GB2468175A - Lingerie with pockets - Google Patents

Abstract

A lingerie garment comprises a pocket 11 which is adapted to retain a crystal such that the aperture of the pocket lies flat when the opening is in a relaxed state and the pocket is large enough to allow passage of the crystal in an extended state. The pocket may define a throat section 19 when in use and may be defined by two co-planar fabrics; one material being elastic and the other material being non-elastic wherein the non-elastic material is reinforced by a rigid material. The aperture may be defined in only one of the fabric materials of the pocket and the aperture may be elasticated by supplemental elastic means. The pocket may be defined by a folded piece of fabric and may comprise a denier fabric. The pockets are used to hold crystals close to the body for the development of spiritual and physical wellbeing and overcome the problem of having to place the crystal insecurely within undergarments. The pockets may be arranged to coincide with chakras.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO LINGERIE

Field of Invention

The present invention relates to undergarments and lingerie. In particular, the present invention relates to the wearing of small stones or crystals close to the human body for the development of spiritual and physical wellbeing.

Backci round to the Invention For thousands of years both men and women have sought to adorn themselves with jewellery, typically taking the form of rings, necklaces, earrings and ear studs, Stones and crystals, in particular, have been worn about the neck, using string, braiding, leather thongs and the like to retain the stone or crystal. It is believed by some that one's wellbeing can be improved or maintained by the appropriate wearing of stones or crystals about one's body. It is widely known that certain people become interested in stones and crystals; some people find themselves drawn to certain individual pieces, due either to their colour or other inherent/apparent beauty, and others select particular crystals for their specific healing ability. It is also widely experienced by many that their wellbeing is maintained or improved when one or more stones or crystals are kept about such persons, or in close proximity to, their body. For convenience, stones and crystals shall be referred hereinafter as crystals.

In present times, the term Chakra -a Sanskrit word for wheel or vortex -has been used in relation to the definitions of energy centres of the human body, in particular in relation to where two or more channels of subtle energy meet there is a vortex; a chakra. Crystal Therapists work with the understanding that there are seven main chakras of the body and recommend that individuals benefit from the therapeutic aspects of crystals by the carrying of crystals about the body and placing them at specific chakra points on the body.

Crystals come in many shapes and sizes, but are generally classified with regard to tumblestone sizes. Large crystals are dimensioned such that they are 30 -40 mm across two axes; medium crystals have corresponding dimensions of 20 -30 mm; small crystals have dimensions of 15 -20 mm; extra small crystals have dimensions of 10 -15 mm; whilst mini crystals have dimensions of 5 -10 mm. Corresponding weights will be of the order of 22g for large crystals; 12g for medium crystals; 6g for small crystals; 3g for extra small crystals and 1.5g or less for mini crystals, although particularly dense crystals will obviously weigh more.

There are many theories about how crystals provide Crystal Therapy. The most popular theory is that the crystals provide a piezoelectric charge which can act to regulate and bring order and equilibrium to an imbalanced state. It is widely appreciated that the presence of crystals can have an effect upon the behaviour of an individual. Indeed, there have been a number of theoretical analyses concerning the piezoelectric nature of bone.

Crystal Jewellery, combined with metals including silver is not a sound delivery method in terms of using crystals for health and wellbeing purposes; drilling holes can affect the energetic properties of the crystal and surrounding the crystal in silver for jewellery can ground' the crystal energy. However, each delivery method also presents with its own issues and limitations.

Crystals can be placed throughout the home, on the headboard of a bed, under the pillow, under the bed. This delivery method makes it hard to carry Out one's normal daily life and retain contact with specific crystals throughout the whole day. Typically, crystals used to improve health and wellbeing have been kept about a person. Accordingly, other delivery methods include placing crystals in an outer garment pocket or a medicine pouch. These pouches can include a single crystal or provide a "medicine mix" in a pouch. They can be reasonably durable, though the materials will soil and typical materials such as velvet will wear off in use. Furthermore, whilst some may be decorative and versatile, they do not provide intimate/adjacent positioning nor can they be specifically positioned, along a particular bone, adjacent to an organ or along/about a sensory part or blood vessel.

Moreover, it is believed by some that crystals should be as close to one's body as is possible and therefore Crystal Healing books and practitioners advise users to tuck them into their underwear for maximum efficacy.

