Abstract:
An undershirt in one embodiment includes a tubular torso portion comprising a resiliently deformable material, wherein an upper region of the torso portion has two openings for insertion therethrough of an intended wearer&#39;s arms, wherein the upper region is closed at a top of the undershirt except for a hole for insertion therethrough of an intended wearer&#39;s neck, wherein a lower region of the torso portion is at least partially tapered and is long enough to about cover an intended wearer&#39;s buttocks.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/043,044, filed Apr. 7, 2008, which is herein incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates to clothing, and more particularly, this invention relates to undershirts. 
     There are several problems with undershirts currently on the market.
         The undershirts typically do not fit a wearer&#39;s torso correctly. This is because undershirts currently on the market are made with standard dimensions (usually A-frame or box cut) or slim fitting dimensions (narrower box cut).   The undershirts generally “ride up” above the belt line when the wearer moves (i.e., the wearer stands up from a chair, the wearer gets in and out of cars, the wearer sits down, etc.). They ride up above the belt line because undershirts currently on the market fit too loosely below the belt and are not the proper length.   The undershirts often shrink to a smaller size after only a few wears and washings, unless they are purchased too large initially.   The undershirts are typically made of cheap material that does not breathe well.   The undershirts generally cause the wearer&#39;s overshirt, such as a button-down dress shirt, to pull up, ride up, and/or bunch up on the sides and back making the wearer&#39;s silhouette look bigger than it actually is, and may potentially cause the wearer to be self-conscious about the overshirt&#39;s current condition.   The undershirts generally do not fit according to how they are shown in advertisements, on packaging, and/or on models.   The undershirts have a tendency to become untucked from inside of pants due to the box cut design.       

