AU2018102181A4 - Garment and clip device for garment - Google Patents

Abstract

The garment 10 comprises a body portion 20 comprising a front panel 27 and a rear panel 28 joined to each other along side seams 29. The body portion 20 extends from the groin area to an area under the breasts 108 of the wearer 100. The upper portion 24 terminates at an upper edge 25 which extends around the area under the breast of a wearer.The garment 10 further comprises attachment means 30 for attachment of the body portion 20 to a bra 150 worn by the wearer.

Description

GARMENT AND CLIP DEVICE FOR GARMENT

Field of the Invention

[1] The present invention relates to a garment and a clip device for a garment

[2] The garment has been developed primarily as an undergarment piece and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

Background of the Invention

[3] There are various garment products available that aim to provide a sleek contoured figure to the wearer.

[4] One option is body contouring bodysuits, hosiery or stockings made from tight fit material and these bodysuits, hosiery or stockings including even tighter banding around the top of the bodysuits, hosiery or stockings to maintain them in position and stop them rolling over and falling down. However such extra tighter banding can be restrictive on body motion, or uncomfortable and even in some cases cause blood circulation troubles.

[5] There are also various garments that prevent hosiery from falling such as suspenders that are worn around the waist area which have clips for holding the stockings or socks around thighs. However generally this requires a further element of clothing to form the support for the suspenders which can be suitable in some cases but generally not in body contouring bodysuits, hosiery or stockings if the sleek contoured figure to the wearer is to be maintained.

[6] The present invention seeks to overcome or substantially ameliorate at least one or more of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide a viable alternative.

[7] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Invention

[8] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a garment comprising: a body portion adapted to cover at least a portion of the wearer's body; and attachment means for attachment of the body portion to a bra of the wearer.

[9] In one embodiment, the body portion is adapted to cover and extend from a waist area of a wearer.

[10] In another embodiment, the body portion is adapted to cover and extend from a groin area of a wearer.

[11] In another embodiment, the body portion is adapted to extend from a wearer's thighs.

[12] In another embodiment, the body portion is adapted to extend from a wearer's legs.

[13] In another embodiment, the body portion is adapted to extend from a wearer's feet.

[14] In another embodiment, the body portion is adapted to extend from a wearer's toes.

[15] Preferably, the body portion is adapted to extend to an area under the breast of the wearer.

[16] Preferably, the body portion comprises front and rear panels.

[17] Preferably, at least a section of the body portion is made from a form fitting material.

[18] Preferably, at least a section of the body portion is made from a form shaping material.

[19] Preferably, the material is a microfiber material.

[20] Preferably, the body portion has substantially smooth front and back panels in use.

[21] Preferably, the front and back panels are joined by seams at the lateral edges of the body portion.

[22] In one embodiment, at least a section of the body portion is made from a stocking or hosiery material.

[23] Preferably, the body portion comprises an upper edge which extends around the area under the breast of a wearer.

[24] Preferably, the attachment means is attached to the upper edge.

[25] Preferably, the attachment means comprises at least one clip formation.

[26] Preferably, the attachment means comprises at least two clip formations.

[27] Preferably, the attachment means is adapted to attach to torso straps of the bra of the wearer.

[28] Preferably, each clip formation comprises a structure of an inner flexible metal core covered by a cover material.

[29] Preferably, the cover material is plastics material and/or a silicone material.

[30] Preferably, the attachment means comprises two clip formations disposed on opposing side portions of the body portion.

[31] Preferably, the attachment means comprises two clip formations to be disposed on opposing lateral sides of the wearer's torso, the clip formations attaching to torso straps of the bra of the wearer in use.

[32] Preferably, the clip formations are disposed to be located respectively under the wearer's underarms in use.

[33] Preferably, each clip formation comprises a first portion for attachment to the body portion and a second portion for attachment to the bra of the wearer.

[34] Preferably, each first portion comprises a slot into which material of the body portion can be inserted for attaching the body portion thereto.

[35] Preferably, each second portion comprises a hook for attachment to the bra of the wearer.

[36] Preferably, each clip formation is a band shaped hook.

[37] Preferably, the garment comprises a movable panel at the groin area to allow a wearer to use lavatory facilities as required.

[38] Preferably, the movable panel is attached to the remainder of the body portion via mounting means.