Just as there are problems with the efficacy of using crystals in metal jewellery there are also problems inherent in tucking small polished stones into underwear. When between a brassiere or knickers and in direct contact with the skin their placement is insecure and they cannot be maintained in position, especially if one is taking part in a more physical activity. They can become uncomfortable and move into awkward or embarrassing places due to the freedom of the crystal to move anywhere within the garment and become highly visible. As will also be appreciated, for certain topical applications, the crystal must be maintained within a particular energy zone and this is not always accurately possible when using this method. On removal of the garment they can fall easily, be lost or break.

US-A-5,067,178 teaches of a pocket comprising a piece of material attached to a pair of underpants or other item of lingerie, which is elasticated at the top and has a wide aperture corresponding to the width of a condom. The dimensions of the pocket orifice are slightly wider than the width of a condom within its packaging, since the packaging must not be damaged in any way, by folding or otherwise. This disclosure is inappropriate for the retention of solid objects such as crystals. The pockets are of little use when the wearer undertakes physical activities, especially when the opening of the pocket, which is horizontal in normal use, is inverted, since solid objects would fall out. Indeed, after undressing and removal of the item of lingerie, the pocket of this disclosure would not prevent any crystal from falling out.

US3871030-A teaches of a pocket within a panty constructed to hold a tennis ball by the provision of an elasticated opening. However, the dimension of the pocket opening is greater than the object to allow the wearer easy access of the tennis ball during play.

Furthermore, the material used in the construction of this pocket has little or no elasticised element and accordingly this teaching would be inappropriate for the retention of solid objects such as crystals; there would be little to prevent a crystal from moving freely.

US5093935-A teaches of a pocket in the crotch area of an undergarment designed for the safekeeping of personal possessions such as keys or contraceptives giving the wearer easy access. Because the opening of the pocket is large enough to allow for easy access by the wearer this would therefore not be suitable to contain a crystal as it would be able to escape too easily with movement. The position of this pocket is also unsuitable for the retention of crystals as the crystal would press uncomfortably against the pubic bone.

US2304235 provides a pocket or net-like strips of material designed to be attached to loose fitting sleep wear to contain an item the size of a 5cm ball, which is operably arranged to prevent a wearer of the garment from remaining flat on their back. The pocket loosely retains the ball-like object. A button is shown on one embodiment to close the pocket. This teaching would not be able to retain crystals. GB255373 teaches of a pocket within a stocking or hose to retain articles such as a powder puff, handkerchief or purse having an aperture corresponding in width to a width of the pocket. A covering flap is disclosed and the use of a suitable fastener is discussed; this pocket cannot be relied upon to securely retain crystals in view of the large aperture required to enable a powder puff, handkerchief or purse to be readily inserted or the removed. FR2633809 teaches of a pocket designed to contain folded money, a ticket, key or bill within a stocking. The opening of this pocket is comparable to the dimensions of the pocket or a slit is created in a side of the pocket. Whilst this enables the secure retention of flexible items such as a paper bill or ticket which would not move easily once inserted, a hard, non-malleable object such as a crystal would easily escape from such a pocket.

Object to the Invention The present invention seeks to provide a device for securing crystals to underclothing. The present invention further seeks to provide lingerie operable to retain crystals, especially those crystals worn to improve the health and wellbeing of the wearer of such a garment.

The present invention also seeks to provide an economical way to manufacture an affordable/lingerie item, which can overcome the disadvantages of known methods of carrying crystals about. The present invention also seeks to provide a solution to the carrying of crystals discreetly.

Statement of Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a close-fitting -or tight-fitting -lingerie garment, wherein there are one or more pockets arranged about the garment, each pocket having an elasticated opening; wherein, in a relaxed state, the width of the opening is less than the largest cross-section of a crystal to be placed therein, yet can be opened up upon the introduction of a crystal to or removal of a crystal from the pocket. It is believed that the crystal can be retained irrespective of the angle of the opening to the vertical or the activities undertaken by the wearer of the garment by virtue of the size of the opening. The opening lies flat in a relaxed state, yet can extend around the crystal when the crystal is urged into or is expelled out from the pocket.

