Abstract:
An undergarment is intended to be worn by a user in combination with a brassiere having a back band. The undergarment comprises a unitary body piece having an inside, an outside, a front, a back, opposing sides, a top portion and a bottom portion, each defined by their relative positions when worn by the user. The undergarment further comprises at least one fastener adjacent the top portion and operable to removably engage the brassiere adjacent the back band such that the back of the user is not visible between the back band and the top portion.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Prov. Pat. Appl. No. 60/320,368, filed on Apr. 2, 2010, the entire contents and disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     In general, the present invention provides an interchangeable cup, bra, and body shaper. Specifically, the present invention provides high back body shaper and universal bra attachment 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     As fashion trends continue to change at an accelerated pace, undergarment design is becoming a growing concern. Specifically, undergarments that hide lines and hardware, such as clips, etc., while providing adjustability, remain absent from the marketplace. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In general, the present invention relates to a high back body shaper and universal bra attachment. Specifically, the present invention provides a body shaper having an optional high back and optional crotch flap/closure. The body shaper can have or accommodate any type of (universal) attachment mechanism that allows for attachment of any type of bra. In a typical embodiment, the attachment mechanism comprises a set (at least one) of clips that discretely clip to the bra of a wearer. When the two articles are attached, the attachment mechanisms are hidden. In addition, no gap is present between the band of the bra (e.g., the band around the back of the wearer) and the body shaper when the two are attached. This type of attachment is referred to herein as a gapless connection/intersection. The gapless attachment minimizes lines, prevents unsightly skin bulges, and prevents the body shaper from sliding down the back of a wearer. 
     A first aspect of the present invention provides a body shaper, comprising a back portion and an attachment mechanism for attaching an upper portion of the back portion to a bra, the attachment resulting in a gapless union of the bra to the back portion. 
     A second aspect of the present invention provides a method of connecting a body shaper to a bra, comprising donning the bra and the body shaper, which comprises a back portion; and connecting the upper portion of the back portion of the body shaper to the bra with an attachment mechanism to create a gapless union between the bra and the body shaper. 
     An additional aspect of the present invention provides a body shaper, comprising a back, a front and sides; and a substantially hidden connection mechanism used for joining the body shaper to at least one of a band of a bra and a strap of a bra, the joining resulting in a gapless union between the bra and the body shaper. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features of this invention will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of the various aspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a band connection bra having a connector adaptor according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows the bra of  FIG. 1  having Balconette or Demi Cups according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  shows the bra of  FIG. 1  having Bandeau Cups according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  shows the bra of  FIG. 1  having Bandeau Cups with a seamless front closure according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  shows the bra of  FIG. 1  having Full Cups according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  shows the bra of  FIG. 1  having Plunge Cups according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  shows the bra of  FIG. 1  having Push-Up Cups according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  shows the bra of  FIG. 1  having Triangle Cups according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  shows the bra of  FIG. 1  having Scoop Neck Cups according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  shows the bra of  FIG. 1  having Deep Plunge Cups according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  shows the bra of  FIG. 1  having U-Shaped Plunge bridge connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  shows the bra of  FIG. 1  having other Plunge Style Cups according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  shows an aerial view of the bra of  FIG. 1  having a surface mounted connection position according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  shows an aerial view of the bra of  FIG. 1  having a partially recessed/partially protruding connection position according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  shows an aerial view of the bra of  FIG. 1  having a fully recessed connection position according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  shows an aerial view of the bra of  FIG. 1  having a recessed flush mount connection position according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  shows a body shaper/bra combination according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  shows a side view of a body shaper/bra combination according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 19  shows a front and side view of a body shaper/bra combination having an upper body shaper according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20  shows a top and side view of a bra and connection mechanism disposed on a first layer of fabric of the bra according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 21  shows a top and side view of a bra and connection mechanism disposed on a second layer of fabric of the bra according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 22  shows a slip style high back body shaper according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 23  shows a waist style high back body shaper according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 24  shows different high back shapes