GB2548925B

GB2548925B - Underband for use in backless garments

Info

Publication number: GB2548925B
Application number: GB1605653.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Smaga Joanna
Original assignee: Ender Legard Ltd
Current assignee: Ender Legard Ltd
Priority date: 2016-04-03
Filing date: 2016-04-03
Publication date: 2019-11-20
Anticipated expiration: 2036-04-03
Also published as: GB2548925A

Description

UNDERBAND FOR USE IN BACKLESS GARMENTS

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention describes an underband for use in backless garments of differing embodiments, which has the ability to provide structured support for accompanying breast support means of various design shapes, composition and sizes. The present invention also relates to methods of assembling the underband in various embodiments of backless garments as disclosed herein.

BACKGROUND TO INVENTION

[0002] Many people find conventional foundation garments unsuitable as supportive undergarments under backless or low back contemporary women's fashion as they provide ineffective bust support. This is particularly true for those with larger breasts who require additional support or for those wearers with more pendulous breasts who desire a more aesthetically pleasing fit. In conventional foundation garments, the garment fabric over-stretches and pulls away from the wearer's skin resulting in the breast support cups lifting over the breasts while pushing them down in a flattening manner. Consequently, such garments fail in their ability to function as backless or low back foundation garments as they fail to provide the necessary bust support required by the wearer in order to enjoy the functionality of a backless garment. [0003] Fashion conscious women who aspire to wearing contemporary backless fashion and who are also in need of bust support, are subsequently left to choose inferior breast support arrangements which include adhesive breast tape, stick on bra cups or other ineffectual products as can be found on the market. A need has thus been identified to provide a structured garment panel -the underband described herein - for use in backless undergarments of various embodiments, which can provide a platform for accompanying breast support means of varying styles, shapes and sizes so as to facilitate the effective functioning of the undergarment as a backless garment, outerwear garment or swimwear garment.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0004] With the above in mind, the present invention is defined in the appended claims. The underband described herein is for use in backless foundation garments, underpinning garments and swimwear garments in order to provide support for a variety of accompanying breast support means configurations, thereby facilitating the effective functioning of the entire garment as a backless foundation garment, outerwear garment, underwear garment or swimwear garment.

[0005] In embodiments of the present invention, the underband is inextensible.

[0006] In embodiments of the present invention, the underband may, although not exclusively, be of rigid mesh material or woven fabric and include lateral sections that may or may not include boning.

[0007] In embodiments of the present invention, the underband may be attached to the main garment body through the top and side edges of the side panels; the breast support means cradles and the center front bridge.

[0008] In embodiments of the present invention, the underband may be attached at the top right side edge, to the right shoulder strap of the breast support means.

[0009] In embodiments of the present invention, the underband may be attached at the top left side edge, to the left shoulder strap of the breast support means.

[0010] In embodiments of the present invention, the above mentioned configuration is designed to create a friction bearing effect against the wearer's skin so as to retain the underband and breast support means in the desired, most effective position relative to the wearer's skin.

[0011] The inclusion of above-described underband in garments designed as all-in-one or one-piece foundation undergarments, outer garments or swimwear garments, will be able to offer effective bust support while allowing said garment to delivery optimal backless functionality.

[0012] In embodiments of the present invention, the underband can be attached to the main garment body (for instance by sewing, heat sealing, bonding or combinations thereof). In some embodiments, the underband is attached to the inner side of the main garment body. In some embodiments the underband is attached as the top panel of the main garment body.

[0013] In some embodiments, the main garment body may cover the underband. In some embodiments the main garment body is a foundation garment, outer-garment or swimsuit.

[0014] In some embodiments, the main garment body can comprise of woven fabric, lace, or knit fabric.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 depicts a close up inside view of embodiment 100 of the underband 101 as shown with breast support means and shoulder straps, disclosed herein.

[0016] FIG. 2 depicts a rear schematic view of the underband 101 as attached to the inside of an exemplary backless foundation garment 100 disclosed herein.

[0017] FIG. 3 shows a close up front view of embodiment 100 with underband 101 attached to the inside of an exemplary backless foundation garment 100.