Pockets in accordance with the inventions (Crystal pockets) can be placed within a lingerie garment for the safe, discreet and comfortable support of crystals used for their therapeutic properties. The dimensions of the pockets are such that they ensure that, where necessary, the crystal does not slip or slide into inappropriate or uncomfortable positions. In contrast to the contents of other types of bra pocket (chicken fillets, padding, condoms) which are pliable, a crystal is rigid. Different crystals can be of quite different shapes and dimensions, although the present invention provides pockets operable to retain small stones (per standard classification within the art) or smaller. Accordingly, the present invention provides a pocket of such a construction that a small grade crystal can be inserted and removed therefrom, yet in use the pocket enables the garment to be worn without fear of the crystal being liable of falling or slipping out.

Once inserted into a pocket, the crystal conveniently lies in an area of the pocket separated from the opening by a throat section, to enable safe retention. For a generally triangular or rectangular overall shape of pocket, the pocket is typically defined over a portion of the length of the side. In the alternative, the pocket is defined along a side of a pocket which has a width less than that of a crystal, for example, the pocket aperture is placed at a necked-down part of the pocket.

The aperture of a pocket in accordance with the invention is dimensioned such that, in order to insert the crystal, the pocket aperture is elastically opened and the crystal is pushed into the pocket, so that it can lie along a line of chakra or proximate to such a line, separated from the pocket aperture by a throat section. The close fitting of the garment assisting in the retention of the crystal in a particular area, the area being sufficiently wide to enable the stone to comfortably fit in as flat a fashion as possible. Once a crystal is within the pocket, the crystal is simply extracted by the application of sufficient pressure on the side of the crystal opposite the opening. This is akin to the method one may apply in "shelling" a pea from a pea pod or squeeze toothpaste from a tube. The crystal is urged outwardly by elastically increasing the inside circumferential edges of the pocket. This is in distinct contrast to prior methods of retaining dissimilar goods.

To ensure the crystal does not fall out easily during wear and to enable removal once inserted, a specific method of constructing the pocket opening has been developed. The construction and dimension of the pocket opening determine the performance of the pocket, taking into account the fabric used and the pocket placement with respect to body contours and garment type. Importantly, the combination of materials can enable the safe and comfortable retention of a crystal with minimal indication that a crystal is so retained.

Brief Description of the Figures

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the Figures as shown in the accompanying drawing sheets, wherein:-Figure 1 illustrate first embodiment of the invention; Figures la -lc illustrate typical crystals; Figures ld & e detail placement of a crystal within a pocket; Figure 2a & b illustrate a second embodiment of the invention Figure 3 shows a pair of briefs in accordance with the invention; Figure 4 shows a further type of brief, in accordance with the invention; Figure 5a shows a corset 50 in accordance with the invention; Figure 5b shows a pair of control shorts; Figures 6a -6f show aspects of bras in accordance with the invention; Figures 7a -7d show a collection of pocket styles in accordance with the present invention; and, Figures 8a -8f show various aspects of lingerie in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed description of the Preferred Embodiments

There will now be described, by way of example only, the best mode contemplated by the inventor for carrying out the present invention. In the following description, numerous specific details are set out in order to provide a complete understanding to the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that the present invention may be put into practice with variations of the specific.

With reference to Figure 1, a pair of briefs 10 is shown with a pocket 11 comprised of a first material, which first material is employed for the manufacture of the body of the actual garment, with a second material 13 being attached by stitching whereby to form a pocket between the two pieces of material. The shape of the pocket is a quadrilateral, with an upper edge 14, an inside edge 15, an outside edge 16 and a lower edge 17.

Stitching 18 is applied around most of the pocket, save for an aperture edge 19. The shape is merely by way of example; further shapes are possible as will be discussed below, in particular, with reference to a bra. The size of the aperture for the access to the pocket is such that when elastically pulled open a small grade size of stone or crystal (or smaller) may be inserted through the pocket opening. Specifically, the pocket has an elasticated opening wherein, in a relaxed state, the width of the opening is less than the largest cross-section of a crystal to be placed therein, yet can be opened up upon introduction or removal of a crystal or crystal from the pocket.

In use the crystal is intended to lie adjacent a lower edge of the pocket, the crystal being separated from the pocket aperture by a throat section (indicated by distance d in figure le below). By virtue of the garment being close fitting, the crystal remains in place, conveniently close to a line of chakra; the pocket with crystal being minimally obtrusive. It is believed that the crystal can be retained irrespective of the angle of the opening to the vertical or the activities undertaken by the wearer of the garment by virtue of the size of the opening. The opening lies flat in a relaxed state, yet can extend around the crystal when the crystal is urged into or is expelled out from the pocket.

