Patent Publication Number: US-2021186132-A1

Title: Outerwear shapewear

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 16/724,000 filed Dec. 20, 2019 and claims priority in part therefrom under 35 USC § 120. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to compressive breathable body shaping outerwear garments. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The body-shaping garments for both men and women of this invention are for use as outerwear or as partially covered active wear. Using stretch fabric panels, body shape is enhanced while activity (as in exercise) is supported through selective compression. 
     The prior art reveals some garments which have similar objectives. U.S. Pat. No. 10,058,133 of Solano is for a butt enhancing undergarment offering limited compression of certain body regions in an undergarment. 
     The body-shaping garment of Melarti, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 9,955,739, describes a woman&#39;s garment compressing a portion of the mid-section of a wearer above the waist. This upper part is attached to a lower portion of the garment at a seam. The lower portion may include panties with optional skirt. 
     The body-shaping intimacy garment described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,474,308 of Cronan is a woman&#39;s garment in two layers. The inner layer is stretched over the torso, waist, buttocks, hips and legs. The outer layer is of lower elasticity than the inner layer and is attached to the inner layer only at the bust. 
     US Patent Application Number 2012/0129425 of Bevans is a woman&#39;s shapewear garment in two layers which are attached as a shell and a lining The garment may be a dress, a jumper, a romper, a top, pants, shorts, or skirt. Compression is obtained by using elastic fabric in all parts of the garment. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,024,892 of Blakely for a woman&#39;s two-ply body-smoothing lower-body undergarment is made by circularly knitting a pair of fabric tubes. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,746,068 of Popa, et al., describes a method of using a circular knitting machine to integrally knit a two-layer lower body garment. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Using breathable knit fabrics with two or preferably, three, multilayers primarily in the abdomen area below the breasts (male and female), these garments thereby avoid uncomfortable compression of the chest area and they do not restrict any clavicle, arm or shoulder movements during exercise. Compressing the abdominal area has an aesthetic component to smooth and hold flab in as well as a physiological component to preventing sagging skin when some body weight is lost during exercise while not restricting breathing. 
     For women, one garment is a body suit (similar to a one-piece bathing suit) with a triple layer abdominal area. The body suit can be worn both an outer garment, or inside other clothes, as an undergarment. The body suit can also be manufactured and worn as a bathing swimsuit, with sun and chlorine resistant water adaptive materials. The first outer layer is the outer portion of the whole garment itself made up of a first compressive sweat-porous layer, while the second middle layer is a second stronger compressive mesh layer in the abdominal area, capable of being compressive and also being porous, to allow sweat to soak therethrough, so that the garment is “breathable”, unlike compressive non-breathable neoprene type non-porous materials. The third inner skin connecting layer is also a first compressive sweat-porous layer. The rear back portions of the garment can be a single layer, a double layer or all three. The parts can be tube formed, but the multilayers are glued, sewn or zippered in place. 
     For the woman&#39;s body suit, the outer layer of the entire garment is preferably made of about 90% nylon and 10% LYCRA® knit, but if there are multi-colored patterns, (stripes, leopard skin, etc.) it will be instead knitted in a knit of about 84% polyester and about 16% LYCRA® because they hold multiple colors better than the nylon/LYCRA® composition. The range of weight for the outer layer is about 100 to 250 grams per square meter (GSM), preferably about 180 GSM. 
     In the body suit, the innermost first compressive sweat-porous layer, of the multilayers, touching the skin has a weight of about 150 to 400 grams per square meter (GSM), preferably about 330 GSM. This area, starting below the breast area is made of a knit of about 65% nylon and about 35% LYCRA®. The middle second stronger compressive layer of the multiple layers is a second stronger compressive, but sweat porous mesh, preferably known as “POWER NET”® mesh, although other meshes can be used. Latex is to be avoided however, since it is known to harbor bacteria and is allergenic to some people. POWER NET® is a textured stretch fabric with tiny holes; it is highly breathable and allows sweat therethrough to the outer layer. It has a weight of preferably about 230 to 250 GSM; instead of the nylon/LYCRA® composition of the other layers, it is about 92% polyester (i.e., a polyamide) and about 8% nylon. The rear back portion of the garment can be three layers, like the front portion (abdominal wrapping around the back) or it can be two layered with the outer layer of about 180 GSM and an inner layer of about 330 GSM but optionally no compressive POWER NET® mesh inner layer. If the rear back portion is one layer it will be more compressible at a weight of about 330 GSM. Other women&#39;s garments of this invention are described in the detailed description. 
