US20210052027A1

US20210052027A1 - Chest covering garment

Info

Publication number: US20210052027A1
Application number: US16/989,039
Authority: US
Inventors: Margaret E. Keller
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-08-21
Filing date: 2020-08-10
Publication date: 2021-02-25

Abstract

The preferred embodiment comprises a soft, elastic fabric garment to support breasts, optionally when not wearing a brassiere. The garment utilizes a non-skid material, optionally rubber, along the perimeter of its length to prevent unwanted movement. Such non-skid material enables wearers to remain active, exercise, etc. without worry of the band falling out of place. The garment also comprises perspiration-absorbent material. The garment features fasteners to comfortably secure the garment around the chest area. An embodiment of the invention provides for the light stabilization and securing of the breasts in a specific position without allowing excessive unwanted movement associated with not wearing a bra.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/889,617, filed on Aug. 21, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to garments, and in particular garments for females associated with the torso and chest area.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Women wearing bras may experience increased heat and discomfort due to the wires, straps, closures, and overall tightness of the garment. This can be exacerbated by wearing a bra when exercising, leading to complete discomfort and dissatisfaction. Women who go without a bra may be uncomfortable with their sensitive skin areas touching exterior clothing. A suitable solution is desired.
Some women in particular experience discomfort related to sweating. In some cases, this discomfort results from the uncertainty regarding whether during a period of perspiration that sweat is visible through an overgarment. Sweating can cause insecurity related to odor, or whether the appearance of sweat through a garment covering the torso is going to appear unattractive. Moreover, the worry about the presence of sweat prevents some women from wearing clothing without wearing a bra underneath.
In other situations, women prefer to feel some level of breast confinement and therefore prefer to wear a bra, but dislike the feeling of sweating within a bra. As a result, the bra in many situations serves a purpose of providing a feeling of security for women wearers, despite in some cases causing discomfort.
In other circumstances, women wear bras despite their inherent disadvantages to mitigate the problems associated with the skin of the underside of the breast coming into contact with the skin of other parts of the torso. This is a problem that older women in particular face. As the skin of the breast is particularly sensitive, many women feel the need to sheath their breast in a garment to prevent skin to skin contact, or skin to outer clothing contact, which may cause irritation.
Many women desire something over their chest that is fitting but that does not constrain too tightly. However, due to the sizing conventions associated with bras and vast variety of shapes and sizes of breasts, women often find difficulty in properly sizing a bra. In many cases, to address such challenges, women wear bras that are far too tight, causing and exacerbating discomfort. Some women simply prefer to avoid the calculations and math associated with sizing a bra to their own chest.
Women often feel more confident and put together by having something over their chest. Some women fear being seen without a bra, in part due to societal norms. However, in certain scenarios, women may not want the support provided by a bra, such as when wearing casual dress, going hiking, lounging or in other scenarios where the woman wishes to feel comfortable without the fear of sweat showing through a garment covering the woman's torso. In some cases, support is undesirable because it requires straps which can cause discomfort, particularly in situations where a woman is trying to relax. In other situations, medical issues can cause or exacerbate discomfort when wearing a supportive bra.
While a bra generally provides a sense of confinement, some women—particularly when relaxing or wearing looser fitting clothing—desire a less confining garment without ameliorating the risk of frontside sweating or losing the feeling of security provided by fabric placed over the chest. Therefore, a need remains for an alternative garment that satisfies the above desires without excessive support, constraint or discomfort in certain scenarios associated with existing solutions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides women with a soft elastic garment used to support the breasts optionally when not wearing a brassiere. The garment utilizes a non-skid material, optionally rubber, along the perimeter of the band to prevent unwanted movement. Such non-skid material enables wearers to remain active, exercise, etc. without worry of the band falling out of place.
In an embodiment, the garment features hook and loop fasteners to firmly, and comfortably, secure the garment around the chest area. An embodiment of the invention provides for the light stabilization and securing of the breasts in a specific position without allowing excessive unwanted movement associated with not wearing a bra. In an embodiment, the chest area remains comfortable during and prevents sweat from accumulating underneath the breasts.
In an alternative embodiment, users can wear the garment over clothing tops such as a tank top.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 depicts the preferred embodiment garment wrapped around the bust area as worn during intended use.

FIG. 2A depicts a perspective standalone view of the side of the garment intended to face away from the wearer.