Figure la shows a first crystal that is suitable for placement within a pocket in accordance with the invention; the crystal 100 having an axis A associated with a length of the crystal, with a widest cross-section of the crystal being shown at 101. Figure lb shows a second crystal 102 with the largest cross-section transverse to an axis having the longest dimension being indicated at 103. Figure lc shows a crystal of an irregular shape 104 with a cross-section indicated at 105. The crystals are generally sized such that the circumference as measured around the largest cross-section transverse to an axis having the longest dimension is at least 0.8cm; typically around 1.5 -2 cm. The crystals may be generally planar (disc-like) or somewhat cylindrical. In the event that the crystal is circular and disc-like, then a minimum circumference is defined across the centre of the disc. Exceptionally, some elongate small crystals may have a longest axial length of the crystal of around 3cm or more, but this might be too long for certain pockets.

With reference to Figure ld, the pocket 11 is opened by way of the stretching one or both of the first 11 and second 13 materials about the aperture edge 19, whereby to increase the size of the inside circumference of the pocket aperture to at least correspond with the circumference of the greatest cross-section along the axis A of the crystal. Conveniently, both first and second materials can be elastically stretched, although this may not be the case, particularly with certain types of silk as may be used for the construction of the item of lingerie. Figure le shows how a crystal will be positioned once placed inside; by virtue of the elastic nature of the aperture, the aperture cannot easily allow passage of the crystal out from the pocket, notwithstanding the distance D between the aperture and the crystal in position.

It has been found that by having an aperture which can be elastically stretched to accommodate a crystal, yet remain smooth and wrinkle-free for comfort and aesthetics before placement of a crystal and not define any prominence save for an inevitable silhouette, dependent upon the size of a crystal placed in a pocket, a simple to produce crystal pocket has been provided. It is of note that for an overall polygonal shape to a pocket, for example a square or triangle, the aperture need not necessarily correspond to the length of an edge length of the pocket. Rather the size of the aperture is determined by its ability to resiliently provide a maximum internal circumference to allow passage of a crystal upon placement into and removal from the pocket, when urged by intentional manipulation of the crystal. For example, since there can be two contrasting surfaces used in the construction of the pockets for placement within a bra to provide stability, movement, comfort and fit, there are two construction methods required to construct a pocket opening that is both secure and usable, as will be discussed below.

Conveniently, in use, the rest position of the crystal is separated from the aperture by a throat region, where the relative elasticity ensures that there is an outline shape that defines the limits of the pocket, being of a particular material fastened to a backing material, conveniently comprising the actual lingerie fabric or one of the fabrics comprising the basic item of lingerie. With reference to the Figures, for each pocket shown, there are further, dashed lines to define the extent of fastening by stitching, stud fasteners and the like and a continuous line to define an elastic aperture, through which the crystal or crystals are placed. The elasticity of the aperture may arise from the elasticity of either or both the material of the pocket and the material of the lingerie item. The elasticity may arise due to the presence of a specific elastic element inserted within a seam associated with the pocket aperture.

To ensure the crystal does not fall out easily during wear and to enable removal once inserted, a specific method of constructing the pocket opening has been developed. If an object such as a crystal is to be kept within a pocket the aperture must be smaller than the crystal. The aperture of a pocket in accordance with the invention is dimensioned such that once a crystal is within the pocket, the crystal is simply extracted by the application of sufficient pressure on the side of the crystal opposite the opening. This is akin to the method one may apply in "shelling" a pea from a pea pod or squeeze toothpaste from a tube. The crystal is urged outwardly by elastically increasing the inside circumferential edges of the pocket. This is in distinct contrast, for example, to the method taught in the prior art discussed above, especially in relation to the tennis panties, since the mechanism taught by such prior teaching enables simple and ready access to the tennis ball contents of the tennis-panty pocket.

A denier fabric is commonly used in the manufacturing of lingerie. However, it has been found that a 100% polyamide (Nylon (TM)) denier fabric is particularly suitable to create the pockets because of its specific movement or stabilised qualities, low weight, lack of visibility and comfort. The term "denier", as is known, refers to a knitted fabric that has an open knit, although a two warp knit nylon denier fabric can be employed since the yarn used for both deniers is a multifilament yarn that makes it softer to the touch and since the two knit stitches are used which vary the overall performance qualities of each fabric.

