WO2014146161A1

WO2014146161A1 - Improvements in women's apparel

Info

Publication number: WO2014146161A1
Application number: PCT/AU2013/000525
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Green
Original assignee: John Green
Priority date: 2013-03-21
Filing date: 2013-05-21
Publication date: 2014-09-25

Abstract

There is swimsuit which includes one or more fabric elements 1, 9 with a resiliently deformable insert 4 adapted to initially be bent plastically by the wearer into a shape conforming to the wearer's body while retaining thereafter a degree of elastic resilience against further deformation. The fabric elements can thereby be shaped to clamp over areas of the wearer's body without the use of straps or ties. The insert is formed from plastic, resin,or polymer moldings and/or stainless steel wire which is sewn into the periphery of the fabric elements.

Description

IMPRO VEMENT S IN WOMEN' S APPAREL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to clothing. More particularly, although not exclusively, it discloses a novel and improved construction for women's ^' apparel and method of fitting same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Women's apparel and in particular swimwear have evolved considerably over time. In the first half of the last century it was conservative styles of bloomers and stockings. This then migrated into one piece bathing suits. The desire for greater exposure let to the creation of the two piece swimsuit in the latter half of the century which became well known as the bikini. This allowed women to show more of their bodies and enabled swimwear fashion to become more revealing for the purpose of sunbathing and fashion. While there are of course many known prior art styles or variations of the bikini they all typically comprise separate top and bottom pieces. The top piece may be constructed from a single fabric element having a pair of breast cups defining the front. The cups may be supported by respective upwardly extending straps which are tied around the back of the wearer's neck as well as horizontal straps for separate attachment around the back. The bottom piece may comprise a generally triangular front fabric panel which tapers down to a narrow generally rectangular strip for extending beneath the wearers crotch to a second triangular rear panel. There may be pairs of fastening straps attached to the front and rear panels which tie at the sides in the area of the w^rearer's hip to complete the fitting. These straps as well as the neck straps however may be bulky, unattractive and detract from the general sleek appearance of the swimwear. They may also be awkward and laborious to tie especially when located to the sides or across the back of the wearer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of this invention to ameliorate the aforementioned disadvantages and according an item of apparel is disclosed such as but not limited to swimwear which includes one or more fabric elements with a resiliently deformable insert disposed therein whereby said item can be shaped to conform to and clamp in place over one or more areas of a wearers body.

Preferably but not essentially said fabric element is formed from a material such as Lycra or like material and includes plastic or polymer moldings and/or stainless steel wire insert to provide said resilient clamping action.

It is further preferred that said insert is in the form of a wire frame or structure which is sewn into the periphery of the fabric element.

It is further preferred that said areas of the wearer's body include the crotch, anal area and breasts.

It is further preferred that said fabric element includes inner strips of rubber or similar material to abut the wearer's skin to prevent slippage. In accordance with a first non-limiting embodiment of the invention said item of clothing may comprise a bikini type swimsuit.

In accordance with a second non-limiting embodiment of the invention said item of clothing may comprise a one piece swimsuit.

In accordance with a third non-limiting embodiment of the invention said item of clothing may be a lady's dress or evening gown.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention w ll now be described with reference to the attached drawings in which:- figure 1 shows figuratively front, rear and side views of a female form wearing a bikini swimsuit according to a first non- limiting embodiment of the invention, figure 2 shows a plan view of the bottom piece for the swimsuit of figure 1 ,

figure 3 shows a plan view of the wire structure for the bottom piece of figure 2,

figure 4 shows a front elevation view of the top piece for the swimsuit of figure 1 ,

figure 5 shows a front elevation view of a variation of the top piece of figure 4, figure 6 shows a front elevation view of the wire structure for the top pieces of figures 4 and 5,

figure 7 shows figuratively front, and rear views of a female

form wearing a one piece swimsuit according to a second non-limiting embodiment of the invention,

figures 8 and 9 show figuratively front and rear views of a female form wearing a dress or gown according to a third non- limiting, embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring first to figures 1 and 2 there is a women's two piece bikini type swimsuit. The bottom piece may comprise triangular front and back fabric panels 1 , 2 which are connected by an elongated gusset 3. Preferably the fabric used is Lycra however the scope of the invention is not limited to this material and any other suitable fabric may be used. As shown in figure 3 the preferred form of resiliently deflectable structure for the bottom piece is, with this embodiment, a loop 4 of plastic, resin, or polymer molding and/or stainless steel wire which is preferably sewn in at 5 just inside the periphery of the bottom piece. While the invention is not limited to any particular size for this wire which may vary with application or design requirements a diameter of 1 - 2 mm . may be found suitable for some embodiments of the invention. This enables the bottom piece, when initially fitted, to be bent plastically in the area of the gusset from the flat configuration shown in figure 2 to a generally U-shaped configuration which can conform to a wide variety of body shapes while retaining thereafter a degree of elastic resilience against further deformation. In accordance with the invention the front panel 1 extends up from the genital region and the back panel 2 covers the anal area with the gusset 3 linking the two panels between the legs. By virtue of the aforementioned elastic resilience the front and back panels, and in particular the upper edges 6, 7 can be adjusted in shape and contour to clamp .against the respective front and rear areas of the wearer's body immediately above the genital and anal region to securely hold the bottom piece in place.

