Patent Publication Number: US-2017347719-A1

Title: Compression Garments

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/344,713, filed on Jun. 2, 2016, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to compression garments. More specifically, the present invention provides a compression garment configured to be worn over the lower body portion of a form fitting garment, such as over a bikini bottom, so as to cover the lower body portion of the form fitting garment while shaping the wearer&#39;s lower abdominal region. 
     Description of Related Art 
     Many people are concerned about their body shape and take steps to ensure that they have a fit and toned physical appearance. While it is fashionable to wear close fitting or tight clothing, clothing that fits tightly against a person&#39;s body can cause the wearer&#39;s abdomen or sides to protrude around the edges of the garment. For example, a garment having a closely fitting waistline may accentuate or draw attention to any excess body fat the person may have on his or her abdomen and sides. This creates an undesirable appearance that the wearer may wish to avoid. 
     As a result, many people choose to wear compression garments on problem areas of their body, such as the abdominal region, in order to provide the wearer with a slim and toned appearance. These compression garments are generally worn as an under layer, such as a foundation, shaper, or girdle, beneath the wearer&#39;s clothing so that they are discrete and it is not apparent that the person is wearing a compression garment. 
     A person may be particularly concerned about their body shape when wearing a swimsuit, such as a one-piece bathing suit or a two-piece bikini, particularly as swimsuits tend to squeeze into the wearer&#39;s body. However, conventional slimming garments configured to be worn beneath the wearer&#39;s clothing are not suitable to be worn if the person is wearing only a swimsuit. The compression garments cannot be concealed by the swimsuit and the compression garments generally have a plain or unappealing appearance. While various slimming or compression garments have been disclosed in the prior art, such garments generally do not provide a compression garment specifically designed to be worn with a swimsuit so as to serve as a swimsuit cover-up. 
     Several patents and patent publications relate to shaping garments having an inner or hidden compression layer, such as U.S. Pat. No. 9,326,552, which provides an inner restraint garment affixed within an outer garment, such as a pair of pants, shorts, a skirt, leggings, or tights. In some embodiments, the inner garment is attached to an interior portion of the outer garment at the bottom of the inner restraint garment, such as at the inseam of the outer garment. Further, the inner garment may be even with the front rise of the outer garment or it may extend thereabove. Similarly, U.S. Patent Publication Number 2015/0273741 provides an abdominal restraint garment comprising an inner abdominal restraint layer secured on an interior of an outer garment layer. In some embodiments of the abdominal restraint garment, the abdominal restraint layer is attached to an inner side of the outer garment at the lateral sides thereof. 
     U.S. Patent Publication Number 2015/0189921 provides a lower body garment that includes an outer garment having a shaping or control panel therein. The control panel is positioned such that it is not visible from the outside of the outer garment. The shaping panel may be positioned around the circumference of the interior of the outer garment, and may be secured to the outer garment at a top edge thereof. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,769,718 discloses a garment having an inner layer that preferably forms a body suit having torso and leg portions, wherein the legs are composed of elastic material. An exterior layer is disposed over the inner layer, and the exterior layer may resemble a skirt, a dress, or pants, among others. 
     U.S. Patent Publication Number 2008/0244805 discloses apparel having an outer garment with a built-in inner garment, wherein the inner garment is made of Spandex® or another similar material. The inner garment is attached to the outer garment at the waist thereof. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 9,198,467 provides a garment having an inner liner composed of compression fabric and an outer shell, wherein the inner liner and outer shell are secured together. In some embodiments, the inner liner is secured to the outer shell at the neckline and/or armhole thereof. 
     Further, U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2012/0129425 provides a garment having a garment shell and a garment lining affixed to the shell, wherein the lining is stretchable so as to apply compression to a body of the wearer. In embodiments wherein the garment shell is pants, shorts, or a skirt, the garment liner is preferably formed in the shape of shorts. 
     Other devices relate to garments having elastic or compressive zones integrated into a garment, such as U.S. Pat. No. 7,546,751 which provides a garment having zones of variable elasticity, and U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2016/0135512 which provides a multi-panel support garment that comprises stretch fabric integrated into the left and right side portions thereof, wherein the front and rear portions include non-stretch fabric. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,568,195 provides a multi-fabric garment for slimming the wearer&#39;s midsection. The garment includes an upper section, a compressive middle section, and a lower section. The garment generally relates to tank tops, tee shirts, and tube tops, among other garments. 