An open knit stitch has movement in the warp (top to bottom) and movement in the weft (left to right). A fabric having a stabilised knit stitch means that whilst being stabilised in both directions, slight movement in the weft is permissible although movement is locked in the warp. The pocket openings need to be fabricated in such a way that allows the crystal or crystals to be inserted into the pocket easily, to be held securely without the possibility of falling or slipping out, and capable of being easily removed from the pocket In order to accommodate crystals of a circumference (as measured around the largest cross-section transverse to an axis having the longest dimension) of at least 1.5 cm; typically not greater than 2.5cm, then the measurement of the pocket opening must be no smaller than 0.75 cm or no larger than 1.5 cm. It has been found that the angle of the opening is also specific to ensure the pocket opening is no bigger than the specified dimensions. It has also been found that the pocket opening appears too small but needs to be of this dimension to ensure that the crystal does not fall or slip out. A combination of relatively rigid and pliable properties for the fabric surfaces allow crystals to be inserted into the pocket and then also to be held securely within the pocket. It has been found that it is not essential to have the aperture uppermost; by virtue of having elastic elements and a relaxed internal circumference of the opening being less than a circumference of the crystal, then the crystal will remain where positioned, even if the aperture is or becomes inverted. Those skilled in the art will be able to understand the concept provided by the present invention and that variations of the specific given here will be allowable.

It has been found that two distinct types of pocket construction can be enabled, dependent upon the position of the pocket and the nature of the base lingerie material. There can be a rigid front opening or an elasticated front opening, although both types of pocket openings need to be constructed using a combination of rigid nd pliable surfaces.

Where the construction is such that there is a rigid front opening, then tape made in the same denier fabric as the rest of the pocket is applied with, conveniently, a two needle stitch to create a rigid front opening. Whilst the pocket can appear to be too rigid to envelope a crystal typically used, manipulation of the fabric at the back of the pocket, which is not so restricted and can provide a natural movement, enables a crystal to be squeezed through the pocket opening. This makes it possible for a crystal to sit comfortably once in the pocket but not allow the crystal to fall out. It has been found that the rigid front pocket opening pocket style can be preferred for most types of bra cup and wing pocket, brief hip and buttock cleavage pockets.

Where the construction is such that there is an elasticated front opening construction, such as is the case with the bra centre pocket. On all bras, the centre front bridge must be stabilised since it is the anchor of the bra, which gives a wearer the best fit and wire position around the bust. Therefore, since the back of the centre front pocket of the bra is required to be rigid, the inner pocket layer must be elasticated and gathered. By gathering the fabric, wearer comfort need not be compromised and can ensure that the crystal remains within the pocket.

A front pocket elasticated opening construction is employed where there is a centre front pocket of a bra that has a rigid opening made from a non-stabilised denier and is cut from a flat pattern piece because both the inner and outer walls of the pocket have sufficient movement to accept the crystal. Crystal pockets that have an elasticated opening can be constructed with an outer wall of the pocket made from a non-stabilised fabric and an inner wall of the pocket being made from the stabilised denier. The non-stabilised outer wall must be gathered to give additional movement that provides the necessary capacity to allow room for the crystal.

With reference to Figure 2a, there is shown a second embodiment of the invention, wherein a pair of ladies briefs 20, shown as viewed from the front, comprises a central panel 22 from which extend respective generally vertical seams 23, 24. The pair of briefs is provided with a number of pockets 27, 28. The number of pockets is shown as being only two at the front, but this is merely illustrative; there may be several pockets arranged to correspond or generally align with body contours and internal circulatory routes and organs. Figure 2b shows a rear view of the second embodiment, wherein a single pocket 29 is disposed at the base of the spine! buttock crease.

Figure 3 shows a larger pair of briefs 30, perhaps more suited for normal, everyday use.

Briefs 30 are provided with front pocket pairs 27, 28 and 37, 38, having a central pocket 39. The pockets can alternatively hang from the waist elastic and can be held securely by a decorative front seam. The base and one side of the pocket can be allowed to move more freely in order to sit most comfortably into the groin crease area when worn. The pocket size or depth is determined by the level of the waist band and its proximity with the groin area. For example, is the style in question a low rise or high waist' brief? The answer to this question will inevitably determine how many pockets can be provided and where they can be provided.