[0018] FIG. 4 depicts a rear schematic view of embodiment 100A with the underband 101 shown as an outside layer, included as the top panel of the main body of a backless garment 100 A disclosed herein. [0019] FIG. 5 shows a close up front view of the underhand 101 as used as a top panel of the main garment body as an outer layer in a backless garment 100A disclosed herein.

[0020] FIG. 6 depicts a close up inside view of embodiment 200 of the underband 201 as shown with breast support means and shoulder straps, disclosed herein.

[0021] FIG. 7 depicts a rear view of embodiment 200 with the underhand 201 sewn on the inside of a backless garment 200, disclosed herein.

[0022] FIG. 8 shows a close up front view of embodiment 200 of the underhand 201 as attached to the inside of the backless foundation garment 200.

[0023] FIG. 9 depicts a rear schematic view of embodiment 200A of an underhand 201 as used as a top panel of the main body as an outside layer in a backless garment 200A disclosed herein.

[0024] FIG. 10 shows a close up front view of embodiment 200A of an underhand 201 as used as the top part of the main garment body, attached as an outside layer in a backless garment disclosed herein.

[0025] FIG. 11 shows a close up inside view of embodiment 300 of the underhand 301 as used in a plunging neckline, backless foundation garment.

[0026] FIG. 12 shows the inside rear view of the underhand 201 as stitched to the inside of embodiment 400 of the backless foundation garment, depicted as swimwear.

[0027] FIG. 13 shows the outside front view of embodiment 400 with the underhand 201 stitched to the inside of the backless foundation garment, depicted as swimwear.

[0028] FIG. 14 shows various strap positions that the underhand 101, 201, and 301 can support as part of its function within a backless foundation garment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Disclosed herein are various embodiments of an inextensible underhand for use in backless garments in order to provide structured support for accompanying breast support means of varying shape, composition and design.

[0030] The underhand embodiments disclosed herein could either be sewn to the inside of the main body of a backless foundation garment or stitched to the main body of the backless foundation garment as a top panel. In some embodiments, the underhand can be used with a backless garment that is a foundation undergarment, an outergarment or swimwear garment.

[0031] FIGS. 1-13 depict various examples of the use of the underhand as described herein, in backless foundation garments.

[0032] The underhand 101 disclosed herein may comprise of a woven mesh or net fabric, and may further include boning on each edge 103 as positioned on the lateral sides, with a loop for shoulder strap hooks 107A on each of the top side edges.

[0033] The underhand 101 may be finished with an elastic edge 108 on the bottom of the underhand 101 and may include top edges 104 and cradles 106 for the addition of accompanying breast support means 105 and a center front bridge 110.

[0034] The underhand 101 according to the present invention will be described below with reference to illustrative exemplary embodiments 100 - 400. It is to be noted however that the present invention is by no means limited to or restricted by the following examples.

[0035] In some embodiments, the bottom edge of the underhand can be attached to the main garment body as a top panel and outer layer of a backless garment.

[0036] In some embodiments the side and top edges of the underhand can be sewn to the corresponding inside edges of the main garment body to form part of the whole garment as an integrated panel.

First Embodiment [0037] FIG. 1 shows a close up view of underband 101 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, as used in a backless foundation garment 100. FIG. 1 is an inside perspective view of the underband 101.

[0038] The underband 101 of the present embodiment is inextensible, by nature of its composition being incapable of being extended or stretched in any direction. In the present embodiment, the underband 101 is made of mesh fabric.

[0039] The underband 101 of the present embodiment includes: a lower edge section 108 untiring across the width of the underband 101, two side sections 103 on the left and right, a pair of left and right cradle sections 106 with underwires to hold accompanying breast support means 105 and a bridge section 110. In the present embodiment, the underband 101 is attached to the main garment body through side sections 103 on the right and left sides that may include rigid boning, and through the top edge sections of sideband 104 on left and right and at the center bridge section 110, and may be finished with elasticated edges. In the present embodiment, cradle sections 106 may be finished with underwire casings to support the breast support means. On the right and left top sides of the underhand 101 in the present embodiment, loops 107A are included for the attachment of removable shoulder straps 107, that are in turn joined to the top of the breast support means 105 at the point 107B.