according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 25  shows different shaped body shapers according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 26  shows a high back body shaper having a crotch flap according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 27  shows a high back body shaper having a crotch flap in an open position according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 28  shows a high back body shaper in full leg style according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 29  shows a high back body shaper in a closed foot panty hose style according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 30  shows a high back body shaper in panty style according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 31  shows a high back body shaper in short style according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 32  shows a side view of high back body shaper and bra with a universal attachment/connection mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 33  shows a side view of a regular back body shaper and bra with a universal attachment/connection mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 34  shows front views of the body shapers and bras with universal attachment/connection mechanisms according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 35  shows a side view of a high back body shaper with optional high sides and bra with multiple universal attachment/connection mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 36  shows a side view of a high back body shaper and bra with an attachment/connection mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 37  shows back views of body shapers and bras with universal attachment/connection mechanisms according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 38  shows back views of high back body shapers and bras with universal attachment/connection mechanisms to the bra straps according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 39  shows a back view of a regular back body shaper and bra with a universal attachment/connection mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 40  shows a front view of a high back attachment for a regular back body shaper and a regular back body shaper according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 41  shows a front view of the high back attachment for a regular back body shaper and the regular back body shaper of  FIG. 40  joined together according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 42  shows a side view of a high back body shaper with a fold over edge tucked over a band of a bra according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 43  shows a side view of a high back body shaper with high back tucked under a bra according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     The drawings are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are merely schematic representations, not intended to portray specific parameters of the invention. The drawings are intended to depict only typical embodiments of the invention, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     As indicated above, the present invention relates to a high back body shaper and universal bra attachment. Specifically, the present invention provides a body shaper having an optional high back and optional crotch closure. The body shaper can have or accommodate any type of (universal) attachment mechanism that allows for attachment of any type of bra. In a typical embodiment, the attachment mechanism comprises a set (at least one) of clips that discretely clip to the bra of a wearer. When the two articles are attached, the attachment mechanisms are hidden. In addition, no gap is present between the band of the bra (e.g., the band around the back of the wearer) and the body shaper when the two are attached. This type of attachment is referred to herein as a gapless connection/intersection. The gapless attachment minimizes lines and prevents unsightly skin bulges, and prevents the body shaper from sliding down the back of a wearer. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a band connection bra  10  having optional connector adaptors  18 A-B according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. As further shown, bra  10  comprises band  12  and (detachable) cups  14 A-B joined together via bridge connector or bridge  16  (which can be any mechanism for connecting cups now known or later developed). Under the present invention, cups  14 A-B can be directly coupled to band  12 , or can be connected via connector adapters  18 A-B. 
     Regardless, the union/connection points  20 A-B located between (outer edges of) cups  14 A-B (and connector adapters  18 A-B if used) and (edges of) band  12  on bra  10  will be substantially seamless, and made using any means now known or later developed. In one embodiment of the invention, no hardware will be visible on either the inside or outside of bra  10 , so that band  12 , connector adapters  18 A-B, and cups  14 A-B will appear as if they are a unitary article. Different ways of achieving such coupling/joining of these components will be discussed in conjunction with  FIGS. 13-16  below. Along these lines, it is understood that cups  14 A-B, connector adapters  18 A-B, and band  12  are all separately detachable under the present invention. That is, cups  14 A-B can be detached from band  12  and connector adapters  18 A-B (if used). In addition, connector adapters  18 A-B can also be detachable from cups  14 A-B and band  12 . To this end, band  12 , cups  14 A-B, and connector adapters  18 A-B, can be two or more separate articles. This provides plug-and-playability for these components. For example, a wearer could decide to use only cups  14 A-B and band  12 , or the wearer could decide to use cups  14 A-B, connector adapters  18 A-B and band  12 . Still yet, cups  14 A-B can be replaced individually or as a single unit. To this extent, bridge connector  16  is also detachable from both cups  14 A-B. Still yet, connector adapters  18 A-B can be a continuation (non-detachable) of band  12  and/or cups  14 A-B. 
     It should be understood that the terms inner edge, outer edge, etc., may be used herein simply as a point of reference. To this extent, it is understood that they may change based on the point of view of a viewer. 