Figures 4a and 4b show a further type of brief 40, commonly referred to as a thong; again pockets 23, 24 are disposed at the front in a similar fashion to the pockets of Figure 2a & 2b. Pocket 29 is disposed in the centrally located, delta shaped portion of the rear of the brief, allowing a crystal to nestle within the buttock cleavage. It will be appreciated that whilst many pockets could be placed about the rear of the buttocks as opposed to or in addition to the buttock cleavage, a more visible brief pocket may not be desired. The buttock cleavage position has also been selected to optimise comfort.

Figure 5a shows a corset 50 in accordance with the invention, wherein the corset has lace-up fastening means 52 together with pockets 27, 28, 31, 32. Figure 5b shows a pair of control shorts 60, also provided with pockets 27, 28. As will be appreciated, when an item of underwear such as a bodice, corset, girdle and the like is fitted, then the garment will either be over elasticated, whereby to pull in soft tissue or may alternatively be laced-up or strapped in whereby the profile of the wearer is smooth. In such garments, pockets are placed to enable crystals adjacent or otherwise in convergence with circulatory routes and organs whilst adding minimally to the profile of the wearer. Typically, for briefs and bras, the pockets can conveniently be placed on the outside of the garment, but it may be preferred, and indeed arguably necessary, for body control garment pockets to be arranged such that access to the aperture or opening of the pocket is possible from within the garment.

Undergarments such as bras, camisoles and over-bust corsets provide further opportunities to enable pockets for crystals to be placed in garments, with no discomfort to the wearer. However, the pockets will be positioned in optimal positions with regard to use and type of crystal or crystals. Referring now to Figure 6a, there is shown a centrally positioned front pocket 61 for a bra 60. The dimension of this pocket is determined by the styling, fit and construction of the bra but is further affected by the gathered use of the material of the pocket. This pocket is designed to hold a small crystal as the centre front dimensions of a bra are less flexible than other areas due to its important function of this part of the bra in the fit and bra performance. This pocket sits on the Central Meridian (important for therapeutic benefits of some crystals), is invisible to the eye, secure and offers decorative possibilities.

Figure 6b shows a pocket 62 within a side wing of a bra 60, the pocket having additional divisions 64 within the pocket, conveniently provided by additional lines of stitching 64.

This pocket is perhaps, the most rigid of the positions selected for use within a bra, as it is typically held securely between a wire of a bra cup and the side wing seam. The size and dimension of the pocket can very varied by moving the position of the side seam however it has been found that a restricted size helps to hold the crystal at the side of the body and does not allow it to move to a more uncomfortable position under the arm or towards the back of the garment. Figure 6c and 6d show alternative styles of pocket 65, 66, respectively, for positioning upon a side wing of a bra 60. Comfortable and hidden, this type of pocket also enables the crystals to be positioned at the side of the body.

Figure 6e shows a bottom-cup pocket 67 and a strap apex pocket 68. The cup pocket is arranged to hold a crystal or crystals beneath the bust and to ensure that it nestles into the breast tissue facilitating invisibility and comfort. This pocket placement enables crystals to be positioned at the side of the body within the area of the heart chakra. The pocket is suspended from the underarm elastic and is conveniently held securely around the cup by the wire casing. The dimension of the pocket is specific to this position and ensures that the crystal does not slip into unsightly or uncomfortable positions. Figure 6f shows a rear strap apex provided with a pocket 69.

Referring now to Figure 7, there is shown a collection of pocket styles. Figure 7a shows a triangular pocket 80; Figures 7 b & c show rectangular pockets 81, 82. Figure 7d is a still further rectangular pocket 83, with additional stitching 84 to enable specific placement of a crystal within a pocket. Stitching 18 is shown as before, with the aperture being indicated by line 19. The fitment of these pockets overcomes the disadvantages that prior pockets have exhibited; the present invention provides pockets of such a design that securely retain dense objects such as crystals in a fashion that does not affect the use of the garment in that one does not need to, for example always remain in an upright position.