     The POWER NET® mesh has a range of sizes for the holes in the mesh, but the holes are porous to permit sweat to pour through. The mesh holes are large enough to provide “breathability” that allow body heat and sweat through the tiny mesh holes. There is therefore a relationship between mesh hole size and the ability to vent sweat. 
     There is another metric which relates hole size to amount of stretch of the power mesh. The materials have a wicking function which is related to fluid dynamics. When the hole dimensions are small, the fibers may be coated or uncoated (hydrophilic or hydrophobic). 
     While dimensions may vary, preferably the holes in the second stronger compressive mesh layer are about 0.25 mm in diameter size. The 0.25 mm holes can go down in size to almost 0.20 mm or up to about 30 mm in size, so that the holes have a diameter in a range of from about 0.20 mm up to 0.30 mm, preferably about 0.25 mm. 
     In a man&#39;s garment, made of similar layers as the woman&#39;s garment, there is provided an open bottomed knitted tee shirt, or other shirt, which is provided with an open bottomed edge, above which is the “below breast” multilayer abdominal area, similar to the abdominal area of the woman&#39;s one piece knitted suit garment. The man&#39;s or woman&#39;s shirt, which can be a tee shirt with short sleeves, or a long-sleeved, or partial sleeved shirt, or tank top with straps, has the same composition of fabrics and multi-layers as the woman&#39;s body suit. The main skin-touching abdominal part is about 65% nylon and 35% LYCRA® at a weight of preferably about 330 GSM; but the rear back portion can be provided in a weight of about 180 GSM in one layer and about 330 GSM in another layer, or in combinations of ranges between about 180 GSM and about 330 GSM thereof. The man&#39;s or woman&#39;s tee shirt also has a similar abdominal layer of sweat porous second stronger compressive mesh, preferably POWER NET® mesh having a weight of about 230 GSM in the middle and about 330 GSM in the skin-touching innermost layer. 
     To summarize, the present invention includes both a multi-layer exercise tee shirt for men (or women) and a multi-layer woman&#39;s body suit garment. 
     The man&#39;s or woman&#39;s shirt, such as a tee shirt, includes an upper area with short, partial-length or full-length sleeves or tank top straps, comprising a layer of knitted fabric made from a mixture of nylon and LYCRA having a weight of about 330 GSM®; and a lower compression abdominal area comprising three layers of knitted fabric, including a middle layer comprised of second stronger compressive but sweat porous mesh fabric and first compressive and sweat porous inner and outer layers of a mixture of nylon and LYCRA®, each having a weight of about 330 GSM. 
     The tee shirt therefore includes an abdominal area including an inner skin contact first compressive porous layer capable of emitting body sweat therethrough, a middle second stronger compressive layer comprising a textured porous compressive mesh layer and an outer sweat porous first compressive layer. Optimally, a side zipper may be provided for opening the compression abdominal area to allow for ease of donning and removing the tee shirt, or the compressive layers can be secured in place by being glued, sewn or otherwise attached. 
     The inner and outer first compressive layers of the tee shirt are made of about 65% nylon and 35% LYCRA®, and the porous, second stronger compressive mesh layer is about 92.5/8 polyester/nylon, and, while other mesh materials may be used, preferably the aforementioned mesh fabric is POWER NET®. 
     A woman&#39;s exercise body shaping romper garment includes a top region of knitted fabric, and a three-layer compression abdominal region below breasts of a wearer comprising a mixture of polyester and LYCRA® knitted fabric, and preferably having a single layer knitted fabric back region below which is a compression region adjacent a crotch of the garment. The compression sweat porous abdominal region includes an inner skin contact first compressive layer capable of emitting body sweat therethrough, a middle second stronger compressive layer comprising a textured porous second stronger compressive mesh layer and an outer sweat porous first compressive layer. 