       FIGS. 2-12  show bras having varying cup shapes/configurations in accordance with the present invention. It should be noted in advance that  FIGS. 2-12  (as well as  FIGS. 17-19 ) do not show connector adapters  18 A-B for brevity purposes only. To this extent, it is understood that connector adapters  18 A-B can be implemented in conjunction with any of the bras depicted herein from  FIGS. 1-21  within the scope of the present invention. In addition, it is understood that the bras of  FIGS. 2-12  share all of the same features/advantages (e.g., detachability of components, seamless unions, etc.) of bra  10  of  FIG. 1 . However, depending on the particular cup configuration, bridge connector  16  may be provided, may be eliminated, or may be very subtle (e.g., be provided via stitching cups together). Examples of a bridge connector  16  can include, but are not limited to the following: snaps, hook and eye, clips, stitching, etc. 
     In any event,  FIGS. 2-12  each show bras as follows: 
       FIG. 2  shows the bra of  FIG. 1  having Balconette or Demi Cups  22 A-B according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  shows the bra of  FIG. 1  having Bandeau Cups  24 A-B according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 4  shows the bra of  FIG. 1  having Bandeau Cups  26 A-B with a seamless front closure according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 5  shows the bra of  FIG. 1  having Full Cups  28 A-B according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 6  shows the bra of  FIG. 1  having Plunge Cups  30 A-B according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 7  shows the bra of  FIG. 1  having Push-Up Cups  32 A-B according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 8  shows the bra of  FIG. 1  having Triangle Cups  34 A-B according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 9  shows the bra of  FIG. 1  having Scoop Neck Cups  36 A-B according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 10  shows the bra of  FIG. 1  having Deep Plunge Cups  38 A-B according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 11  shows the bra of  FIG. 1  having a U-Shaped Plunge bridge connector  41  and Cups  40 A-B according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 12  shows the bra of  FIG. 1  having other Plunge Style Cups  42 A-B according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 13-16 , the manner in which cups (or connector adapters) and band are seamlessly interconnected will be described in greater detail.  FIG. 13  shows a more precise view of the connection. As depicted, edges  50 A-B of cups  14 A-B couple (i.e., join, connect, etc.) to edges  52 A-B of band  12  (at least indirectly) to create an appearance of a substantially seamless connection when set of cups  14 A-B are coupled to band  12 . In general, such union is achieved via any method now known or later developed such as a hook and eye approach in which one or more sets of hooks and eyes (of any size) are utilized. The hooks and eyes in  FIG. 13  are preferably surface mounted along edges  50 A-B and  52 A-B. It should be understood that as used herein, the term “couple” could mean a direct coupling so that edges  52 A-B of band  12  can abut edges  50 A-B of cups  14 A-B, or an indirect coupling so that direct abutment is not present. In the case of the latter, a small space could be present even though edges  50 A-B and  52 A-B are coupled to one another via connection mechanisms  60 A-B. 
     There are various ways of implementing this approach without losing the sandwich or seamless union. For example,  FIG. 14  shows a bra of  FIG. 1  having connection mechanisms  60 A-B positioned in part recessed/part protruding connection positions according to an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 15  shows the bra of  FIG. 1  having connection mechanisms  60 A-B and  62 A-B positioned in fully recessed connection positions according to an embodiment of the present invention, such that connection mechanisms  60 A-B and  62 A-B are hidden when cups  14 A-B are coupled to band  12 .  FIG. 16  shows the bra of  FIG. 1  having connection mechanisms  60 A-B and  62 A-B positioned in recessed flush mounted connection positions according to an embodiment of the present invention. The hooks and eyes in  FIGS. 14 ,  15  and  16  are preferably deployed between the multiple layers of fabric that make up cups  14 A-B (connector adapters  18 A-B) and band  12 . That is, the hooks and eyes are sandwiched between the fabric layers so that they are hidden and do not contact any other garment or the wearer itself. This is shown in greater detail in  FIG. 14  in which a connection mechanism  60  (e.g., either a hook or an eye) is disposed between a first layer of fabric  56 A of the bra and a second layer of fabric  56 B of the bra, wherein the first layer of fabric  56 A of the bra is in contact with a wearer (not shown) of the bra, and wherein the second layer of fabric of the bra  56 B is in contact with a garment (not shown) worn by the wearer of the bra. As used herein, the first layer of fabric  56 A can (does not have to) comprise an innermost layer of fabric disposed on cups  14 A-B and an innermost layer of fabric of band  12 , while the second layer of fabric of the bra  56 B comprises an outermost layer of fabric of cups  14 A-B and an outermost layer of fabric of band  12 . It should be appreciated that bra  10  may have additional layers of fabric between the innermost and outermost layers of the bra and is not limited by this description. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited by the location of connection mechanism  60 , as the hooks and eyes may be located in any number of different locations on the bra, as will be further described below. 