     Finally, U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2014/0317823 provides a reversible compression garment. The compression garment may be two-layer reversible compression garments, inside-out reversible garments, or forward/backward reversible garments. The front portion may include a first panel and a second panel attached about the peripheral edges thereon, wherein the first panel and second panel are composed of materials that provide for compression. 
     Although there are a variety of such compression garments currently existing in the prior art, there remains a need for a compression garment that helps to shape the wearer&#39;s lower abdominal region, wherein the compression garment is particularly suited for use as a swimsuit cover-up. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a compression garment for use as a cover-up for the lower body portion of a swimsuit or other form fitting garment. The compression garment can be used to provide a slimming effect on the wearer&#39;s lower abdominal region so as to improve the wearer&#39;s appearance. In use, the compression garment is placed over a swimsuit bottom, such as a bikini bottom or the lower half of a one-piece bikini, so as to help cover the wearer&#39;s body. Thus, the compression garment serves a swimsuit cover-up that can be worn by a person that does not want to be seen wearing a swimsuit alone. The compression garment serves as a stylish swimsuit cover-up that can be worn without additional clothing thereover, while also providing a shaping and slimming effect on the wearer&#39;s lower abdominal region. 
     In one embodiment, the compression garment comprises an elongated band formed into a closed loop and configured to encircle a user&#39;s lower abdominal region so as to cover a bikini bottom or the lower body portion of a swimsuit worn by the user. The elongated band comprises a compression material that serves to shape or restrain the lower abdominal region of the user to provide a slim appearance. A non-compressive layer is circumferentially attached to the elongated band and comprises a non-compression material. 
     In one embodiment, the upper end of the non-compressive layer is affixed to a lower end of the elongated band so that the non-compressive layer extends downwardly therefrom. 
     In other embodiments, the compression garment may further comprise an outer layer disposed on an exterior surface of the elongated band, wherein the outer layer comprises a decorative pattern, texture, or appearance. 
     In an alternate embodiment, the compression garment comprises an elongated band formed into a closed loop. The elongated band is configured to encircle a user&#39;s lower abdominal region. The elongated band comprises a compression material that serves to shape or restrain the lower abdominal region of the user to provide a slim appearance. A non-compressive layer is attached circumferentially at an upper end thereof to the upper end of the elongated band. The non-compressive layer extends downwardly over the exterior surface of the elongated band and preferably extends below the lower end thereof so as to cover an additional portion of the wearer&#39;s body. The non-compressive layer comprises a decorative appearance and is preferably composed of a sheer or lace material so that the elongated band is at least partially visible therethrough. 
     In embodiments of the compression garment described above, the non-compressive layer may be permanently affixed to the elongated band. Further, the non-compressive layer may have a tubular construction. The compression material may comprise a blend of materials, such as a blend of nylon and Spandex®. 
     The present invention further relates to methods for assembling a compression garment suited for covering a lower body portion of a form fitting garment, comprising the steps of forming an elongated band into a closed loop, wherein the elongated band comprises a compression material; and securing an upper end of a non-compressive layer to a circumference of the elongated band, wherein the non-compressive layer comprises a non-compression material. The method of assembling a compression garment may include securing by stitching, heat sealing, heat welding, ultrasonic welding, or by gluing. 
     Further, the method may include attaching an upper end of the non-compressive layer to the lower end of the elongated band. In alternate embodiments, the method includes the step of attaching an upper end of the non-compressive layer to an upper end of the elongated band. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the compression garment. 
         FIG. 2  shows an exploded view of the compression garment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of the compression garment of  FIG. 1  as worn by a user. 
         FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of the compression garment according to  FIG. 1  having a greater length. 
         FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the compression garment of  FIG. 1  having a removable non-compressive layer. 
         FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the compression garment. 
         FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of the compression garment of  FIG. 6  as worn by a user. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the compression garment. The compression garment  11  comprises a compressive layer configured to encircle a user&#39;s lower abdominal region. Preferably, the compressive layer is an elongated band  12  of material that is formed into a closed loop having an open central area  21 . The elongated band  12  may be formed of a single piece of material as shown and secured by overlapping and securing the ends, such as by a seam  18  as shown in  FIG. 2 , or may be formed from multiple pieces or sections of material (not shown). The elongated band  12  is configured to cover the front (F), sides (S), and rear (R) portion of the user&#39;s (U) lower abdominal region (AR). The elongated band  12  comprises a width measured in a transverse direction that is suitable for covering the lower body portion of a form fitting garment, such as a bikini bottom or the lower body portion of a one piece swimsuit. The compression garment  11  is also suited to cover any other similar form fitting garment worn on the lower abdominal region (AR) of a user (U), such as a leotard, a unitard, a wetsuit, swim briefs, or bike shorts, among others. In a preferred embodiment, when the compression garment  11  is worn, the upper end  13  is configured to be disposed in an area near or below the wearer&#39;s navel and the lower end  14  is positioned on the hip or upper thigh region of the wearer. In some embodiments, the elongated band  12  is substantially rectangular in configuration, however, in alternate embodiments, the elongated band  12  may have other shapes or configurations (not shown), such as a triangular shape, a semi-circular shape, a serpentine or an arcuate shape, among others as will be understood to one skill in the art based on this disclosure. 