FIG. 2B depicts a perspective standalone view of the side of the garment intended to face toward the wearer.

FIG. 3 depicts the soft fabric material sheath.

FIG. 4a depicts an embodiment of the invention consisting of the lower band only.

FIG. 4b depicts an embodiment of the invention consisting of the lower band only in the state of its intended wear over a tank top.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the preferred embodiment, the invention consists generally of a garment 100 comprising a modified elastic band 101 intended to be worn around the chest area, further comprising a lower band 102 incorporating a non-skid material, a soft fabric material sheath 103 encircling most of the modified elastic band, and a fastener. An alternative embodiment, as depicted in FIGS. 4a and 4b , the garment 100 consists of a lower band 102 only especially for usage over clothing. In an embodiment, the modified elastic band 101 is intended to support the breasts and offer increased comfort and style when not wearing a bra. In an embodiment, the modified elastic band 101 is encircled with a soft fabric material sheath 103, optionally comprising a jersey-style fabric. In varying embodiments, the garment 100 is worn under clothing or worn over clothing. Whether worn over clothing or under clothing, the present inventor has discovered advantages associated with the embodiments of the invention as described herein, namely that such embodiments enable women to maintain comfort and style while not being forced to wear a bra. The present inventor has recognized the benefit of such invention for women sensitive to being uncovered, in that such women can feel more comfortable without the disadvantages inherent to wearing a bra.
Embodiments worn under clothing comprise a modified elastic band 101 comprising a stretchable fabric material, the stretchable fabric material optionally comprising cotton (in part due to its fluid absorbent properties), configured in a manner to cover the breasts without causing discomfort. Optionally, embodiments further comprise a lower band 102 incorporating non-skid material 104, optionally comprising rubber, placed along or integrated into a band comprising the lower portion of the garment to prevent unwanted movement during wear. In an embodiment, the lower band 102 is approximately 1″ in height. In various examples, the lower band 102 comprises approximately 10% of the height of the modified elastic band 101. In an example, the non-skid material 104 is configured either into a continuous stripe or in periodic substantially vertically, substantially horizontally or round patches into the lower band. The non-skid material 104 may be held in place via stitching through the non-skid material and the lower band 102 and/or the modified elastic band 101. In an example, the non-skid material 104 transverses through a plurality of layers, and optionally all the layers, optionally through holes or slits cut through the soft fabric material sheath 103, of the garment 100, to ensure contact with the skin and/or other clothing worn by the wearer of the garment 100.
In an embodiment, the garment 100 comprises a loose cotton interior and slip fabric exterior. In an embodiment, the garment 100 further incorporates a loose elastic band along the top edge. The present inventor has recognized that the incorporation of a loose elastic band into the garment 100 allows for it to cover the breasts in a comfortable manner without actually providing support. The present inventor has also recognized that the incorporation of the loose elastic band addresses the problem of tightness, as the embodiment incorporating the loose elastic band along the top edge allows for the garment 100 to remain in place without causing tightness-related discomfort. In one example of use, the garment 100 is worn in the hospital under a gown to provide coverage of the upper torso area. The present inventor has recognized an advantage of the lower band 102 incorporating the non-skid material 104 in that, when the non-skid material 104 is placed in contact with the skin or in contact with clothing during intended use, it replaces the need for wires or additional straps in order to keep the cloth in place over an upper torso.
In various embodiments, the garment 100 comprises soft fabric materials in a substantially rectangular or elongated elliptical form (when not in use and the ends not attached via the fastener) to provide a barrier between the skin of the underside of the breast and the skin of other parts of the torso. The present inventor recognizes that the garment 100 incorporating the lower band 102 comprising the non-skid material 104 obviates the need for wires and/or straps to maintain the garment 100 in its intended position. In the preferred embodiment, the garment 100 does not incorporate wires. The present inventor recognizes the advantage of such a configuration of the garment 100 in that it does not restrict the bust area or contribute to shaping the bust area and therefore allows for a less restrictive, more comfortable experience for a wearer.
In various embodiments, the garment 100 is configured to capture perspiration. The present inventor has recognized the particular benefit of such embodiments in that it solves the discomfort associated with the presence of excess sweat while wearing clothing without wearing a bra. In an embodiment incorporating a soft fabric material sheath 103, optionally cotton or jersey, the garment 100 further acts as a fluid absorber capable of capturing perspiration without saturating clothing placed over the garment 100. In various embodiments, the soft fabric material sheath 103 further comprises additional fabric material possessing absorbent qualities, optionally active dry wicking jersey mesh, chambray, bamboo fabric, or sweat-wicking polyester, to capture an additional amount of perspiration. In embodiments, such materials are incorporated into the modified elastic band to enhance the fluid absorbing properties. In an embodiment intended to be worn over clothing, the garment 100 also acts as a fluid absorber, capturing a portion of perspiration after the perspiration saturates a portion of clothing placed underneath, therefore mitigating the potential saturation of other portions of the clothing or any additional clothing placed on top of the garment 100.