       FIGS. 17-19  show that any of the components (e.g., cups connectors) of  FIGS. 1-16  and  FIGS. 20-21  can be used in conjunction with a body shaper developed under the present invention. For example,  FIGS. 17 and 18  show front and side views, respectively, of a full body shaper  70  (e.g., torso to thighs, torso to feet, and/or anything in between) that can be releasably attached to cups  14 A-B. In this embodiment, body shaper  70  has an attachment portion  72  so that it can be attached to cups  14 A-B. The edges  71 A-B of attachment portion  72  couple to edges  50 A-B of cups  14 A-B to create the appearance of a substantially seamless connection. This attachment can be accomplished using any attachment mechanism now known or later developed such as the hook and eye approach discussed herein.  FIG. 19  shows an upper body version (e.g., torso) of a body shaper  74 . Similar to body shaper  70  of  FIGS. 17-18 , body shaper  74  has attachment portion  76  so that it can be releasably attached to cups  14 A-B. The edges  75 A- 75 B of attachment portion  76  couple to edges  50 A-B of cups  14 A-B to create the appearance of a substantially seamless connection. The attachment can be accomplished using any attachment mechanism now known or later developed such as the hook and eye approach discussed herein. Furthermore, it is understood that connector adapters  18 A-B discussed above can be implemented in conjunction with any of the cups and body shapers depicted in  FIGS. 17-19  within the scope of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 20-21  illustrate additional configurations for connecting cups  14 A-B to band  12 , while maintaining couplement between the edges of the band and the edges of each of the cups. For example,  FIG. 20  shows a bra of  FIG. 1  having connection mechanism  60  comprising at least one set of hooks and eyes disposed on the first layer of fabric  56 A in contact with the wearer of the bra. Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 21 , connection mechanism  60  comprises at least one set of hooks and eyes disposed on the second layer of fabric  56 B of the bra in contact with a garment worn by the wearer of the bra. It will be appreciated that various connection mechanisms and/or configurations for creating the appearance of a substantially seamless connection when edges of the band  52 A-B couple edges of the cups  50 A-B are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, in yet another embodiment, connection mechanism  60  may be disposed on both first and second layers of fabric  56 A- 56 B. 
     As indicated above, the present invention relates to a high back body shaper and universal bra attachment. Specifically, the present invention provides a body shaper having an optional high back and optional crotch closure. The body shaper can have or accommodate any type of (universal) attachment mechanism that allows for attachment of any type of bra. In a typical embodiment, the attachment mechanism comprises a set (at least one) of clips that discretely clip to the bra of a wearer. When the two articles are attached, the attachment mechanisms are hidden. In addition, no gap is present between the band of the bra (e.g., the band around the back of the wearer) and the body shaper when the two are attached. This type of attachment is referred to herein as a gapless connection/intersection. The gapless attachment minimizes lines and prevents unsightly skin bulges, and prevents the body shaper from sliding down the back of a wearer. 