     The elongated band  12  is formed of a compression material that is elastic and/or stretchable such that it can fit onto users having various sized waistlines and so that the elongated band  12  fits tightly and securely onto the wearer&#39;s body. However, the elongated band  12  may be provided in various sizes if desired to better fit the waistline of users with different body shapes and waistlines. The compression material is capable of applying an inward force on the user&#39;s lower abdominal region so as to restrain the user&#39;s body to provide a slimming effect, and in use the compression material applies such inward force on the user&#39;s lower abdominal region. In one embodiment, the compression material is a blend of Spandex® and a polyamide, such as Nylon 6 or Nylon 6/6. For example, the compression material may be a blend of 88% Nylon and 12% Spandex®. However, in alternate embodiments, other compression materials, such as Lycra®, and blends thereof may be used. 
     In another embodiment that is suited to be worn by pregnant women, the compression garment  11  may include a stretchable panel. In such embodiments, the stretchable panel forms part of the elongated band  12  or is attached to the ends of the elongated band  12 . The stretchable panel is preferably composed of a material having increased elasticity and stretchability relative to the material of the elongated band  12 , and may be composed of Spandex®, Lycra®, a polyamide such as a nylon, or other stretchable or elastic materials and blends thereof. In this way, the compression garment  11  provides compression to the user&#39;s body while the stretchable panel provides increased flexibility to allow the compression garment  11  to conform to the shape of the women&#39;s abdomen throughout the pregnancy. 
     In some embodiments, the elongated band  12  is covered by an outer layer  16  having a decorative appearance. The outer layer  16  has a similar size and shape as the elongated band  12  so as to cover the exterior surface  25  of the elongated band  12 . The outer layer  16  is affixed to the exterior surface of the elongated band  12  via any of various conventional cloth fastening methods, including stitching, heat sealing, heat welding, ultrasonic welding, gluing or adhesives. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the outer layer is affixed to the exterior surface  25  of the elongated band  12  by stitching at a seam  23 . The seam  23  is positioned at an upper end of the elongated band  12  and extends along the circumference thereof. The outer layer  16  is configured so as not to be compressive or apply an inward force to the user&#39;s body. The outer layer  16  is preferably composed of a non-compression material so as to not apply an inward force on the wearer&#39;s body. However, the outer layer  16  may include elastic or stretchable materials, but preferably such materials are configured and secured in such a way that the outer layer  16  does not provide an inward compressive force on the wearer&#39;s body when the compression garment  11  is worn. 
     The outer layer  16  may include any of various designs, patterns, or colors (not shown). The outer layer  16  may have a solid color, or may have two or more colors thereon, such as a plurality of differently colored stripes, blocks of color, a color gradient, or a tie-dye appearance. Further, the outer layer  16  may include a pattern thereon, such as a floral pattern. The outer layer  16  of the elongated band  12  may include ornamentation thereon to provide additional aesthetic appeal. In embodiments not having an outer layer  16 , the elongated band  12  may have any of various designs, patterns, and colors thereon to provide visual interest. This allows the compression garment  11  to resemble conventional clothing so that the compression garment  11  can be worn without being covered by another garment. 
     A non-compressive layer  15  is secured circumferentially around the elongated band  12 . In one embodiment, an upper end  20  of the non-compressive layer  15  is secured to a lower end  14  of the elongated band  12  via a seam  22  as shown in  FIG. 2 , and preferably is secured at the lowermost portion of the elongated band  12 . The non-compressive layer  15  is preferably attached to the elongated band  12  so as to preferably extend about the entire circumference of the elongated band  12 , such that the non-compressive layer  15  forms a loop that encircles the wearer&#39;s body. Accordingly, the non-compressive layer  15  has a tubular construction so that the compression garment  11  resembles a skirt. However, in some embodiments, the non-compressive layer  15  may be attached to only a portion of the circumference of the elongated band  12 , such as a front portion of the elongated band  12 . 
