Abstract:
The invention is an undergarment designed to assist a brassiere in providing lift and improved cleavage to the bust while also acting as slimming shape wear. The undergarment is worn over a brassiere. The cup-less design provides a level of lift that an ordinary brassiere on its own cannot produce. In addition, the undergarment acts as a slimming shape wear garment. The material is wider under the arm, smoothing bulges created by the brassiere.

Description:
[0001]    This application is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/287,050 filed Oct. 3, 2008 which claims priority on U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/063,579, filed Feb. 4, 2008. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention is directed to an article of apparel to assist the bra. More specifically the invention is directed to an apparel apparatus designed to lift the bust and improve cleavage more than a normal brassiere can do on its own. It also improves posture and smoothes away bulges a regular brassiere creates under the arm of the wearer. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    This present invention relates to a new distinct means and method of enhancing the bust similar to how a push up brassiere functions. Because it shapes a woman&#39;s figure, it is considered a foundation/undergarment. 
         [0004]    The present invention is the combination of a brassiere without cups, and a slimming shape wear garment. The objective of this invention is to naturally enhance the breast shape by lifting the breasts and creating a bigger cleavage, while smoothing underarm area and maximizing posture. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention is a revolutionary shaper for the bust. It is a product worn over a regular brassiere to enhance the overall look and shape of the bust; specifically to create a more distinctly defined, visibly discernable cleavage. The garment provides a level of lift that an ordinary bra on its own does not deliver. 
         [0006]    The invention also improves posture and smoothes and flattens bulges an ordinary bra creates at the underarms and back. 
         [0007]    It is constructed of soft, stretchable microfiber encasing a thin layer of stretch foam so it is comfortable, pliable and soft to the skin. There are no elastics on the wings, only soft yet strong microfiber. 
         [0008]    There is a main rear panel that is positioned on the back of the user. Extending from the main rear panel are first and second side bands that extend from opposite ends of the rear panel under the arms of the wearer and along the user&#39;s sides. The first and second side panels are joined at the front of the user, just under the breasts. The main rear panel has first and second straps that extend from either side near the top of the main rear panel and over the shoulder of the wearer. The straps are secured to the first and second side panels at the front of the wearer. The side panels are connected together under the breasts by hook and eye. It is possible to imagine other configurations for connecting the two panels. The bustwear of the present invention provides the user with a more naturally enhanced look, while at the same time providing the woman with suitable back support, posture, and underarm smoothness. The straps are secured to the undergarment accessory by traditional sewing as are the side panels to the main back panel. The present invention can be made using heat seals throughout the entire structure. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a front view of the undergarment accessory of the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a rear view of the undergarment accessory of the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention where the undergarment accessory is a midriff length. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a rear view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention where the undergarment accessory is a “long-line” length i.e., to about just past the hips of the user. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a rear view of the alternative embodiment of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention where the undergarment accessory is a “slip length” i.e., to about the thighs of the user. 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a rear view of the alternative embodiment of  FIG. 7 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0017]    The present invention is bustwear that is to be worn in collaboration with the brassiere. In a preferred embodiment the bust wear is worn over the brassiere. The present invention is constructed by laminating fabric to foam. The material of the present invention is preferably constructed from a ⅛ inch foam sheet that has microfiber laminated on both sides of the foam. However it is possible to imagine a range of thicknesses for the foam sheet. This laminated foam may then be cut into three separate pieces, acting as the rear panel and two side panels. These three pieces are then sewn together using traditional sewing methods to create the actual bustwear invention. 
         [0018]    As seen in  FIG. 1 , there is a bustwear article  10  that has a first panel  11  and a second panel  12 . The first and second panels extend from the main rear panel of the bustwear  14 . The first panel has a front end  15  and a rear end  16 . The rear end  16  is preferably sewn to the main rear panel  14  at seam  17  that extends from top edge  18  to the bottom edge  19 . There is a first extension  20  that extends upwardly between first top edge  18  and second top edge  21 . A strap  22  is secured to the first extension  20 . One of the advantages of the present invention is that the strap may be secured to the first extension by a sewn seam. 
         [0019]    The strap has a ring  23  and a slide  24 . The first extension  20  has a tip  25  that is folded over the ring  23  and sewn onto the first extension  20 . The tip  25  passes through the ring  23  and is positioned on the front or the rear of the first extension  20  where the tip may be secured to the first extension  20 , via traditional sewing methods. The strap length is adjusted using a slide. One end of the strap is fixed to the slide. The strap is weaved through the slide. As the slide is adjusted on the strap, the farther the slide moves from the ring, the shorter the straps length from the ring to the rear main panel. 
         [0020]    The main rear panel  14  has a bottom edge  26 , a first side edge  27  and a second side edge  28 . The first side edge  27  is secured to the first band  11  at seam  16 . The main rear panel has a top edge  29  that is separated from the second side edge  28  by first panel extension  30 . First panel extension  30  has the end  31  of the strap sewn thereto. 
         [0021]    The front end  15  of the band  11  is secured to a first front panel  32  by traditional sewing  37 . The front panel has a set of hooks thereon that connect to a second front panel  34  that is provided with a plurality of eyes for securing the bustwear in position. As with the case of the straps, the first front panel  32  is secured to the first band  11  by traditional sewing. 