Although not essential a strip of rubber (of say 30 to 40 mm) or like material may be attached to the inside upper surface edges 6, 7 of the front and back panels to grip against the skin and prevent slippage. It is further preferred that elastic is sewn into the peripheral sides 8 of the gusset to cause it to form into a cup-like shape to and securely

cover around the vaginal region. As with existing swimsuits the bottom piece would preferably be fully lined with appropriate opaque material.

As shown in figures 4 to 6 the top piece of the swimsuit is, with this embodiment, constructed in main from a single panel of fabric 9 which defines a pair of breast cups 10. There is a resiliently deflectable structure 1 1 for the top piece formed from plastic, resin,or polymer moldings and/or stainless steel, wire which is preferably sewn into the periphery of the panel using zig zag or twin needle stitching 12. One non-limiting example of this wire may be 1-2 ram diameter. Other wire sizes however may also be found suitable depending upon application and design requirements. The stmcture includes side extensions 13 which define am s 14 which can be shaped to embrace and clamp around the wearers back to hold the top piece without any ties or connectors being required, As with the bottom piece this structure is adapted to initially be bent plastically by the wearer into a shape conforming to her body while retaining thereafter a degree of elastic resilience against further deformation. The fabric panel 9 and curved side arms 14 may thereby be adjusted to exert a resilient clamping action around the wearer' s chest which holds the cups 10 over the wearer's breasts without straps or ties being required. Preferably there are strips of rubber (of say 15 mm width) fitted along the inside upper edges 15 of the cups 10 and along the inside of the top edges 15A of the curved arms 14 to prevent slippage on the wearers skin. The fabric panel 9 may also include a ringl 6 or tie 17 at the centre between the breast cups 10 to enable the fabric to be gathered in to adjust for different sizes and shape of bust as well as for tight or loose fits in accordance with wearer preference.

Figure 7 shows a one piece swimsuit in accordance with the invention. Here the top and bottom pieces 18 and 1 are connected by a fabric strip 20, Preferably this strip 20 is elasticised to cater for different sizes of wearer. While the top piece is held by neck straps 21 the bottom piece is similar in construction to that described for the first embodiment and is held in place by the same clamping action. Hidden nets may also be sewn into the cups 22 to better support the wearer's breasts.

The invention can extend to other forms of apparel as shown in figure 8 and 9. Here the resiliently deformable bottom piece is incorporated into a formal dress or evening gown, In this case the rear skirt portion 23 is held in place without straps or ties by means of the clamping action of the now concealed bottom piece 24, This clamping action is as described earlier with reference to the first embodiment. The separate front portion 25 of the dress hangs down from and flows from the breast cups 26 which are supported by neck straps 27

It will thus be appreciated that this invention at least in the form of the embodiments described provides a novel and improved form of apparel for women. It is to be noted however that the embodiments which have been described herein are only illustrative examples of the invention and a wide variety of other design and fashion variations to both the swimsuits, evening gowns and dresses, and other items of apparel may be made as defined within the following claims without departing from the broad inventive concept. For example the invention is not limited to any particular type of swimsuit. the fabric from which it is made or, in the case of the bikini, the shape or configuration of the top or bottom pieces of the swimwear. Similarly, in the case of a dresses or evening gowns

incorporating the invention the overall design or appearance, the type of fabric(s) from which they are made and any accessories worn with them may all vary without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

The Claims:

1. An. item of apparel which includes one or more fabric elements with a resiliently deformable insert disposed therein whereby said item can be shaped to conform to and clamp in place over one or more areas of a wearer's body.

2. The item of apparel as claimed in claim 1 wherein said insert is plastic, resin or polymer moldings and/or stainless steel wire frame structure which is sewn into the periphery of said fabric element.

3. The item of apparel as claimed in claim 2 wherein said one or more fabric elements include strips of rubber on inside surfaces thereof which in use abut the wearer's skin to prevent slippage.

4. The item of apparel as claimed in claim 3 wherein one of said fabric elements forms a bottom piece having front and back panels connected by a gusset wherein said bottom piece can be bent plastically in the area of said gusset to a generally U shaped configuration so that when fitted to a wearer's body the front panel extends up from the genital region and the back panel covers the anal area with said gusset linking the two panels between the wearer's legs and said front and rear panels clamping against respective front and rear areas of the wearer's body immediately above the genital and anal areas.

5. The item of apparel as claimed in claim 4 wherein said item is a

woman's swimsuit and elastic is sewn into sides of the gusset to . cause said gusset to form into a cup-like shape to cover around the wearer's vaginal area.

6. The item of apparel as claimed in claim 5 wherein said woman's

swimsuit further includes a top piece formed by a second fabric element with a resiliently deformable insert, said second fabric element defining a pair of breast cups with side arms which can be shaped to embrace and exert a clamping action around the wearer's back to hold said top piece in place.

7. The item of apparel as claimed in claim 6 wherein said top piece

includes a ring or tie between said breast cups to enable adjustment for different sizes and shapes of bust.

8. The item of apparel as claimed in claim 7 wherein nets are sewn into the cups to better support the wearer's breasts.

9. The item of apparel as claimed in claim 8 wherein strips of rubber are fitted along the upper edges of the cups and along the top edges of said side arms.

10. The item of apparel as claimed in claim 9 wherein said top and bottom pieces of said woman's swimsuit are connected in front by an elasticised strip of fabric.

1 1. The item of apparel as claimed in claim 4 wherein said item is a dress or gown and a separate rear skirt portion of said dress or gown is supported by said bottom piece concealed thereunder. -1.0-

12. The item of apparel as claimed in claim 11 wherein said dress or gown further includes a separate front skirt portion which hangs down from breast cups supported by neck straps.