[0040] FIG. 2 shows the rear schematic view of the underhand 101 as attached to the inside of a backless foundation garment 100. As shown in FIG 2, in the present embodiment the underhand 101 and the backless foundation garment 100 forms a convenient one-piece foundation garment that supports the wearer's bust while providing backless functionality.

[0041] In the present embodiment, the underhand 101 is attached to the inside of the main body 102 on the right and left sides at the outside boned edge of the lateral panels 103. Also in the present embodiment, the underhand 101 is further joined on both right and left sides to the main garment body 102 at edge 104 and maybe finished with elasticated edge. Additionally in the present embodiment, the underhand 101 is joined to the main garment body 102 along the underwire tunnel of the cradle line 106 and center front bridge 110. [0042] In the present embodiment, removable shoulder straps 107 are attached at the juncture 107A of the top point of the side edge 103 and the side edge section 104, and at the other end to the breast support means 105 to allow for various strap position configurations as depicted in FIGS 14A-14C.

[0043] In FIG. 14A, there are two shoulder straps 107 on each side of the shoulders right and left. In a first configuration, the right side shoulder strap is joined from point 107B on the right side to 107A on the corresponding right side of the garment at the top right point of the loop of the underband 101. The left side shoulder strap is joined from point 107B on the left side to 107A on the corresponding left side of the garment at the top left point of the loop of the underhand 101. FIG. 14B, shows a second configuration of the shoulder strap arrangement as described in FIG. 14A, in which an addition of a third strap 109 is added, running vertically across the top of the wearer's neck to form a bridge between the right and left shoulder straps in a configuration know as a keyhole configuration. FIG. 14C shows a third configuration of the shoulder strap arrangement as described in FIG. 14 A, in which the shoulder straps cross over from right cup 107B to the left loop 107A and left cup 107B to the right loop 107A to form a cross-back configuration.

[0044] FIG. 3 is an illustration of embodiment 100 of the present invention as viewed from the front where the underband 101 is sewn to the main garment body 102, as an integral inner layer.

[0045] FIG. 4 shows a rear schematic view of embodiment 100A of underband 101 in a configuration where underband 101 is used as a top panel of the main garment body. In FIG. 4, underband 101 is an outside layer of a backless garment 100A. As shown in FIG. 4, the underband 101 is sewn to the main body 102A through the bottom edge of the underband 101 along the seam 111. FIG. 5 shows a close up outside front view of the embodiment 100A showing the underband 101 being used as a top panel sewn to the main garment panel 102A. The side edges 103 of underband 101 may have boning included. There are two loops 107A on the top side edge of the underband 101 right and left that joins the removable shoulder straps 107 to the cups 105 through the point 107B. The cups 105 are sewn into the underband 101 in the cradle 106 and finished with underwire casing and underwire inserted in both left and right side.

[0046] The underband 101 can comprise of any woven or knitted mesh or net fabric, natural or synthetic or a blend thereof. In some embodiments, the underband 101 comprises of nylon, polyester, polyamide, viscose, cotton, silk or blends thereof. The underband 101 can comprise of any number of layers of fabric. [0047] The underband 101 can be attached to the main garment by any means capable of attaching garment layers together. In some embodiments the underband 101 is attached by sewing, heat sealing, bonding or combinations thereof.

Second Embodiment [0048] FIG. 6 depicts a close up inside view of embodiment 200 of the underband 201 as shown with breast support means 205 and shoulder straps 107, disclosed herein.

[0049] In all instances, the underband 201 is inextensible, by nature of its composition being incapable of being extended or stretched in any direction.

[0050] In FIG. 6, the underband 201 shows an example to match a balconette or push up cup breast support means 205. In the present embodiment, the underband 201 is made of mesh fabric.

[0051] The underband 201 of the present embodiment 200 includes: a lower edge section 208 miming across the width of the underband 201, two side sections 203 on the left and right, a pair of left and right cradle sections 206 with underwires to hold accompanying breast support means and a bridge section 210. [0052] In the present embodiment, the underband 201 is attached to main garment body through side sections 203 on the right and left sides that may include rigid boning, and through the top edge sections of the sideband 204 on left and right and at the center bridge section 210, and may be finished with elasticated edges.