Embodiments worn over clothing are germane for usage with a wide variety of torso coverings, however the present inventor recognizes the specific benefit of wearing the garment 100 over a tank top. In particular, the garment 100 in an embodiment consisting of a lower band 102 as depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B is of a height (when worn) selected from the range of 1-5 inches. The present inventor has recognized that such heights can address various users' coverage preferences. In an example, the garment 100 further comprises a fastener or fasteners 105. In the preferred embodiment of an example intended to be worn over clothing, the garment 100 comprises at least one fastener 105 consisting of a hook and loop fastener (i.e. Velcro). As shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the fasteners 105 in an embodiment are configured to allow connection on one side of the garment 100 to the other side of the garment 100 when wrapped around the wearer during intended use. The present inventor has recognized the advantage of the hook and loop fastener associated with its ability to firmly secure the garment 100 over clothing without being too tight, or otherwise uncomfortably constricting the wearer. In such example, the present inventor has recognized that the garment 100 remains flexible enough to allow for unrestricted movement while walking, jogging, or otherwise exercising, while still suitably secured to the wearer. In an embodiment, the hook and loop fastener is placed periodically in locations near the ends to allow stretching to occur between each fastening region. In an embodiment, the elastic material (such as spandex) is actually incorporated into the hook and loop fastening region to allow for stretching of the material, further mitigating excessive tightness for the wearer.
In varying embodiments, the garment 100 comprises soft, flexible cotton and elastic materials. The garment 100 optionally may be configured in various sizes to accommodate a variety of user sizes, user requirements and user preferences. Exact size, measurement, construction, and design specifications optionally may vary to correspond with standardized apparel sizing conventions.
In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the claims to follow in a subsequent disclosure. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present teachings.
The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all subsequent claims.
Any noun in the singular is also intended to encompass the noun in the plural and vice versa, unless specifically stated as otherwise intended. Any pronoun or other identifier in the female form is also intended to encompass the pronoun or other identifier in the male form and vice versa, unless specifically stated as otherwise intended. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has”, “having,” “includes”, “including,” “contains”, “containing” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a”, “has . . . a”, “includes . . . a”, “contains . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. The terms “substantially”, “essentially”, “approximately”, “about” or any other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment the term is defined to be within 10%, in another embodiment within 5%, in another embodiment within 1% and in another embodiment within 0.5%. The terms “coupled,” “connected” and “linked” as used herein is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is “configured” in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.
While the foregoing is directed to aspects of the present disclosure, other and further aspects of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof.

Claims

I claim:

1. A garment for covering the upper torso over other apparel, comprising:

an elastic band,

a soft fabric sheath,

a hook and loop fastener, and

a lower band comprising non-skid material;

configured to allow the wearer to wrap the wireless garment around the upper torso over other clothing and affix the ends together by the hook and loop fastener.

2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the hook and loop fastener incorporates elastic material in a configuration to prevent over-tightness for the wearer.

3. The garment of claim 1, the soft fabric sheath comprising a fluid absorbent material to capture perspiration.

4. A wireless garment for covering the upper torso under other apparel, comprising:

A cloth region configured to form a barrier between skin of breast and skin of torso;

A lower band comprising non-skid material, the band occupying the lower portion of the garment; and

A hook and loop fastener;

configured to allow the wearer to wrap the wireless garment around the upper torso, affix the ends together by the hook and loop fastener and place a portion of the wireless garment between the underside of the breast and the torso skin.

5. The wireless garment of claim 4, the cloth region comprising a fluid absorbent material to capture perspiration.

6. A wireless garment intended for wear over other clothing and placement under the bust consisting of a lower band comprising non-skid material and configured to allow the wearer to wrap the wireless garment around the upper torso over other clothing and affix the ends together by the hook and loop fastener.