 15 extends to the knee of the user when worn. In further embodiments, the non-compressive layer 15 may be floor-length (not shown) so as to fully cover the wearer's legs when the compression garment 11 is worn. In such embodiments having a knee length or floor length non-compressive layer, the elongated band 12 may also have a greater length, and may extend downward toward the user's upper to mid thigh, depending upon the embodiment. The non-compressive layer 15 serves to allow the compression garment 11 to resemble a swimwear cover-up or skirt so that the wearer may don the compression garment 11 independently and without another layer of clothing placed thereover.

[0039] In some embodiments, the non-compressive layer 15 is permanently secured to the elongated band 12 via stitching, heat sealing, heat welding, ultrasonic welding, gluing or via adhesives, among other similar cloth fastening methods. In alternate embodiments as shown in FIG. 5, the non-compressive layer 15 is removably securable to the elongated band 12 such that the non-compressive layer 15 can be interchanged with non-compressive layers 15 having different styles, or so that the non-compressive layer 15 can be cleaned or washed independently of the elongated band 12. In FIG. 5, the non-compressive layer 15 is removably secured to the elongated band 12 via a zipper 27. The zipper 27 is positioned circumferentially around a lower end of the elongated band 12. However, in other embodiments the non-compressive layer 15 can be removably secured via any of various removable fasteners, including but not limited to buttons, snaps, or Velcro®, among others.

[0040] The non-compressive layer 15 is preferably configured not to apply an inward force on the user's body. It is preferred that the non-compressive layer 15 is composed of a non-compression material. Any material may be used but it is preferred that the material does not exert a compressive force on the user's body. Preferably, the non-compressive layer 15 comprises a sheer material and/or a lace material so that the material is lightweight and breathable. Depending upon the embodiment, natural materials or synthetic materials may be used to construct the non-compressive layer 15, such as cotton, polyester, nylon, yarn, silk, linen, or blends thereof. In some embodiments, the non-compressive layer 15 may include elastic materials or materials having the ability to stretch, such as Spandex®, but preferably the material is configured and secured in such a way that the material does not apply an inward force on the wearer's body when the compression garment 11 is worn.

[0041] The non-compressive layer 15 may include various decorations, patterns, colors, and designs on the outer surface 17 thereof. Such patterns and designs include but are not limited to polka dots, floral print, stripes, checkers, spirals, zigzags, waves, spots, and animal prints such as zebra or cheetah print. Additionally, the non-compressive layer 15 may include holes, tears, or areas of relief to show color or create a topographical design. Additional decorative embellishments may be included on the non-compressive layer 15, such as bows, gems, sequins, and ribbons, among others.

[0042] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the compression garment. In the illustrated embodiment, the compression garment 11′ comprises an elongated band 12′ formed into a closed loop as in the embodiment of FIG. 1. The closed loop defines an open central area 21′ such that the elongated band 12′ can be disposed around the lower abdominal region (AR) of the user (U). The elongated band 12′ comprises an upper end 13′ and a lower end 14′. In a preferred embodiment, when the compression garment 11′ is worn, the upper end 13′ is configured to be disposed in an area near or below the wearer's navel and the lower end 14′ is positioned on the hip or upper thigh region of the wearer. In this way, the compression garment 11′ helps to cover the wearer's swimsuit so that the wearer can remain covered until the wearer wishes to display their swimsuit, such as when the wearer reaches a pool, a beach, or the like.

[0043] A non-compressive layer 15′ is provided, wherein the non-compressive layer 15′ includes an upper end 20′ and a lower end 19′. The upper end 20′ is affixed circumferentially to the upper end 13′ of the elongated band 12′ via any of various conventional cloth fastening methods, including stitching, heat sealing, heat welding, ultrasonic welding, gluing or adhesives, among others. Preferably, the non-compressive layer 15′ is connected to the elongated band 12′ only at the upper end 20′ thereof, such that the non-compressive layer 15′ hangs freely from the elongated band 12′. However, in some embodiments, the non-compressive layer 15′ may be additionally affixed on one or both sides thereof to the elongated band 12′, such as by a vertical line of stitching (not shown) extending from the upper end 13′ of the elongated band 12′ to or toward the lower end 14′ thereof. This additional fastening helps to prevent the non-compressive layer 15′ from moving out of position, such as if the compression garment 11′ is worn on a windy day.