       FIG. 22  shows a slip style body shaper  100  having a high back  102 .  FIG. 23  shows a waist style high back body shaper  100 C having a high back  102  according to an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 24  shows different high back shapes  102 A-C (which could be used on any style or shape body shaper) according to an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 25  shows different shaped body shapers  106 A-E according to an embodiment of the present invention, including panty style  106 A, slip style  106 B, waist style  106 C, short style  106 D, and full leg style  106 E shapers.  FIG. 26  shows a high back body shaper  100  having a crotch flap  110  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The crotch flap can be used in conjunction with any style or shape body shaper, or with any style or shape high back.  FIG. 27  shows a high back body shaper  100  having a crotch flap  110  in an open position according to an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 28  shows a high back body shaper in full leg style  106 E according to an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 29  shows a high back body shaper in a closed foot panty hose style  106 F according to an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 30  shows a high back body shaper in panty style  106 A according to an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 31  shows a high back body shaper in short style  106 D according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 32  shows a side view of high back body shaper  100  and bra  112  with a universal attachment/connection mechanism  114  according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is understood that any style body shaper  100  and/or high back described herein could be used in conjunction with any type of bra. Those shown in  FIG. 32  are shown for illustrative purposes only. In any event, attachment mechanism  114  allows any style bra to be attached to any style and/or shape body shaper  100 . As can be seen in  FIG. 32 , when bra  112  is attached to body shaper  100  via a connection mechanism  114 , no gap is present between bra  112  and body shaper  100 . This is especially useful around the back  116  of a wearer so that no lines, unsightly skin bulges exist, or body shaper  100  slippage occur. Thus, the present invention provides a gapless union of a body shaper and bra around the back of the wearer. 
       FIG. 33  shows a side view of a regular back body shaper  120  and bra  112  with a universal attachment/connection mechanism  114  according to an embodiment of the present invention. This figure demonstrates that a high back is not necessary to have a gapless union between a bra  112  and a body shaper  120 . 
       FIG. 34  shows front views of body shapers  100  (with high back  102 ) and  120  (a traditional body shaper) with universal attachment/connection mechanisms  114  according to an embodiment of the present invention. In general, attachment mechanisms  114  can be any type of attachment mechanisms such as adhesives, Velcro, hooks and eyes, clips, buttons, snaps, straps, and combinations thereof. In a typical embodiment, the attached mechanism  114  will attach/join a top portion of the body shaper to either the straps and/or the back of the bra. Moreover, attachment mechanisms  114  can be mounted on the body shaper for attachment to a bra, or as an independent unit that is detachable from the both body shaper and/or the bra. In one embodiment, attachment mechanism  114  is mounted on high back  102  of high back body shaper  100 . In another embodiment, attachment mechanism  114  connects to a traditional body shaper  120 . Regardless, attachment mechanisms  114  will have any length necessary to cause the attachment of a body shaper to a bra in a gapless fashion. In addition, attachment mechanisms  114  should be positioned so that they fall in line with traditional placement of existing bra straps so that no additional lines are present (e.g., the attachment mechanisms  114  are hidden) and for ease of attachment. 
       FIG. 35  shows a side view of a high back body shaper  100  with optional high sides  118  and bra  112  with multiple universal attachment/connection mechanism  114  according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition to or apart from the high back  102 , optional high sides  118  on the left and right of the body provide connection surfaces between bra  112  and body shaper  100  that allow body shaper  100  to be coupled to bra  112  with mechanism of attachment/connection  114  being concealed from external view. The front of body shaper  100  remains at a regular level below the bra, by comparison. Connections and attachments of body shaper  100  to the bra band may be made anywhere along the band, and may include: near the back of the bra band, under the arm, and near the cup of the bra. Attachment/connection mechanism(s)  114  will have one or more positions along the high back  102  and optional high sides  118  of body shaper  100 . Various attachment/connection mechanisms  114  may also be optionally detachable or removable. Connections and attachments should be understood to include one or more connections or attachments which are substantially hidden from view. 