The pockets are designed such that there is an aperture for each pocket wherein the relative elasticity of the materials enable the aperture to be elastically enlarged to facilitate the placement and retention of a crystal or crystal having a cross-section in the range of 0.5 -0.05 cm2. Pockets can also be arranged such that the crystal or crystals are accessible only from the inside or outside of the garment.

Figure 8a shows a crystal within the centre cradle crystal pocket of a brassiere; it can be seen that the opening to the pocket is the narrow element or neck of the pocket towards the top of the cradle. Note how the width of the aperture is smaller than the width of the crystal. The elasticated opening of the pocket lies flat once the crystal is inside and will keep the crystal contained within the brassiere pocket. Figures 8b and 8c show a crystal within respective side cup and side wing crystal pockets of a brassiere. Figures 8d -f all refer to a pair of briefs where there are shown, respectively a groin crease' crystal pocket, and first and second types of buttock cleavage crystal pockets. Pockets in accordance with the present invention can be placed adjacent a number of areas of chakra and can, for example, and as shown above, be placed to allow the crystal to sit within the groin crease, using a triangular shape to encourage the crystal to sit at the bottom of the triangle in the desired position. It is to be noted that the crystal pockets are all shown as being on the inside of the garment in these Figures; this, as will be appreciated, is not mandatory and the pockets could be on the outside. The pocket could also be defined between two layers of material of the garment.

A crysta pocket must have an aperture smaer than the crystal and smaHer than an internal width of the pocket itself to ensure absolute securfty. As wih be realised, the present invention provides a neat solution to the problem of retaininq crystals within an item of inqerie, which crystals can be both discreetly and securely retained within such tiarment Thus, in accordance with the invention, a number of different lingerie items can be manufactured which comprise simple pockets of a particular construction that enable crystals to be worn in the optimum position for comfort, invisibility and healing. The present inventions applicable to many items of lingerie, from bras and knickers to girdles, corsets, corselettes, camisoles, Basques, bloomers, suspender belts, and more!

Claims (17)

1. Claims 1) A close-fitting lingerie garment comprising a pocket operable to retain a small crystal, each crystal having a minimum circumference about one axis, wherein the pocket has an opening defined by an aperture; wherein the aperture is dimensioned such that, in a relaxed state, the pocket opening lies flat and the crystal cannot pass therethrough; yet, in an extended state, the pocket opening is sufficiently large to allow passage of the crystal therethrough.
2. 2) A garment according to claim 1 wherein the pocket is defined by at least a fabric of the garment.
3. 3) A garment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pocket is comprised of two fabrics arranged in a coplanar fashion.
4. 4) A garment according to claim 1 to 3, wherein the pocket is defined by two similar co-planar fabrics.
5. 5) A garment according to claim 3, wherein the aperture to the pocket is determined between adjacent first and second fabrics.
6. 6) A garment according to any one of claims 1 -5, wherein the pocket is arranged such that, in use, the crystal is adjacent a line of chakra of the wearer.
7. 7) A garment according to any one of claims 1 -6, wherein the garment has an inside and an outside, wherein the pocket is arranged such that the aperture opens on an inside face of the garment.
8. 8) A garment according to any one of claims 1 -7, wherein, the crystal is operably arranged to lie in an area of the pocket separated from the opening by a throat section, to enable safe retention thereof.
9. 9) A garment according to any one of claims 1 -8, wherein for a generally triangular or rectangular overall shape of pocket, the pocket aperture is defined over a portion of the length of one of the sides of the pocket.
10. 10) A garment according to any one of claims 1 -9, wherein the pocket aperture is defined along a side of a pocket which has a width less that that of a crystal, for example, the pocket aperture is placed at a necked-down part of the pocket.
11. 11) A garment according to any one of claims 1 -10, wherein the pocket is defined by two co-planar fabrics; one material being elastic; the other being non-elastic.
12. 12) A garment according to any one of claims 1 -10, wherein the pocket is defined by two similar co-planar fabrics.
13. 13) A garment according to claim 11, wherein the non-elastic fabric is reinforced by a rigid material.
14. 14) A garment according to any one of claims 1 -13, wherein the aperture is defined in only one fabric of the pocket.
15. 15) A garment according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the, one or both of the fabrics defining the aperture is elasticised by supplemental elastic means.
16. 16) A garment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pocket is defined by a single, folded piece of fabric.
17. 17) A garment according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fabric is a denier fabric.