     A strong need exists for men to have an alternative to traditional undershirt garments. Traditional undershirts create undesirable bunching, riding up, and often come untucked quickly; especially when worn with slim fitting dress shirts, button down dress shirts, sweaters, and T-shirts. Also, in addition to the unattractive bunching appearance, as the traditional undershirts become untucked, they can cause discomfort and insecurity to the wearer. This also creates bulges under the outer clothing and the undershirt, if it is worn by itself. 
     One alternative to traditional undershirt garments is known as a men&#39;s tank top or “wifebeater.” This type of undergarment is comprised of a tight, form fitting, sleeveless, box cut design so it contours the torso. However, this undergarment offers no underarm sweat absorption due to the omitted sleeves. Additionally, it has an undesirable look and is generally frowned upon in business settings where dress shirts are worn because the wearer is likely to perspire and sweat in the armpit areas which can visibly be seen through a colored overshirt or dress shirt. 
     These traditional types of undergarments do not provide the wearer with an improved appearance under clothing and can be uncomfortable. Furthermore, they do not hold in bulges or help to keep the overshirt and undershirt tucked in. This is known as the “ride up effect” resulting in the shirt riding up above the beltline of the wearer while their overshirt is tucked in. Although traditional “undershirts” cover these areas, they normally are made of relatively thick material and designed short in length, which creates bulging and bunching above the beltline. Also, the thick fabric, box cut design, and standard length usually makes the wearer look heavier when wearing slim and regular fitting clothing, rather than thinner in appearance as is desired by most wearers. 
     Accordingly, a need exists for a men&#39;s undershirt undergarment that does not bunch up, bulge on the sides, ride up above the beltline, and become easily untucked. A need also exists for such an undershirt undergarment manufactured in a tailored design, longer length, while incorporating both natural and/or synthetic blends of stretch fabric. 
     SUMMARY 
     An undershirt in one embodiment includes a tubular torso portion comprising a resiliently deformable material, wherein an upper region of the torso portion has two openings for insertion therethrough of an intended wearer&#39;s arms, wherein the upper region is closed at a top of the undershirt except for a hole for insertion therethrough of an intended wearer&#39;s neck, wherein a lower region of the torso portion is at least partially tapered and is long enough to about cover an intended wearer&#39;s buttocks. 
     An undershirt in another embodiment includes a tubular torso portion comprising a resiliently deformable material, wherein an upper region of the torso portion has two openings for insertion therethrough of an intended wearer&#39;s arms, wherein the upper region is closed at a top of the undershirt except for a hole for insertion therethrough of the intended wearer&#39;s neck, wherein a lower region of the torso portion is at least partially tapered and is long enough to about cover the intended wearer&#39;s buttocks, wherein a width of the torso portion of the undershirt tapers smaller from the top of the undershirt towards a bottom of the undershirt. 
     An undershirt according to another embodiment includes a tubular torso portion comprising a resiliently deformable material, wherein an upper region of the torso portion has two openings for insertion therethrough of an intended wearer&#39;s arms, wherein the upper region is closed at a top of the undershirt except for a hole for insertion therethrough of the intended wearer&#39;s neck, wherein a lower region of the torso portion is at least partially tapered, wherein an upper region of the torso portion above the lower portion is not tapered, wherein a junction of the upper and lower regions is near a location where the intended wearer&#39;s belly button will be when the undershirt is worn, wherein a ratio of a width at the bottom of the undershirt to a width at a middle of the arm openings is between about 1:0.92 and about 1:1.31. 
     Other aspects and embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, when taken in conjunction with the drawings, illustrate by way of example the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of an undershirt according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of an undershirt according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of an undershirt according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 4A  is a front view of an undershirt showing dimensions according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 4B  is a back view of an undershirt showing dimensions according to one embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the present invention and is not meant to limit the inventive concepts claimed herein. Further, particular features described herein can be used in combination with other described features in each of the various possible combinations and permutations. 
     Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms are to be given their broadest possible interpretation including meanings implied from the specification as well as meanings understood by those skilled in the art and/or as defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc. 
     It must also be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless otherwise specified. 
     One embodiment of the present invention is an undershirt. In general, the undershirt comprises a tubular torso portion, a neck opening at the top of the torso portion, and, in a T-shirt configuration, arm openings which may include no sleeves, or have short sleeves, or long sleeves extending therefrom. In the configuration where no sleeves are present, there still may be some member coupled to the arm openings, such as a piece of material to form an upper covering on the shoulder. 
     The undershirt may have a crew neck design, a v-neck design, a tank top design, a turtle neck design, etc. In addition, graphics, logos, words, etc., may appear on internal and/or external surfaces of the undershirt, such as manufacturer&#39;s information relating to cleaning on the inside and a logo on the exterior indicating the manufacturer. A tagless screenprint, tagless heat transfer label, and/or woven care label may be provided near the neckline or some other internal area, e.g., with information such as undershirt size, care instructions, construction, etc. The tagless labels may eliminate tag chafe. 
     Also, the undershirt may be comprised of a single or different fabric(s). One example of the use of a different fabric may be to use heat transfer material near hot spots, such as under the arms. 
     In one approach, as shown in the undershirt  100  of  FIG. 1 , the entire torso portion  102  (the portion below the arm openings) tapers together from the top down towards the bottom. In another approach, as shown in the undershirt  200  of  FIG. 2 , the torso portion has an upper section  202  and a lower section  204 . The lower section  204  tapers together from its junction with the upper section  202  towards the bottom. The taper may be gradual, more pronounced near the junction, or only tapering for a portion of the lower section near the junction. In yet another approach, as shown in the undershirt  300  of  FIG. 3 , the entire upper portion  302  has a constant width, while a section of the lower portion  304  has a constant width, with a section of the lower portion  304  being tapered. In addition, the constant width section of the lower portion  304  has a smaller width than the upper portion  302 . 
     Preferably, the lower region of the undershirt is long enough to about cover the buttocks of an intended wearer. In the preferred embodiment, the lower region extends below the widest girth of the buttocks of the intended wearer. This enhancement is critical to keep the undershirt tucked into the pants or shorts for longer periods of time without the undershirt becoming untucked than would a typical undershirt. In addition, the smaller diameter and elasticity of the material in the lower portion, particularly in areas which will be adjacent to the buttocks of the intended wearer, may assist in preventing the undershirt from riding up. 
     In one approach, the undershirt may be at least 2 inches longer than any undershirt on the market, according to size (S, M, L, XL, XXL, L Tall, XL Tall, XXL Tall, etc.). 
     The material from which the undershirt is fabricated may include a resiliently deformable (e.g. elastic and/or stretchy with ability to return about to prestretched form) material, and preferably includes a manmade fabric. In one approach, the undershirt may comprise viscous modal and Lycra™. Lycra™ exhibits an elastic recovery of at least 93%. In another approach, the undershirt may comprise micro modal and Lycra™. In another approach, the undershirt may comprise Spandex™ and/or Lycra™. Note that portions of the undershirt may be of the resiliently deformable material, while other portions may be formed of another material or several other materials. The resiliently deformable material that meets the characteristics described herein inherently has a modulus that is low enough that the shirt will not bunch up while being worn, due to too much elasticity in the mid-section, while having sufficient modulus so that the portion of the shirt surrounding the buttocks remains snug and resists riding up while the mid-section remains form-fitting but not tightly restrictive. The undershirt preferably comprises a breathable material. 
     In a particularly preferred approach, the junction of the upper and lower portions may be near a location where the intended wearer&#39;s belly button will be when the undershirt is worn. In another approach, the junction is above this point. 
     In another approach, the taper may begin, cross, or end about at a location where the intended wearer&#39;s belly button will be when the undershirt is worn. 
     The undershirt has specific application in wearing under dress shirts, fitted shirts, body-conscious sweaters, layering under other tight fitting shirts, and by itself as a T-shirt. 
     In another approach, at least a portion of the undershirt has sufficient resilient deformability to compress at least about 2% of a circumference of a body of the intended wearer when the undershirt is worn, e.g., the waist or tummy area of the wearer may be compressed to approximate a slimmer silhouette. 
     In some approaches, a ratio of a width at the bottom of the undershirt to a width at a middle of the arm openings may be between about 1:0.92 and about 1:1.31. These ratios are critical for producing an undershirt which does not bunch up, untuck, or gather unsightly in areas. 
     In even more approaches, a ratio of a width at a waist of the undershirt to a width of the undershirt at the lowest point of the arm openings may be between about 1:0.97 and about 1:1.42. These ratios are also critical for reasons stated above. 
     In more approaches, a ratio of a length from the lowest point of the arm openings to the bottom to a length from a front neckline to the bottom may be between about 1:1.22 and about 1:1.51. These ratios are critical for producing an undershirt which does not become untucked, stays in place over extended wearing times, and does not bunch under areas of stretching and movement, such as near the sides of the stomach of an intended wearer. 
     Although the wearer may consider it a given that the wearer&#39;s undershirt fits properly, many male shirt wearers do not realize the importance of a properly fitting undershirt. On one hand, if the wearer&#39;s undershirt is too tight, the wearer will be uncomfortable shortly after putting the undershirt on. On the other hand, if the wearer&#39;s undershirt is too large, the wearer may become irritated with the excess material around the sleeves, bottom and sides of the undershirt, along with the problems associated with bunching and untucking. The wearer&#39;s undershirt should fit loosely enough so that the wearer has room to breathe and move, but not enough room so that material bunches or works against the wearer&#39;s objectives of a clean, slim look. 
     Table 1, below, illustrates exemplary dimensional ranges (in inches) of various shirts in different sizes (S, M, L, XL, XXL), with reference to  FIGS. 4A and 4B . Each of the range of dimensions listed in Table 1 is shown in  FIG. 4A  or  FIG. 4B . These dimensional ranges are exemplary only, and in no way are intended to limit the invention. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 S 
                 M 
                 L 
                 XL 
                 XXL 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 FRONT 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 A 
                 Bottom 
                 13″-14″ 
                 14″-16″ 
                 15″-17″ 
                 16″-18″ 
                 17″-19″ 
               