[0044] The non-compressive layer 15′ extends downwardly from the upper end 13′ of the elongated band 12′ such that the non-compressive layer 15′ extends over the exterior surface of the elongated band 12′. In the illustrated embodiment, the non-compressive layer 15′ comprises a width w.sub.2, measured in a transverse direction, that is greater than the width w.sub.1, measured in a transverse direction, of the elongated band 12′, such that the lower end 19′ of the non-compressive layer 15′ extends below the lower end 14′ of the elongated band 12′. This allows the compression garment 11′ to provide greater coverage of the wearer's body when the compression garment 11′ is worn, wherein the non-compressive layer 15′ extends below the lower end 19′ of the elongated band 12′ so as to cover an upper portion of wearer's legs preferably without needing to provide a compressive force thereon. When the compression garment 11′ is worn, the lower end of the non-compressive layer 15′ is preferably positioned at the user's mid to upper thigh. However, in alternate embodiments, the non-compressive layer 15′ may extend to or just below the user's knee, or may be floor-length so as to fully cover the user's legs. Preferably, the non-compressive layer 15′ has a fixed width, w.sub.2, that is constant about the circumference of the elongated band 12′, however, in some embodiments, the width may vary.

[0045] In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 6, the non-compressive layer 15′ is preferably composed of a sheer or lace material. This allows the elongated band 12′ therebeneath to be visible so that the color, design, or pattern on the elongated band 12′ is visible when viewed from outside of the non-compressive layer 15′. In this way, the compression garment 11′ provides a unique appearance wherein the color, design or pattern of the elongated band 12′ complements or adds to the appearance of the non-compressive layer 15′ positioned thereover.

[0046] Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown a perspective view of the compression garment of FIG. 6 as worn by a user to cover a lower portion of a swimsuit. In use, a user wearing a swimsuit, such as a two-piece swimsuit having a bikini bottom and a bikini top may not wish to walk about wearing only their swimsuit. The user may wish to remain covered until they have reached their destination, such as a pool or the beach. Further, the user may wish to wear a garment that provides slimming effect so as to provide the user with a fit and toned appearance.

[0047] The user may don the compression garment 11′ by positioning the elongated band 12′ about their lower abdominal region such that an upper end 13′ of the elongated band 12′ is positioned near or below the wearer's navel and above the waistline of the bikini bottom 51, and the lower end 14′ of the elongated band 12′ is positioned on the wearer's hip or thigh, at or below the lowermost portion of the bikini bottom 51. Preferably, the elongated band 12′ has a width measured in a transverse direction sufficient to fully cover the bikini bottom 51 or a substantial portion thereof. The elongated band 12′ fits snugly or tightly on the wearer's body so as to restrain the wearer's body and provide a slim appearance. The elongated band 12′ contours to the shape of the wearer's body so that the elongated band 12′ rests flat against the wearer's body.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the upper end of the non-compressive layer 15′ is affixed to an upper end of the elongated band 12′ and the non-compressive layer 15′ extends downwardly from the upper end of the elongated band 12′ such that the non-compressive layer 15′ covers the elongated band 12′ and extends below the lower end 14′ thereof. The non-compressive layer 15′ covers an additional portion of the wearer's body below the elongated band 12′, such as the upper portion of the wearer's legs without providing a compressive force thereon. Thus, the non-compressive layer 15′ provides additional decorative appeal to the compression garment 11′ and covers an additional portion of the wearer's body so that the compression garment 11′ resembles a skirt and can be worn without being covered by an additional layer of clothing.

[0049] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.