       FIG. 36  shows a side view of a high back body shaper  100  and bra  112  with an attachment/connection mechanism  122  according to an embodiment of the present invention. High back body shaper  100  connects with bra  112  where the back band of the bra  112  overlaps the high back  102  of the body shaper. Located within this overlap is attachment/connection mechanism  122  which comprises a no-slip material, such as silicone. The no-slip material is disposed between the fabrics of body shaper  100  and bra  112 . Some no-slip material is joined to at least one of bra  112  and body shaper  100  to create a no-slip surface, and in some embodiments both. In one embodiment, attachment/connection mechanism  122  is a silicone edge on high back  102  of body shaper  100 , which faces away from the wearer when the garment is worn. This silicone edge comes in contact with the back band of the wearer&#39;s bra (which lays over high back  102 ) and remains unseen when bra  112  and body shaper  100  are worn together. The silicone edge prevents the back of the body shaper from slipping down the wearer&#39;s back while the garment is in use. 
       FIG. 37  shows back views of body shapers  100  (with high back  102 ) and  120  (a traditional body shaper) and bras  112  with universal attachment/connection mechanisms  114  according to an embodiment of the present invention. Universal attachment/connection mechanisms  114  couple a body shaper to a bra  112  along any section of the bra band, including, but not limited to: near the back of the bra band, under the arm, and near the cup of the bra. Mechanism  114  may have several positions along the band of bra  112  and may be temporarily detachable from body shapers and bras so that these garments may be worn without being joined by the attachment mechanism. In the union of high back body shaper  100  and bra  112  mechanism  114  is concealed by the overlap of high back  102  and the band of the bra, whereas in the union of regular body shaper  120  and bra  112  mechanism  114  is concealed beneath the gapless joining of the lower rim of bra  112  and the upper edge of body shaper  120 . Regardless, mechanisms of attachment  114  will be substantially non-viewable. For example, overlaying layers of fabric or another attachment mechanism causing the attachment of a body shaper to a bra in a gapless fashion are utilized to conceal both methods of attachment and undesired bumps in the body shaper. Additionally, attachment mechanisms  114  are positioned to fall in line with traditional placement of existing bra straps so that no additional lines are present and for ease of attachment. 
       FIG. 38  shows back views of high back body shapers  100  and bras  112  with universal attachment/connection mechanisms  114  to the bra straps according to an embodiment of the present invention. While some embodiments of mechanisms of universal attachment/connection of body shaper  100  to bra  112  connect the back band of bra  112  to body shaper  100 , body shaper  100  can also be coupled to bra  112  via attachment along the shoulder straps of the bra. As shown in  FIG. 38 , universal attachment/connection mechanisms  114  may attach anywhere along the shoulder strap, such as, but not limited to: near the back intersection of the bra band and shoulder strap or near the apex of shoulder strap arch. Although not shown in  FIG. 38 , attachment/connection mechanisms  114  could also couple body shaper  100  to the straps of bra  112  in the front of the bra. 
       FIG. 39  shows a back view of a regular back body shaper  120  and bra  112  with a universal attachment/connection mechanism  114  according to an embodiment of the present invention. Regular back body shaper  120  is “traditional,” having a front and back of the same height. The universal attachment/connection mechanism  114  associated with regular body shaper  120  may be of specific or adjustable length so as to allow the top rim of body shaper  120  to sit gaplessly against the bottom rim of bra  112 . Universal attachment/connection mechanism  114  may connect, in some embodiments of the invention, with any set of locations along the band and the straps of bra  112 . Universal attachment/connection mechanism  114  is discreetly concealed so as to minimize discomfort to the wearer and maximize ascetic appearance. 
       FIG. 40  shows a front view of a high back attachment  124  for a regular back body shaper and a regular back body shaper  120  according to an embodiment of the present invention. High back attachment  124  can be seamlessly and gaplessly joined to the back of any regular back body shaper, as seen in  FIG. 41 , using one or more universal attachment/connection mechanisms. Traditionally, a regular back body shaper is the same height in the front and back. High back attachment  124  performs the same function as high back  102  ( FIG. 22 ), joining to a bra via a universal attachment/connection mechanism to form a gapless union between the bra and the high back. High back attachment  124 , however, may be attached, detached, and used in conjunction with any regular body shaper. The attachment mechanisms employed by high back attachment  124  at both the high back attachment to body shaper interface and the high back attachment to bra interface may include, but are not limited to: adhesives, Velcro, hooks and eyes, clips, buttons, snaps, straps, no-slip materials, and combinations thereof. The high back attachment to bra interface may include, but are not limited to, connection locations discussed hereinabove, such as at the bra band, the bra straps, and the sides of the bra. The high back attachment may also additionally comprise high sides, or other similar variations on embodiments of the invention discussed above such as are within the spirit of the invention. 