         [0022]    The second panel  12  has a front end  41  and a rear end  42 . The rear end  42  is preferably sewn to the main rear panel  14  at seam  46  that extends from top edge  43  to the bottom edge  44 . There is a first extension  45  that extends upwardly between the first top edge  43  and a second top edge  47 . The strap  48  is secured to the first extension  45 . One of the advantages of the present invention is that the strap  48  may be secured to the first extension  45  by a sewn seam. 
         [0023]    The strap has a ring  49  and a slide  50 . The first extension  45  has a tip  51  that is folded over the ring  49  and sewn onto the first extension  45 . The tip  51  passes through the ring  49  and is positioned on the front or the rear of the first extension  45  where the tip may be secured to the first extension  45 , via traditional sewing methods. 
         [0024]    The main rear panel  14  has a top edge  29  that is separated from the second side edge  52  by a second panel extension  53 . The second panel extension  53  has the end  54  of the strap sewn thereto. 
         [0025]    The front end  55  of the band  12  is secured to a second front panel  34  by traditional sewing. As with the case of the straps, the first front panel  34  is secured to the first band  12  by traditional sewing. When worn, the bustwear of the present invention provides the user with a more naturally enhanced bust, greater cleavage, improves posture and back support, while smoothing underarm and back bulge often associated with a regular brassiere. 
         [0026]    In using any of the embodiments of the present invention, the user&#39;s brassiere should be adjusted properly. The shoulder strap adjusters on the regular bra should be properly tightened and they should be adjusted to provide the maximum lift. The hook closure on the regular bra should be checked to make sure that there is a comfortable fit, not too tight and not too loose. 
         [0027]    The garment of the present invention is positioned over the user&#39;s regular bra by sliding, etc. The hook closure is in the front of the user. The same adjustments are made to the straps as for the regular bra and a snug but comfortable row of hooks is selected. The higher the shoulder strap adjusters are raised, the more the garment accentuates the user&#39;s cleavage. 
         [0028]      FIGS. 3 and 4  show an alternate embodiment of the present invention. In these figures there is a garment that smooths and shapes the midriff area of a user i.e., the area generally between the chest and the waist. If more smoothing is desired, a “long line” body shaping garment can be used. This is shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6  where there is a longer body shaping and smoothing portion than the midriff version of  FIGS. 3 and 4 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the smoothing and shaping portion extends from the chest to about the hips.  FIGS. 7 and 8  show an alternate embodiment where the garment provides a more significant area of smoothing and shaping. The embodiments of  FIGS. 7 and 8  show a body shaping slip that extends from the bust down the waist and over the thighs to provide a smooth and more shapely silhouette. 
         [0029]    As seen in  FIG. 3 , there is a midriff bustwear article  110  that has a first panel  111  and a second panel  112 . The first and second panels extend from the main rear panel of the bustwear  114 . The first panel has a front end  115  and a rear end  116 . The rear end  116  is preferably sewn to the main rear panel  114  at seam  117  that extends from top edge  118  to the bottom edge  119 . There is a first extension  120  that extends upwardly between first top edge  118  and second top edge  121 . A strap  122  is secured to the first extension  120 . One of the advantages of the present invention is that the strap may be secured to the first extension by a sewn seam. 
         [0030]    The strap has a ring  123  and a slide  124 . The first extension  120  has a tip  125  that is folded over the ring  123  and sewn onto the first extension  120 . The tip  125  passes through the ring  123  and is positioned on the front or the rear of the first extension  120  where the tip may be secured to the first extension  120 , via traditional sewing methods. The strap length is adjusted using a slide. One end of the strap is fixed to the slide. The strap is weaved through the slide. As the slide is adjusted on the strap, the farther the slide moves from the ring, the shorter the straps length from the ring to the rear main panel. 
         [0031]    The main rear panel  114  has a bottom edge  126 , a first side edge  127  and a second side edge  128 . The first side edge  127  is secured to the first band  111  at seam  116 . The main rear panel has a top edge  129  that is separated from the second side edge  128  by first panel extension  130 . First panel extension  130  has the end  131  of the strap sewn thereto. 
         [0032]    The front end  115  of the band  111  is secured to a first front panel  132  by traditional sewing  137 . The front panel has a set of hooks  138  thereon that connect to a second front panel  134  that is provided with a plurality of eyes for securing the bustwear in position. As with the case of the straps, the first front panel  132  is secured to the first band  111  by traditional sewing. 
         [0033]    The second panel  112  has a front end  141  and a rear end  142 . The rear end  142  is preferably sewn to the main rear panel  114  at seam  146  that extends from top edge  143  to the bottom edge  144 . There is a first extension  145  that extends upwardly between the first top edge  143  and a second top edge  147 . The strap  148  is secured to the first extension  145 . One of the advantages of the present invention is that the strap  148  may be secured to the first extension  145  by a sewn seam. 