[39] Preferably, the mounting means comprises at least one of clips, buttons, hook and loop fasteners and a zipper.

[40] Preferably, the garment comprises underwear disposed in an internal surface of a lower section of the body portion.

[41] Preferably, the garment further comprises padding between the body portion and the underwear.

[42] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of wearing a garment, the method comprising: attaching the garment to a bra of a wearer.

[43] Preferably, the garment is form shaping and covers at least a torso area of the wearer.

[44] The method preferably includes using a device for attaching the garment to a bra of a wearer, the device having a first portion having attachment means for attachment to the garment; and a second portion for attachment to the bra of the wearer.

[45] Preferably the attaching of the garment to the bra is by the first portion having attachment means of a hook structure for ready releasable mounting on the bra and support of the garment.

[46] In another aspect, the present invention provides a device for attaching a garment to a bra of a wearer, the device comprising: a first portion having attachment means for attachment to the garment; and a second portion for attachment to the bra of the wearer.

[47] In one embodiment, the first portion comprises a slot or clip for attachment to an upper edge of the garment.

[48] In another embodiment, the attachment means comprises flexible or elastic material and clips attached to a lower end of the flexible or elastic material.

[49] Preferably, each second portion comprises a hook for attachment to the bra of the wearer.

[50] Preferably, the hook is adapted for attachment to torso portions of the bra of the wearer.

[51] Preferably, the device is a band shaped hook.

[52] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[53] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic front view of a garment in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention as worn by a wearer;

Fig. 2 is a schematic rear view of the garment of Figure 1 worn by a wearer;

Fig. 3 is a schematic side view of the garment of Figure 1 worn by a wearer;

Fig. 4 schematically shows (a) a front view, (b) a front perspective view and (c) a rear perspective view of a clip for the garment of Figure 1; and

Fig. 5 is a schematic front view showing possible modifications to the garment of Figure 1.

Description of Embodiments

[54] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

[55] Figures 1 to 3 show a garment 10 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention as worn by a wearer 100. The garment 10 comprises a body portion 20 comprising a front panel 27 and a rear panel 28 joined to each other along side seams 29. The front and rear panels 27 and 28 together define a lower portion 22 adapted to cover a groin area 102 and buttocks 103 of the wearer 100, a mid portion 23 adapted to cover a waist and mid-torso area 104 of the wearer 100, and an upper portion 24 adapted to cover an upper rib cage area 106 of the wearer 100. The body portion 20 thus extends from the groin area to an area under the breasts 108 of the wearer 100. The body portion 100 in this embodiment is thus of a similar shape to a one-piece tube swimwear except the body portion 20 does not cover the wearer's breasts. The upper portion 24 terminates at an upper edge 25 which extends around the area under the breast of a wearer.

[56] The garment 10 further comprises attachment means 30 for attachment of the body portion 20 to a bra 150 worn by the wearer. As known, the bra 150 comprises cups 152 for covering and supporting the breasts, with the cups 150 supported by torso straps 154 and shoulder straps 156 to the wearer 100.

[57] The attachment means 30 comprises two clip formations 32a and 32b attached to the upper edge 25 of the body portion 20. The clip formations 32a and 32b are disposed on opposing side portions of the body portion 20 such that they are disposed respectively under the wearer's underarms in use.

[58] As shown in Figure 4, each clip formation 32 is generally shaped as a band shaped hook and comprises a first portion 34 for attachment to the body portion 20 and a second portion 36 for attachment to the bra 150 of the wearer 100. The first portion 34 comprises a slot 35 into which material of the body portion 20 can be inserted for attaching the body portion 20 thereto. The second portion 36 comprises a hook 37 for attachment to the torso strap 154 of the bra 150. Each hook 37 which extends downwardly in use and hooks over a respective torso strap 154.

[59] The slot 35 preferably has dimensions of 20 x 6 mm. The hook 37 is slightly flexible to fit various sized bra straps, up to 8 mm thickness.

[60] The body portion is made from a form fitting and/or form shaping material, preferably a microfiber material. The body portion has smooth front and back panels 27 and 28.

[61] In use, the garment 10 can be worn by itself as an undergarment, which will provide form shaping around the torso, stomach and waist area of the wearer. The microfiber material of the body portion can flex and stretch whilst substantially contouring the wearer's body shape.