     The non-compressive layer  15  may be formed of a single panel of material or multiple panels of material (not shown). Further, the non-compressive layer  15  may have a single layer or may be layered so as to provide ruffles, as shown for example at  FIG. 1 . The non-compressive layer  15  extends downwardly from the elongated band  12  to provide additional coverage of the user&#39;s body when the compression garment  11  is worn. In some embodiments as shown in  FIG. 3 , the non-compressive layer  15  extends to the mid or upper thigh of the user when worn by the user. However, in alternate embodiments as shown in  FIG. 4 , the non-compressive layer  15  extends to the knee of the user when worn. In further embodiments, the non-compressive layer  15  may be floor-length (not shown) so as to fully cover the wearer&#39;s legs when the compression garment  11  is worn. In such embodiments having a knee length or floor length non-compressive layer, the elongated band  12  may also have a greater length, and may extend downward toward the user&#39;s upper to mid thigh, depending upon the embodiment. The non-compressive layer  15  serves to allow the compression garment  11  to resemble a swimwear cover-up or skirt so that the wearer may don the compression garment  11  independently and without another layer of clothing placed thereover. 
     In some embodiments, the non-compressive layer  15  is permanently secured to the elongated band  12  via stitching, heat sealing, heat welding, ultrasonic welding, gluing or via adhesives, among other similar cloth fastening methods. In alternate embodiments as shown in  FIG. 5 , the non-compressive layer  15  is removably securable to the elongated band  12  such that the non-compressive layer  15  can be interchanged with non-compressive layers  15  having different styles, or so that the non-compressive layer  15  can be cleaned or washed independently of the elongated band  12 . In  FIG. 5 , the non-compressive layer  15  is removably secured to the elongated band  12  via a zipper  27 . The zipper  27  is positioned circumferentially around a lower end of the elongated band  12 . However, in other embodiments the non-compressive layer  15  can be removably secured via any of various removable fasteners, including but not limited to buttons, snaps, or Velcro®, among others. 
     The non-compressive layer  15  is preferably configured not to apply an inward force on the user&#39;s body. It is preferred that the non-compressive layer  15  is composed of a non-compression material. Any material may be used but it is preferred that the material does not exert a compressive force on the user&#39;s body. Preferably, the non-compressive layer  15  comprises a sheer material and/or a lace material so that the material is lightweight and breathable. Depending upon the embodiment, natural materials or synthetic materials may be used to construct the non-compressive layer  15 , such as cotton, polyester, nylon, yarn, silk, linen, or blends thereof. In some embodiments, the non-compressive layer  15  may include elastic materials or materials having the ability to stretch, such as Spandex®, but preferably the material is configured and secured in such a way that the material does not apply an inward force on the wearer&#39;s body when the compression garment  11  is worn. 
     The non-compressive layer  15  may include various decorations, patterns, colors, and designs on the outer surface  17  thereof. Such patterns and designs include but are not limited to polka dots, floral print, stripes, checkers, spirals, zigzags, waves, spots, and animal prints such as zebra or cheetah print. Additionally, the non-compressive layer  15  may include holes, tears, or areas of relief to show color or create a topographical design. Additional decorative embellishments may be included on the non-compressive layer  15 , such as bows, gems, sequins, and ribbons, among others. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , there is shown a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the compression garment. In the illustrated embodiment, the compression garment  11 ′ comprises an elongated band  12 ′ formed into a closed loop as in the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . The closed loop defines an open central area  21 ′ such that the elongated band  12 ′ can be disposed around the lower abdominal region (AR) of the user (U). The elongated band  12 ′ comprises an upper end  13 ′ and a lower end  14 ′. In a preferred embodiment, when the compression garment  11 ′ is worn, the upper end  13 ′ is configured to be disposed in an area near or below the wearer&#39;s navel and the lower end  14 ′ is positioned on the hip or upper thigh region of the wearer. In this way, the compression garment  11 ′ helps to cover the wearer&#39;s swimsuit so that the wearer can remain covered until the wearer wishes to display their swimsuit, such as when the wearer reaches a pool, a beach, or the like. 