               
                 B 
                 Waist 
                 13″-15″ 
                 15.5″-17.5″ 
                 17″-19″ 
                 18″-20″ 
                 19″-21″ 
               
               
                 C 
                 Width at bottom of 
                 16.5″-18.5″ 
                 17.5″-19.5″ 
                 18.5″-20.5″ 
                 19.5″-21.5″ 
                 20.5″-22.5″ 
               
               
                   
                 arm openings 
               
               
                 D 
                 Length from bottom to 
                 16.5″-18.5″ 
                 17.5″-19.5″ 
                 18.5″-20.5″ 
                 19.5″-21.5″ 
                 20.5″-22.5″ 
               
               
                   
                 under arm openings 
               
               
                 E 
                 Length from bottom to 
                 22.5″-24.5″ 
                 24.5″-26.5″ 
                 25.5″-27.5″ 
                 26.5″-28.5″ 
                 27.5″-29.5″ 
               
               
                   
                 front neckline 
               
               
                 F 
                 Length to top 
                 27″-29″ 
                 28″-30″ 
                 29″-31″ 
                 30″-32″ 
                 31″-33″ 
               
               
                 H 
                 Width at middle of 
                 15″-17″ 
                 15″-17″ 
                 16.5″-18.5″ 
                 17.5″-19.5″ 
                 17.5″-19.5″ 
               
               
                   
                 front arm openings 
               
               
                 I 
                 Shoulder width 
                 15″-17″ 
                 15″-17″ 
                 16.5″-18.5″ 
                 17″-19″ 
                 18.5″-20.5″ 
               
               
                 J 
                 Neck width 
                 5.75″-7.75″ 
                 6″-7″ 
                 6.25″-8.25″ 
                 6.5″-8.5″ 
                 6.75″-8.75″ 
               