[62] If the wearer is also wearing stockings or hosiery, the garment 10 is worn over the stockings or hosiery which will keep the upper hosiery portion from falling down thus avoiding unsightly body disfigurement and discomfort around the waist area.

[63] The garment 10 thus prevents stomach discomfort and creates a more slim-line body contouring effect. The garment 10 can be worn with or without underwear.

[64] Each clip formation 32 comprises a structure of an inner flexible metal core covered by a plastics material, which is then covered by a silicone material to provide a soft feel against the user's skin.

[65] The garment 10 preferably comprises a movable panel 60 at the groin portion 22 which covers the groin area 102 of the wearer 100. The panel 60 can be moved from a closed to an open configuration to allow the wearer 100 to use lavatory facilities as required without having to fully remove the garment 10. The movable panel 60 is attached to the remainder of the body portion 20 via suitable mounting means such as clips, buttons, hook and loop fasteners and a zipper.

[66] The garment 10 also preferably comprises built in underwear 70 disposed in an internal surface of the groin portion 22. The underwear 70 is made from seamless microfiber material. The portion of the back panel 28 overlaying the underwear 70 can slide upwards and downwards over the underwear 70. When the overlaying back panel 28 is below the underwear 70, this will provide a lifting and contouring element to the bottom of the buttocks area. The garment can further comprise padding between the body portion 20 and the underwear 70 to provide an additional buttocks lift.

[67] Figure 5 shows possible modifications of the garment 10, where the body portion 20 can alternatively extend from the wearer's waist 21a, thighs 21b, legs 21c, the wearer's feet 21d, or the wearer's toes 21e. The sections of the body portion 20 covering the legs can be made from a stocking or hosiery material of any desired type of design, print, colour or contour. The body portion can thus be shorter and can simply cover the user's torso area or it can extend to the wearer's toes and replace stockings/hosiery.

[68] In another aspect of the present invention, the attachment means 30, being the clip formations 32a and 32b, can be provided separately without the body portion 20. Each clip formation 32 in this embodiment will have a first portion 34 having a means for attachment to an upper edge of a garment, such as the waist/torso portion of hosiery or other garment. The attachment means can comprise a slot or clip which engages the top edge of the other garment. In the preferred embodiment, the attachment means comprises flexible or elastic material extending through the slot 35, and suspender-type clips attached to a lower end of the flexible or elastic material. The clips can then be fastened to an alternative garment to hold the garment up in place. Each clip formation 32 will also have the second portion 36 for attachment to the bra 150 of the wearer 100 in use.

[69] Whilst preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be apparent to skilled persons that modifications can be made to the embodiments described. For example, the body portion can be of other suitable materials. Also the attachment means can be made in other forms such as other types of clips. The garment 10 can also be made into maternity wear, and the leg portions can be made of compression stocking material that can be used for travelling passengers that may have a risk of deep vein thrombosis.

Interpretation Embodiments:

[70] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[71] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific

Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[72] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Different Instances of Objects

[73] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Specific Details

[74] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Terminology

[75] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

Comprising and Including

[76] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[77] Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Scope of Invention

[78] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

[79] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Industrial Applicability

[80] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the fashion industries.

Claims (47)

Claims The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A garment comprising: a body portion adapted to cover at least a portion of the wearer's body; and attachment means for attachment of the body portion to a bra of the wearer.

2. The garment of claim 1 wherein the body portion is adapted to cover and extend from a waist area of a wearer.

3. The garment of claim 1 wherein the body portion is adapted to cover and extend from a groin area of a wearer.

4. The garment of claim 1 wherein the body portion is adapted to extend from a wearer's thighs.

5. The garment of claim 1 wherein the body portion is adapted to extend from a wearer's legs.

6. The garment of claim 1 wherein the body portion is adapted to extend from a wearer's feet.

7. The garment of claim 1 wherein the body portion is adapted to extend from a wearer's toes.

8. The garment of claim 1 wherein the body portion is adapted to extend to an area under the breast of the wearer.

9. The garment of any one of the preceding claims wherein the body portion comprises front and rear panels.

10. The garment of any one of the preceding claims wherein at least a section of the body portion is made from a form fitting material.