     Preferably, the exercise body shaping romper garment includes an outer layer comprised of about 84% polyester and 16% LYCRA®. Also, preferably, the porous, second stronger compressive mesh layer is about 92.5/8 polyester/nylon, and, while other mesh materials may be used, preferably the aforementioned mesh fabric is POWER NET®. 
     The present invention for outerwear garments for men or women includes wearable copper fabrics, mixed with elastane, nylon, spandex and/or any flexible fabric or thread to make it more flexible and wearable. The wearable copper fabrics are a combination of copper or silver plated yarn which is knitted or woven with various non-conductive yarns. While any copper based fabrics may be used, preferably the garment&#39;s copper fabrics are derived from the Silverell® line of fabrics, which are used for anti-microbial, fungicidal, RF shielding and/or thermal therapeutic applications in the outerwear garments. 
     In general, the breathable body shaper garment of a man&#39;s or woman&#39;s shirt or a woman&#39;s exercise shapewear garment includes an integral top, abdominal compression area, optional skirt/shorts/pants of knitted fabric (for a woman&#39;s exercise shapewear garment); and an abdominal compression area below the breasts of the wearer including a plurality of at least two layers of a textured sweat porous second stronger compressive mesh fabric and at least one sweat porous first compressive layer. Preferably, the at least two layers includes three or more layers, including at least an inner skin contact first compressive porous layer capable of emitting body sweat therethrough, a middle second stronger compressive layer comprising a textured porous second stronger compressive mesh layer and at least an outer sweat porous first compressive layer. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention can best be understood in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is noted that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments shown in the following drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front elevation of a man&#39;s or woman&#39;s tee shirt of this invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a back elevation of the shirt of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a rear view of another embodiment for a man&#39;s or woman&#39;s tee shirt. 
         FIG. 4  is a front elevation of a women&#39;s exercise body shaping romper suit garment. 
         FIG. 5  is a back elevation of the garment of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 6  is a front elevation of a woman&#39;s garment showing the use of a modesty skirt over the lower part. 
         FIG. 7  is a rear view of the woman&#39;s garment of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a front elevation of an alternate embodiment for a woman&#39;s garment with a halter top portion thereof. 
         FIG. 9  is a rear view of the halter top garment of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded detail view of an alternate brassiere to be used with any of the aforementioned woman&#39;s garment, with slots for insertion of silicone or other synthetic breast inserts or implants. 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded detail view of the torso portion of any of the woman&#39;s garments, shown with a first outer first compressive porous layer, a mid-second stronger compressive porous mesh layer and an inside first compressive porous layer to be placed adjacent to the wearer&#39;s skin. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
     The Figures presented here represent a small sampling of the variety of garments for both men and women that are possible to be produced as both outerwear and undergarments with the features of this invention. All garments are constructed of breathable sweat-wicking material using seamless WKS or similar knitting techniques with compression in the abdominal area. 
       FIG. 1  shows the front of a man&#39;s or woman&#39;s tee shirt  2  with short sleeves  4 , side zipper  10 , lower compression area  8 , and upper region  6 . Dashed outlines  12  show the alternative embodiment as a tank top. Zipper  10  is used for ease of donning because of the compression region  8 .  FIGS. 2 and 3  show the back of tee shirt  2  with back panel  14 . Top region  6 , sleeves  4  (if used), and back  14  are 330 GSM 65% nylon/35% LYCRA®. Region  8  compression area consists of three layers, outer layer is the same as the top and back, inner layer (skin contact) is also the same 330 GSM 65/35 nylon/LYCRA®, the middle layer is POWER NET® mesh 92.5/8 polyester/nylon. The abdominal compression area  8  includes an inner skin contact first compressive porous layer capable of emitting body sweat therethrough, a middle second stronger compressive layer comprising a textured porous second stronger compressive mesh layer and an outer sweat porous first compressive layer. The difference between  FIGS. 2 and 3  is that  FIG. 2  shows the zipper  10  for insertion of the second stronger compressive mesh layer  8  into a pocket of the tee shirt garment  2 , but  FIG. 3  shows where the second stronger compressive layer  8  is sewn into the tee shirt  2  in the abdominal region thereof. The man&#39;s or woman&#39;s tee short can also be a sleeveless tank top or a full or partial length sleeved tee shirt. 