[0053] In the present embodiment, cradle sections 206 may be finished with underwire casings to support the breast support means. On the right and left top sides of the underband 201 in the present embodiment, loops 107A are included for the attachment of removable shoulder straps 107, that are in turn joined to the top of the breast support means 205 at the point 107B.

[0054] FIG. 7 shows the rear schematic view of the underband 201 as attached to the inside of a backless foundation garment 200. As shown in FIG. 7, in the present embodiment the underband 201 and the backless foundation garment 200 forms a convenient one-piece foundation garment that supports the wearer's bust while providing backless functionality.

[0055] In the present embodiment, the underband 201 is attached to the inside of the main body 202 on the right and left sides at the outside boned edge of the lateral panels 203. Also in the present embodiment, the underband 201 is further joined on both right and left sides to the main garment body 202 at edges 204 and finished with elasticated edge. Additionally in the present embodiment, the underband 201 is joined to the main garment body 202 along the underwire tunnel of the cradle line 206 and center front bridge 210.

[0056] FIG. 8 is an illustration of embodiment 200 of the present invention as viewed from the front where the underhand 201 is sewn to the main garment body 202, as an integral inner layer.

[0057] FIG. 9 shows a rear schematic view of embodiment 200A of underhand 201 in a configuration where underhand 201 is used as a top panel of the main garment body. In FIG. 9, underhand 201 is an outside layer of a backless garment 200 A. As shown in FIG. 9, the underhand 201 is sewn to the main body 202A through the bottom edge of the underhand 201 along the seam 211.

[0058] FIG. 10 shows a close up outside front view of the embodiment 200A showing the underhand 201 being used as a top panel sewn to the main garment panel 202A. The side edges 203 of underhand 201 may have boning included. There are two loops 107A on the top side edge of the underhand 201 right and left, that joins the removable shoulder straps 107 to the cups 205 through the point 107B. The cups 205 are sewn into the underhand 201 in the cradle 206 and finished with underwire casing with underwires inserted in both left and right side.

[0059] The underhand 201 can comprise of any woven or knitted mesh or net fabric, natural or synthetic or a blend thereof. In some embodiments, the underhand 201 comprises of nylon, polyester, polyamide, viscose, cotton, silk or blends thereof. The underhand 201 can comprise of any number of layers of fabric. [0060] The underhand 201 can be attached to the main garment by any means capable of attaching garment layers together. In some embodiments the underhand 201 is attached by sewing, heat sealing, bonding or combinations thereof.

Third Embodiment [0061] FIG. 11 shows a close up view of underhand 301 according to a third embodiment of the present invention, as used in a backless foundation garment. FIG. 11 is an inside perspective view of the underhand 301 for plunge-neck style backless foundation garment.

[0062] The underhand 301 of the present embodiment is inextensible, by nature of its composition being incapable of being extended or stretched in any direction. In the present embodiment, the underband 301 is made of mesh fabric.

[0063] The underband 301 of the present embodiment includes: a lower edge section 308 running across the width of the underband 301, two side sections 303 on the left and right, a pair of left and right cradle sections 306 with underwires to hold accompanying breast support means and a V- or U-shape cut out with accompanying wire separator 312, representing the bridge section 310.

[0064] In the present embodiment, the underband 301 is attached to main garment body through side sections 303 on the right and left sides that may include rigid boning, and through the top edge sections of sideband 304 on left and right and at the center bridge section 310, and may be finished with elasticated edges. In the present embodiment, cradle sections 306 may be finished with underwire casings to support the breast support means. The underhand 301 of the present embodiment may also be joined to the main garment body 300 by the bottom edge of the underhand 301 as shown in FIG. 4.

[0065] On the right and left top sides of the underhand 301 in the present embodiment, loops 107A are included for the attachment of removable shoulder straps 107, that are in turn joined to the top of the breast support means 305 at the point 107B

[0066] The underhand 301 can comprise of any woven mesh or net fabric, natural or synthetic or a blend thereof. In some embodiments, the underhand 301 comprises of nylon, polyester, polyamide, viscose, cotton, silk or blends thereof. The underhand 301 can comprise of any number of layers of fabric.