         [0034]    The strap has a ring  149  and a slide  150 . The first extension  145  has a tip  151  that is folded over the ring  149  and sewn onto the first extension  145 . The tip  151  passes through the ring  149  and is positioned on the front or the rear of the first extension  145  where the tip may be secured to the first extension  145 , via traditional sewing methods. 
         [0035]    The main rear panel  114  has a top edge  129  that is separated from the second side edge  152  by a second panel extension  153 . The second panel extension  153  has the end  154  of the strap sewn thereto. 
         [0036]    The front end  155  of the band  112  is secured to a second front panel  134  by traditional sewing. As with the case of the straps, the first front panel  134  is secured to the first band  112  by traditional sewing. 
         [0037]    Extending from the bottom edge  119  of the first panel  111  is a first midriff panel  160  that has a top edge  161  and a bottom edge  162 . Joining the top edge  161  and bottom edge  162  are front end  163  and rear end  164 . Front end  163  is secured to first front panel  135  by any suitable means such as stitching. The rear end  164  of the first midriff panel is secured to rear midriff panel  175 . The first front panel  135  has a plurality of eyes for securing to the hooks on the second front panel  134 . 
         [0038]    Extending from bottom edge  144  of second panel  112  is a second midriff panel  170  that has a top edge  171  and a bottom edge  172 . Joining the top edge  171  and bottom edge  172  are front end  173  and rear end  176 . Front end  173  is secured to second front panel  134  by any suitable means such as stitching, an adhesive, etc. 
         [0039]    The rear end  176  of the second midriff panel  170  is secured to the rear midriff panel  175 . The rear midriff panel is preferably a separate panel that extends from the main rear panel  114 . The bottom edge  177  of the midriff panels  160 ,  170  and  175  is preferably an elastic band sewn or heat sealed to the bottom edge. 
         [0040]    The midriff smoothing and shaping panels  160  and  170  are preferably made of the same material as the panels  11 ,  12  and  14 , i.e., a microfiber material. Shaping panels  160  and  170  may be a single panel each or multiple panels as desired. While there is a foam core in the panels  11 ,  12  and  14  the smoothing and shaping panels  160  and  170  preferably have no foam. Panel  175  is preferably made of a power mesh. A power mesh is a fine woven medium weight mesh with four way stretch. Power mesh is soft and stretchy providing comfort stability and ventilation. Power mesh is preferably a blend of nylon and spandex. A preferred composition is 90% nylon and 10% spandex. The foam of the panels  11 ,  12  and  14  is preferably a ⅛ inch foam sheet that has a microfiber fabric laminated on one or both sides of the foam sheet. The laminated foam sheet may then be cut, such as by a die cutting blade, into the panels necessary for forming the garment. 
         [0041]    Turning to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , there is an embodiment that is called a “long line” version. This garment extends generally from the chest to the hip area on a user. 
         [0042]    Extending from the bottom edge  119  of the first panel  111  is a first “long line” panel  260  that has a top edge  261  and a bottom edge  262 . Joining the top edge  261  and bottom edge  262  are front end  263  and rear end  264 . Front end  263  is secured to first front panel  135  by any suitable means such as stitching. The rear end  264  of the first “long line” panel is secured to rear “long line” panel  275 . The first front panel  135  has a plurality of hooks for securing to the eyes on the second front panel  134 . 
         [0043]    Extending from bottom edge  144  of second panel  112  is a second “long line” panel  270  that has a top edge  271  and a bottom edge  272 . Joining the top edge  271  and bottom edge  272  are front end  273  and rear end  274 . Front end  273  is secured to second front panel  134  by any suitable means. The long line panels  260  and  270  may be a single panel or may be multiple panels secured together such as by sewing or other suitable means. 
         [0044]    The rear end  274  of the second “long line” panel  270  is secured to the rear “long line” panel  275 . The rear midriff panel is preferably a separate panel that extends from the main rear panel  114 . The bottom edge  277  of the “long line” panel  260 ,  270  and  275  are preferably a silicone elastic strip that is sewn or heat sealed to the panels  260 ,  270 , and  275 . 
         [0045]      FIGS. 7 and 8  show a slip version of the present invention. 
         [0046]    Extending from the bottom edge  119  of the first panel  111  is a first slip panel  360  that has a top edge  361  and a bottom edge  362  and two rear ends  363  and  364 . The rear ends  363  and  364  are secured to rear slip panel  375 . Rear slip panel  375  has a top surface  376 , a bottom surface  377  and two opposite side surfaces  378  and  379 . The two rear ends  363  and  364  are secured to the slip panel side edges  378  and  379  by any suitable means such as by stitches or an adhesive. The slip version provides shaping over a greater portion of the user&#39;s body than the midriff version or the “long line” version. The bottom edge  377  of the “long line” panel  360 ,  370  and  375  are preferably a silicone elastic strip that is sewn or heat sealed to the panels  360 ,  370 , and  375 . 
         [0047]    The slip panel  360  has a top portion  380  and  381  that are secured to the first front panel  134  and the second front panel  135  that are used to secure the ends of the support portion of the garment. Rear long line panel  275  and slip panel  375  are preferably made with a power mesh material. If desired the garment may be lined with a power mesh material as an additional layer or as one of the panels itself.