               
                 K 
                 Strap width 
                 3.75″-5.75″ 
                 4″-6″ 
                 4.25″-6.25″ 
                 4.5″-6.5″ 
                 4.75″-6.75″ 
               
               
                 R 
                 Sleeve length top 
                 6.75″-8.75″ 
                 7″-9″ 
                 7.5″-9.5″ 
                 7.5″-9.5″ 
                 7.75″-9.75″ 
               
               
                 S 
                 Sleeve opening 
                 4″-6″ 
                 4.5″-6.5″ 
                 4.5″-6.5″ 
                 5″-7″ 
                 5.25″-7.25″ 
               
               
                 N 
                 Sleeve length bottom 
                 2″-4″ 
                 2.25″-4.25″ 
                 2.25″-4.25″ 
                 2.25″-4.25″ 
                 2.5″-4.5″ 
               
               
                   
                 BACK 
               
               
                 E1 
                 Length from bottom to 
                 27″-29″ 
                 28″-30″ 
                 29″-31″ 
                 29″-31″ 
                 31″-33″ 
               
               
                   
                 back neckline 
               
               
                 H1 
                 Width at middle of 
                 14.5″-16.5″ 
                 15.5″-17.5″ 
                 16.5″-18.5″ 
                 17.5″-19.5″ 
                 18.5″-20.5″ 
               
               
                   
                 back arm openings 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Table 2, below, illustrates exemplary ratios between certain dimensions taken from the shirts shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . The first ratio (A:H) is the bottom width compared to the width at the middle of the arm openings. The second ratio (B:C) is the waist width compared to the width at the bottom of the arm openings. The third ratio (D:E) is the length from the bottom to the chest under the arm openings compared to the length from the bottom to the front neckline. As can be seen in Table 2, the ratios change depending on whether the shirt is a smaller size or a larger size (S, M, L, XL, XXL). However, for purposes of this invention, a general ratio can be taken from somewhere in between the lowest and highest ratios for each dimensional ratio. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 S 
                 M 
                 L 
                 XL 
                 XXL 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 RATIO 
                 A:H 
                 A:H 
                 A:H 
                 A:H 
                 A:H 
               
               
                 Largest 
                 1:1.31 
                 1:1.21 
                 1:1.23 
                 1:1.22 
                 1:1.15 
               
               
                 Smallest 
                 1:1.07 
                 1:0.94 
                 1:0.97 
                 1:0.97 
                 1:0.92 
               
               
                 RATIO 
                 B:C 
                 B:C 
                 B:C 
                 B:C 
                 B:C 
               
               
                 Largest 
                 1:1.42 
                 1:1.26 
                 1:1.21 
                 1:1.19 
                 1:1.18 
               
               
                 Smallest 
                 1:1.1  
                 1:1   
                 1:0.97 
                 1:0.98 
                 1:0.98 
               
               
                 RATIO 
                 D:E 
                 D:E 
                 D:E 
                 D:E 
                 D:E 
               
               
                 Largest 
                 1:1.48 
                 1:1.51 
                 1:1.49 
                 1:1.46 
                 1:1.44 
               
               
                 Smallest 
                 1:1.22 
                 1:1.26 
                 1:1.24 
                 1:1.23 
                 1:1.22 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     In a particularly preferred embodiment, a men&#39;s undershirt garment is provided. The undershirt garment provides the user with form fitting resiliently deformable fabric, a tailored cut design, and because the undershirt length is longer than most, it allows the undershirt to stay tucked in. It is the first undergarment to solve the untucking, bunching on the sides, and riding up effect of the undershirt garment while allowing overshirts to comfortably slide over the undergarment. In some embodiments, the undershirt may be worn under dress shirts, button down shirts, suits, sweaters, and layering under other shirts or garments. 
     The lower region of the undershirt is long enough to about cover the buttocks of the intended wearer. The stretch fabric and tailored cut design conforms to the mid and lower torso, allowing the undershirt to stay tucked in giving men the form fitting, smooth, streamlined look they want when they want to look their best. The form fitting tailored design extends down almost past the buttocks. This provides a slimming and tailored appearance over the front, side, and rear angles of the “innertube” portions of the body. The unique design is critical for allowing the undershirt to stay tucked in even during repetitive movements and long periods of wear. Additionally, the undershirt does not force the user to readjust and tuck in the undershirt, saving time, appearances, and energy. The overall design provides the user with a smooth, form fitting, tucked in appearance when worn under clothing or by itself, without causing the user to suffer discomfort or insecurity. 
     While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of a preferred embodiment should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.