[0067] The underhand 301 can be attached to the main garment by any means capable of attaching garment layers together. In some embodiments the underhand 301 is attached by sewing, heat sealing, bonding or combinations thereof.

Fourth Embodiment [0068] FIG. 12 shows the rear schematic view of the underhand 201 as attached to the inside of a backless garment 400, depicted as swimwear. As shown in FIG. 12, in the present embodiment the underhand 201 and the backless garment 400 forms a convenient one-piece garment that supports the wearer’s bust while providing backless functionality.

[0069] In the present embodiment, the underhand 201 is attached to the breast support means 205 to form a one-piece inner layer of embodiment 400.

[0070] In the present embodiment, underhand 201 with the cups 205 is attached to the main body 402 through the side edges 203 on the right and corresponding left side, at the top side edge 204, at the side edge 412 of the breast support means 205, and along the edge 413 to the bridge point 210.

[0071] In all instances, the underhand 201 is inextensible, by nature of its composition being incapable of being extended or stretched in any direction.

[0072] The underhand 201 can comprise of any woven mesh or net fabric, natural or synthetic or a blend thereof. The underhand 101 can comprise of any number of layers of fabric and can be attached to the main garment by any means capable of attaching garment layers together including sewing, heat sealing, bonding Or combinations thereof.

[0073] The garments and the methods of the appended claims are not limited in scope by the specific garments and methods described herein, which are intended as illustrations of a few aspects of the claims and any garments and methods that are functionally equivalent are intended to fall within the scope of the claims. Various modifications of the garments and methods in addition to those shown and described herein are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. Further, while only certain representative garments and method steps disclosed herein are specifically described, other combinations of the garments and method steps are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims, even if not specifically recited. Thus, a combination of steps, elements, components or constituents may be explicitly mentioned herein: however, other combinations of steps, elements, components and constituents are included, even though not specifically stated.

Claims

1. A one-piece backless garment comprising: a main body; and an underband comprising: a left hand side breast support means cradle section; a right hand side breast support means cradle section; a center bridge section configured to extend between said left and right breast support means cradle sections; top edge sections extending from each of the breast support means cradle sections, to side sections of the right and left hand sides; and a lower edge section positioned on a lower surface of said underband; wherein the underhand is attached by the top edge sections and side sections, to the main body.

2. The one-piece backless garment according to claim 1, wherein the underband is constructed from one or more panels or layers.

3. The one-piece backless garment according to claim 1, wherein the underhand contains one or more loops on each side, left and right, for the attachment of shoulder straps on the side sections of the underhand.

4. The one-piece backless garment according to claim 1, wherein the underhand contains permanently affixed shoulder straps, one on each side, left and right, on the side sections of the underhand.

5. The one-piece backless garment according to claim 1, wherein the lower edge section of the underhand may extend from between 0.5cm and 10cm from the lowest edge of the breast support means cradle section to the lower edge section of the underhand.

6. The one-piece backless garment according claim 1, wherein the underhand is inextensible being incapable of being extended or stretched in any direction.

7. The one-piece backless garment according to claim 1, wherein the fabric composition consists of any woven mesh or net fabric, natural or synthetic or any woven or knitted fabric or a blend thereof.

8. The underhand according to claim 1, wherein the underhand is further attached by the lower edge section to the main body.

9. The underhand according to claim 1, wherein the underhand is further attached along the edge of the breast support means cradle sections and the center bridge section, to the main body.

10. The underhand according to claim 1, wherein the underhand is further attached along the edge of the breast support means cradle sections and the center bridge section, to the main body and by the lower edge section to the main body.

11. The underhand according to claim 1, wherein the underhand is further attached along the edge of the breast support means cradle sections and the center bridge section.

12. The underhand according to claim 1, wherein the underhand is further attached along the top edge of the breast support means cradle sections, the center bridge section and along the lower edge section.

13. The underhand according to claim 1, wherein the backless garments referred to are undergarments, outer garments or swimwear.

14. The one-piece backless garment according to claim 1, wherein the underhand is attached to the main body by sewing, heat sealing, bonding or combinations thereof.