11. The garment of any one of the preceding claims wherein at least a section of the body portion is made from a form shaping material.

12. The garment of claim 10 or 11 wherein the material is a microfiber material.

13. The garment of claim 9 wherein the body portion has substantially smooth front and back panels in use.

14. The garment of claim 9 wherein the front and back panels are joined by seams at the lateral edges of the body portion.

15. The garment of claim 1 wherein at least a section of the body portion is made from a stocking or hosiery material.

16. The garment of claim 1 wherein the body portion comprises an upper edge which extends around the area under the breast of a wearer.

17. The garment of claim 16 wherein the attachment means is attached to the upper edge.

18. The garment of any one of the preceding claims wherein the attachment means comprises at least one clip formation.

19. The garment of any one of the preceding claims wherein the attachment means comprises at least two clip formations.

20. The garment of any one of the preceding claims wherein the attachment means is adapted to attach to torso straps of the bra of the wearer.

21. The garment of claim 18 wherein each clip formation comprises a structure of an inner flexible metal core covered by a cover material.

22. The garment of claim 21 wherein the cover material is plastics material and/or a silicone material.

23. The garment of any one of the preceding claims wherein the attachment means comprises two clip formations disposed on opposing side portions of the body portion.

24. The garment of claim 1 wherein the attachment means comprises two clip formations to be disposed on opposing lateral sides of the wearer's torso, the clip formations attaching to torso straps of the bra of the wearer in use.

25. The garment of claim 24 wherein the clip formations are disposed to be located respectively under the wearer's underarms in use.

26. The garment of claim 18 wherein each clip formation comprises a first portion for attachment to the body portion and a second portion for attachment to the bra of the wearer.

27. The garment of claim 26 wherein each first portion comprises a slot into which material of the body portion can be inserted for attaching the body portion thereto.

28. The garment of claim 26 wherein each second portion comprises a hook for attachment to the bra of the wearer.

29. The garment of claim 26 wherein each clip formation is a band shaped hook.

30. The garment of claim 1 wherein the garment comprises a movable panel at the groin area to allow a wearer to use lavatory facilities as required.

31. The garment of claim 30 wherein the movable panel is attached to the remainder of the body portion via mounting means.

32. The garment of claim 31 wherein the mounting means comprises at least one of clips, buttons, hook and loop fasteners and a zipper.

33. The garment of claim I wherein the garment comprises underwear disposed in an internal surface of a lower section of the body portion.

34. The garment of claim 33 further comprises padding between the body portion and the underwear.

35. The garment according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the attachment means is a clip device for attachment of the body portion to the bra of the wearer.

36. A method of wearing a garment, the method comprising: attaching the garment to a bra of a wearer.

37. The method of claim 36 wherein the garment is form shaping and covers at least a torso area of the wearer.

38. The method of claim 36 or 37 including using a device for attaching the garment to a bra of a wearer, the device having a first portion having attachment means for attachment to the garment; and a second portion for attachment to the bra of the wearer.

39. The method of claim 36, 37 or 38 wherein the attaching of the garment to the bra is the first portion having attachment means of a hook structure for ready releasable mounting on the bra and support of the garment.

40. A device for attaching a garment to a bra of a wearer, the device comprising: a first portion having attachment means for attachment to the garment; and a second portion for attachment to the bra of the wearer.

41. The device of claim 40 wherein the first portion comprises a slot for attachment to an upper edge of the garment.

42. The device of claim 40 wherein the first portion comprises a clip for attachment to an upper edge of the garment.

43. The device of claim 40 wherein the attachment means comprises flexible or elastic material and clips attached to a lower end of the flexible or elastic material.

44. The device of claim 40 wherein each second portion comprises a hook for attachment to the bra of the wearer.

45. The device of claim 44 wherein the hook is adapted for attachment to torso portions of the bra of the wearer.

46. The device of claim 40 wherein the device is a band shaped hook.

47. Garment and clip device for garment including garment of any one of claims 1 to 35 and clip device of any one of claims 38 to 46.

2018102181 2013242800 03 09 Sep Oct 2018

2018102181 2013242800 03 09 Sep Oct 2018

2018102181 2013242800 03 09 Sep Oct 2018

2018102181 2013242800 03 09 Sep Oct 2018

2018102181 2013242800 03 09 Sep Oct 2018