     A non-compressive layer  15 ′ is provided, wherein the non-compressive layer  15 ′ includes an upper end  20 ′ and a lower end  19 ′. The upper end  20 ′ is affixed circumferentially to the upper end  13 ′ of the elongated band  12 ′ via any of various conventional cloth fastening methods, including stitching, heat sealing, heat welding, ultrasonic welding, gluing or adhesives, among others. Preferably, the non-compressive layer  15 ′ is connected to the elongated band  12 ′ only at the upper end  20 ′ thereof, such that the non-compressive layer  15 ′ hangs freely from the elongated band  12 ′. However, in some embodiments, the non-compressive layer  15 ′ may be additionally affixed on one or both sides thereof to the elongated band  12 ′, such as by a vertical line of stitching (not shown) extending from the upper end  13 ′ of the elongated band  12 ′ to or toward the lower end  14 ′ thereof. This additional fastening helps to prevent the non-compressive layer  15 ′ from moving out of position, such as if the compression garment  11 ′ is worn on a windy day. 
     The non-compressive layer  15 ′ extends downwardly from the upper end  13 ′ of the elongated band  12 ′ such that the non-compressive layer  15 ′ extends over the exterior surface of the elongated band  12 ′. In the illustrated embodiment, the non-compressive layer  15 ′ comprises a width w 2 , measured in a transverse direction, that is greater than the width w 1 , measured in a transverse direction, of the elongated band  12 ′, such that the lower end  19 ′ of the non-compressive layer  15 ′ extends below the lower end  14 ′ of the elongated band  12 ′. This allows the compression garment  11 ′ to provide greater coverage of the wearer&#39;s body when the compression garment  11 ′ is worn, wherein the non-compressive layer  15 ′ extends below the lower end  19 ′ of the elongated band  12 ′ so as to cover an upper portion of wearer&#39;s legs preferably without needing to provide a compressive force thereon. When the compression garment  11 ′ is worn, the lower end of the non-compressive layer  15 ′ is preferably positioned at the user&#39;s mid to upper thigh. However, in alternate embodiments, the non-compressive layer  15 ′ may extend to or just below the user&#39;s knee, or may be floor-length so as to fully cover the user&#39;s legs. Preferably, the non-compressive layer  15 ′ has a fixed width, w 2 , that is constant about the circumference of the elongated band  12 ′, however, in some embodiments, the width may vary. 
     In the embodiment as shown in  FIG. 6 , the non-compressive layer  15 ′ is preferably composed of a sheer or lace material. This allows the elongated band  12 ′ therebeneath to be visible so that the color, design, or pattern on the elongated band  12 ′ is visible when viewed from outside of the non-compressive layer  15 ′. In this way, the compression garment  11 ′ provides a unique appearance wherein the color, design or pattern of the elongated band  12 ′ complements or adds to the appearance of the non-compressive layer  15 ′ positioned thereover. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , there is shown a perspective view of the compression garment of  FIG. 6  as worn by a user to cover a lower portion of a swimsuit. In use, a user wearing a swimsuit, such as a two-piece swimsuit having a bikini bottom and a bikini top may not wish to walk about wearing only their swimsuit. The user may wish to remain covered until they have reached their destination, such as a pool or the beach. Further, the user may wish to wear a garment that provides slimming effect so as to provide the user with a fit and toned appearance. 
     The user may don the compression garment  11 ′ by positioning the elongated band  12 ′ about their lower abdominal region such that an upper end  13 ′ of the elongated band  12 ′ is positioned near or below the wearer&#39;s navel and above the waistline of the bikini bottom  51 , and the lower end  14 ′ of the elongated band  12 ′ is positioned on the wearer&#39;s hip or thigh, at or below the lowermost portion of the bikini bottom  51 . Preferably, the elongated band  12 ′ has a width measured in a transverse direction sufficient to fully cover the bikini bottom  51  or a substantial portion thereof. The elongated band  12 ′ fits snugly or tightly on the wearer&#39;s body so as to restrain the wearer&#39;s body and provide a slim appearance. The elongated band  12 ′ contours to the shape of the wearer&#39;s body so that the elongated band  12 ′ rests flat against the wearer&#39;s body. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the upper end of the non-compressive layer  15 ′ is affixed to an upper end of the elongated band  12 ′ and the non-compressive layer  15 ′ extends downwardly from the upper end of the elongated band  12 ′ such that the non-compressive layer  15 ′ covers the elongated band  12 ′ and extends below the lower end  14 ′ thereof. The non-compressive layer  15 ′ covers an additional portion of the wearer&#39;s body below the elongated band  12 ′, such as the upper portion of the wearer&#39;s legs without providing a compressive force thereon. Thus, the non-compressive layer  15 ′ provides additional decorative appeal to the compression garment  11 ′ and covers an additional portion of the wearer&#39;s body so that the compression garment  11 ′ resembles a skirt and can be worn without being covered by an additional layer of clothing. 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.