       FIG. 42  shows a side view of a high back body shaper  100  with a fold over edge  126  tucked over a band of a bra  112  according to an embodiment of the present invention. Various attachment/connection mechanisms, including adhesives, Velcro, hooks and eyes, clips, buttons, snaps, straps, and combinations thereof, have been discussed hereinabove. Fold over edge  126  provides an additional mechanism of attachment. High back  102  of high back body shaper  100  is extended to form fold over edge  126 . Fold over edge  126  folds over the back of the band of bra  112 . Fold over edge  126  is held in place when body shaper  100  and bra  112  are worn in combination by being tightly tucked between the back of the wearer and the inner side of the band of bra  112 . The tucking in place of fold over edge  126  prevents high back body shaper  100  from slipping downward while also forming a seamless and gapless union of the bra and body shaper, such that no bumps, lines, or other signs of connection are noticeably visible. Additional embodiments of the invention that comprise a fold over edge may also be envisioned in light of embodiments of the present invention discussed hereinabove. For example, a body shaper may have high sides which extend into fold over edges, or flaps, on the left and right side of the body shaper. These high side fold over edges would be folded over the sides of a bra band and tucked between the wearer&#39;s sides and the bra band, under a wearer&#39;s arms. Methods of intersecting and arranging the materials of the bra and high back body shaper, including variations of the embodiment discussed above, so as to form a seamless attachment mechanism are within the spirit of the invention. 
       FIG. 43  shows a side view of a high back body shaper  100  with high back  102  tucked under a bra  112  according to an embodiment of the present invention. High back  102  of high back body shaper  100  may also be used as an anchor attachment mechanism to hold high back body shaper in place on a wearer and prevent the body shaper from slipping down the back of the wearer. High back  102  protrudes above the top edge of body shaper  100 , the front and sides of the shaper ending at the base of bra  112 , according to traditional designs. However, high back  102  rises above the base of the bra, crossing behind and tucking behind the band of bra  112 . Held between the back of the wearer and the band of bra  112 , high back  102  is secured in place, thereby securing high back body shaper  100  in place as well. The high anchor attachment mechanism may also additionally comprise high sides, or other similar variations on embodiments of the invention discussed above such as are within the spirit of the invention. 
     It is noted that all versions of the bra(s) or body shaper(s) discussed herein can have the following:
         None, one, or more than one bra strap.   Underwire built into the cups or underwire built into the band, or no underwire at all.   The band of this bra can also have one or more traditional hook and eye back closure.   The bridge between the two cups can be made of any material, or connected by any process, connection mechanism, technique, or style now known within the industry or later developed.   The center bridge connection mechanism can be located anywhere along the edge of the bra cups.   The band of this bra can be any length (e.g., 1″ to 36″ long). The band width size can be any width (e.g., 1″ to 36″ wide). The band can also vary in width size on the same band. For example, starting at one end being wider and the other end being more narrow. Alternatively, each end of band can be wider than a middle portion of the band. Or any combination thereof.   The cups and band of this bra can be made of any material or combination of material now known or later developed.   The band connection mechanisms can be: surface mount connector, partially recessed/partially protruding connector, fully recessed connector, recessed flush mount connector, or any combination thereof. For example: the band can be fitted with a part recessed/part protruding connection mechanism, and the cup to which it will connect may have a fully recessed connection mechanism.   Optional crotch flap or crotch gusset, crotch snap, crotch hook, etc.       

     The foregoing description of various aspects of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed and, obviously, many modifications and variations are possible. Such modifications and variations that may be apparent to a person skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.