       FIGS. 4 and 5  illustrate an exercise body shaping romper garment suitable for gymnastics or gym use in general. It can be paired with bottom covering shorts, pants or skirt for use as active wear. In  FIG. 3 , garment  20  has a top region  24  and a three-layer compression abdominal region  22  (below the breasts). It has snaps in the crotch area (not shown). Although shown as short sleeves  26 , half sleeve  21  and full sleeve  23  extents are indicated. Since a bright pattern is used, the outer layer is 84% polyester and 16% LYCRA® because this holds color and patterns better than a 90% nylon and 10% LYCRA®. In  FIG. 4 , double back  28  panel is shown. A single layer fabric back region (not shown) may be provided below the compression zone and adjacent to the crotch. The abdominal compression area  22  includes three layers, such as shown in  FIG. 11 , including an inner skin contact first compressive porous layer capable of emitting body sweat therethrough, a middle second stronger compressive layer comprising a textured porous second stronger compressive mesh layer and an outer sweat porous first compressive layer. The garment can cover at least a shoulder clavicle area of the wearer, with optional spaghetti straps, tank top straps. short sleeves, half sleeves, partial length sleeves or full-length sleeves. 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  show front and rear views of a body shaper garment  50  with an integral top  51  and a modesty skirt  64 . A triple layer abdominal region  60  compresses the tummy below the breasts. As shown, it is a sleeveless tank  52 , but short sleeve  54 , mid sleeve  56  and long sleeve  58  lengths are also shown. Since the garment itself  50  can be a body suit with crotch wide gusset for bathroom use, as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , a lower covering is required for use as outerwear. Skirt  64  can be replaced by shorts or pants. The abdominal compression area  60  includes an inner skin contact first compressive porous layer capable of emitting body sweat therethrough, a middle second stronger compressive layer comprising a textured porous second stronger compressive mesh layer and an outer sweat porous first compressive layer.  FIG. 7  shows the optional zipper  10  for insertion of the second stronger compressive mesh layer  8  into a pocket of the body shaper garment  50 . 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  show an alternate embodiment for front and rear views of a woman&#39;s garment  70  with a compressive triple layer abdominal portion  78  and a sleeveless strap top portion  72  thereof, where the breasts are exposed and are covered with an outer blouse or shirt (not shown). Variable length leg covering portions are shown, including mid-thigh length portions  74 , knee length portions  76  and below the knee length portions  78 . 
       FIG. 10  shows an alternate brassiere  80  to be used with any of the aforementioned woman&#39;s garments  20 ,  50  or  70 , with pockets  84  having slots  86  for insertion of silicone or other synthetic breast inserts or implants  88  or  89  therein. 
     In conclusion,  FIG. 11  shows the torso portion  91  of a woman&#39;s garment  90 , shown with the torso portion  91  (below the breasts) having first outer first compressive porous layer  92 , a middle second stronger compressive porous mesh layer  94  and an inside first compressive porous layer  96 , (shown in a bracket for the torso portion  91  in an exploded view) to be placed adjacent to the wearer&#39;s skin. The other woman&#39;s garments  20 ,  50  and  70  shown in drawing  FIGS. 4 and 5, 6 and 7 , as well as  8  and  9 , respectively, also have three layer abdominal portions similar to abdominal portion  91  of  FIG. 11 , with first outer first compressive porous layer  92 , a middle second stronger compressive porous mesh layer  94  and an inside first compressive porous layer  96  to be placed adjacent to the wearer&#39;s skin. 
     The man&#39;s or woman&#39;s tee shirt  2  of  FIGS. 1, 2 and 3  can also have three layer compressive abdominal portion  8 , similar to abdominal portion  91  of the woman&#39;s garment  90  shown in  FIG. 11 , also having first outer first compressive porous layer  92 , a middle second stronger compressive porous mesh layer  94  and an inside first compressive porous layer  96  to be placed adjacent to the wearer&#39;s skin. 
     In the foregoing description, certain terms and visual depictions are used to illustrate the preferred embodiment. However, no unnecessary limitations are to be construed by the terms used or illustrations depicted beyond what is shown in the prior art, since the teams and illustrations are exemplary only, and are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention.