Abstract:
Shapewear garments and garment systems are provided for comfortable yet effective postural and body shape improvement. The shapewear garment as described herein includes a plurality of support bands on a rear portion of a torso body of the shapewear garment to provide effective support for different areas of the back and spine to achieve more balanced posture as well as a psychological boost from a slimmer, smoother body shape.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/069,646, filed Oct. 28, 2014, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Some people tend to transform their physical appearances to prevent low self-esteem due to body image attitudes that may be based on how the media portrays the body. There have been many attempts to develop body shaping products that address this issue and provide a body shape which is slim and curvy. For example, some shapewear garments transform a body silhouette and create an illusion of an hourglass figure. Some shapewear garments may have negative effects on health, such as gastric reflux and compressed stomach or intestines. Many women may wear shapewear garments to improve body appearance even though the shapewear garment may be uncomfortable and provide these negative effects. However, some types of shapewear garments or corsets may actually improve body posture and ease back pain. 
         [0003]    Human posture may be an important factor in improving body image because poor posture may make a person feel tired, ill, and unattractive. Many products have been designed to improve posture called posture correctors or back supporters. However, these products may be uncomfortable due to rigid materials that stress skin and limit mobility making everyday use of these products difficult. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    In general terms, this disclosure is directed to shareware garments and garment systems for posture improvement. In one possible configuration and by non-limiting example, the shareware garment includes a plurality of support bands attached on a rear portion of the garment. Various aspects are described in this disclosure, which include, but are not limited to, the following aspects. 
         [0005]    One aspect is a garment including a torso body and a plurality of support bands. The torso body has a front portion and a rear portion and includes a neck opening, a right arm opening, a left arm opening, a right leg opening, a left leg opening, a waist region, a right underarm region, and a left underarm region. The waist region is located around the torso body between the arm openings and the leg openings and includes a left waist region, a right waist region, and a low waist region between the left and right waist regions. The low waist region includes an area of the shapewear garment that is located on or adjacent the lumbar vertebrae 1 to 5 (L1-L5) of a wearer. The right underarm region is located adjacent the right arm opening between the right arm opening and the right leg opening. The left underarm region is located adjacent the left arm opening between the left arm opening and the left leg opening. The plurality of support bands is attached to the rear portion of the torso body. Each support band extends between (1) one of the neck opening, the right arm opening, the left arm opening, the right leg opening, the left leg opening, the left waist region, the right waist region, the low waist region, and right underarm region, and the left underarm region and (2) another of the neck opening, the right arm opening, the left arm opening, the right leg opening, the left leg opening, the left waist region, the right waist region, the low waist region, and right underarm region, and the left underarm region. Further, at least two of the support bands intersect at an intersection on the rear portion of the torso body. 
         [0006]    In certain examples, the plurality of support bands includes first, second, third, and fourth support bands. The first support band extends from the left underarm region toward the right waist region on the rear portion of the torso body. The second support band extends from the right underarm region toward the left waist region on the rear portion of the torso body. The first support band and the second support band intersect proximate an intersection. The third support band extends from the low waist region toward the neck opening on the rear portion of the torso body. The fourth support band extends from a first location between the right shoulder strap region and the right underarm region toward a second location between the left shoulder strap region and the left underarm region on the rear portion of the torso body. 
         [0007]    In certain examples, the plurality of support bands includes first, second, third, fourth, and fifth support bands. The first support band extends from the left underarm region toward the right waist region on the rear portion of the torso body. The second support band extends from the right underarm region toward the left waist region on the rear portion of the torso body. The first support band and the second support band intersect proximate an intersection. The third support band extends from the low waist region toward the neck opening on the rear portion of the torso body. The fourth support band extends between the right shoulder strap region and left shoulder strap region on the rear portion of the torso body. The fifth support band extends from the first location between the right shoulder strap region and the right underarm region toward the second location between the left shoulder strap region and the left underarm region on the rear portion of the torso body. 
         [0008]    In certain examples, the plurality of support bands includes first, second, third, fourth, and fifth support bands. The first support band extends from the left underarm region toward the right waist region on the rear portion of the torso body. The second support band extends from the right underarm region toward the left waist region on the rear portion of the torso body. The first support band and the second support band intersect proximate an intersection. The third support band extends from the low waist region toward the neck opening on the rear portion of the torso body. The fourth support band extends from the right shoulder strap region toward a third location between the left arm opening and the left leg opening on the rear portion of the torso body. The fifth support band extends from the left shoulder strap region toward a fourth location between the right arm opening and the right leg opening on the rear portion of the torso body. 
         [0009]    In certain examples, the plurality of support bands includes first, second, third, fourth, and fifth support bands. The first support band extends from the left underarm region toward the right waist region on the rear portion of the torso body. The second support band extends from the right underarm region toward the left waist region on the rear portion of the torso body. The first support band and the second support band intersect proximate an intersection. The third support band extends from the low waist region toward the neck opening on the rear portion of the torso body. The fourth support band extends from the right shoulder strap region toward the fourth location between the right arm opening and the right leg opening on the rear portion of the torso body. The fifth support band extends from the left shoulder strap region toward the third location between the left arm opening and the left leg opening on the rear portion of the torso body. 
         [0010]    In certain examples, the plurality of support bands includes first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth support bands. The first support band extends from the left underarm region toward the right waist region on the rear portion of the torso body. The second support band extends from the right underarm region toward the left waist region on the rear portion of the torso body. The first support band and the second support band intersect proximate an intersection. The third support band extends from the low waist region toward the neck opening on the rear portion of the torso body. The fourth support band extends between the right and left arm opening on the rear portion of the torso body. The fifth support band extends from the fourth support band toward a right shoulder strap region on the rear portion of the torso body. The sixth support band extends from the fourth support band toward a left shoulder strap region on the rear portion of the torso body. The fifth and sixth support bands are transverse to the fourth support band. 
         [0011]    Another aspect is a garment system including the garment described herein and a brief panty. The brief panty includes a waist support band positioned around a waist of the brief panty, and the brief panty defines an inside of the brief panty and an outside of the brief panty. In certain examples, the waist support band is folded downward from the waist of the brief panty and on the inside of the brief panty. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  illustrates a front view of one embodiment of a shapewear garment. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  illustrates a rear view of the shapewear garment of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 3A  illustrates an inside view of one embodiment of a back torso lining of a shapewear garment including four support bands. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3B  illustrates a rear view of one embodiment of a full-length shapewear garment including the back torso lining to illustrate the locations of the back support bands. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  illustrates a front view of one embodiment of a shapewear garment including a wide opening crotch. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  illustrates a rear view of the shapewear garment of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  illustrates the rear view of one embodiment of a full-length shapewear garment including a back torso lining to illustrate locations of back support bands as well as waist and abdomen support locations of an optional brief panty. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7A  illustrates a front view of one embodiment of a brief panty to cover the crotch opening of a full-length shapewear garment and including a support waist band to support a waist area. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7B  illustrates a rear view of the brief panty of  FIG. 7A . 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  illustrates a rear view of one embodiment of a shapewear garment and the brief panty placed over the shapewear garment to support the waist. 
           [0022]      FIG. 9A  illustrates a front view of the brief panty of  FIG. 7A , having the support waist band folded downwardly from a waist line to an inside of the panty around an abdomen line. 
           [0023]      FIG. 9B  illustrates a rear view of the brief panty element of  FIG. 9A . 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  illustrates a rear view of one embodiment of a shapewear garment and the brief panty placed over the shapewear garment to support the abdomen. 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  illustrates a front view of one embodiment of a shapewear garment. 
           [0026]      FIG. 12  illustrates a rear view of the shapewear garment of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 13  illustrates a front view of one embodiment of a shapewear garment including a wide opening crotch. 
           [0028]      FIG. 14  illustrates a rear view of the shapewear garment of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 15  illustrates an inside view of one embodiment of a back torso lining of a shapewear garment including four support bands. 
           [0030]      FIG. 16  illustrates an inside view of one embodiment of a back torso lining of a shapewear garment including five support bands. 
           [0031]      FIG. 17  illustrates an inside view of one embodiment of a back torso lining of a shapewear garment including five support bands. 
           [0032]      FIG. 18  illustrates an inside view of one embodiment of a back torso lining of a shapewear garment including six support bands. 
           [0033]      FIG. 19  illustrates an inside view of one embodiment of a back torso lining of a shapewear garment including four support bands. 
           [0034]      FIG. 20  illustrates an inside view of one embodiment of a back torso lining of a shapewear garment including five support bands. 
           [0035]      FIG. 21  illustrates an inside view of one embodiment of a back torso lining of a shapewear garment including five support bands. 
           [0036]      FIG. 22  illustrates an inside view of one embodiment of a back torso lining of a shapewear garment including five support bands. 
           [0037]      FIG. 23  illustrates an inside view of one embodiment of a back torso lining of a shapewear garment including four support bands. 
           [0038]      FIG. 24  illustrates an inside view of one embodiment of a back torso lining of a shapewear garment and a bottom panel of the shapewear garment including four support bands. 
           [0039]      FIG. 25A  illustrates a visual analysis scan of one posture from the back of the human body for four different wearing conditions. 
           [0040]      FIG. 25B  illustrates a visual analysis scan of one posture from the side of the human body for four different wearing conditions. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0041]    Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. 
         [0042]    The present disclosure relates generally to shapewear garments and garment systems for posture improvement. 
         [0043]    Soft structural support shapewear garments and garment systems as described herein may provide effective support in improving posture and body shape. 
         [0044]    Some embodiments described herein include a shapewear garment including a torso body configured to be worn around at least a portion of a human body (e.g., torso, full body, from upper back to mid-thigh, etc.). In some embodiments, at least some embodiments of the shapewear garment  100  according to the present disclosure may be applied to an existing product (e.g., a “Self Expressions” bodysuit by Maidenform Brands, etc.). In other embodiments, the shapewear garment may be specifically designed and manufactured as described herein. The shapewear garment may feature an open bust area so that a person may wear their own bra in addition to the shapewear garment. The type of shapewear garment used may be based on the shapewear garment being designed to, e.g., provide overall definition to the middle part of the body, lift the hips, flatten the tummy and/or provide a defined waistline. In some embodiments, the shapewear garment may be a part of a garment system that includes a separate brief panty. The shapewear garment may include a plurality of openings (e.g., neck opening, right arm opening, left arm opening, right leg opening, left leg opening, lower body opening, crotch opening, etc.) to allow the shapewear garment to be configured to be worn on the human body. The shapewear garment may also include a variety of garment foundations (e.g., one-piece, torso/back panel, etc.). 
         [0045]    In some embodiments, the shapewear garment may include notable regions (e.g., waist region, right underarm region, left underarm region, etc.) to assist in construction of the shapewear garment. The waist region may be located around the torso body of the shapewear garment between the arm openings and the leg/lower body openings, generally in a waist area of the human body. The waist region may include a right waist region, a left waist region and a low waist region between the right and left waist regions. In this document, the low waist region can include a region of the shapewear garment that is located on or adjacent the lumbar vertebrae 1 to 5 (L1-L5) of a wearer. The right underarm region may be located between the right arm opening and the right leg opening and closer to the right arm opening than the right leg opening. The left underarm region may be located between the left arm opening and the left leg opening and closer to the left arm opening than the left leg opening. 
         [0046]      FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrates a front and rear view of one embodiment of a shapewear garment  100 . The shapewear garment  100  may include a torso body  101  having a front portion  102  and a rear portion  104  that are configured to be positioned on the front and rear portion of a human body, respectively. In some embodiments, the front and rear portions  102 ,  104  may define a tubular article configured to fit on the torso of a wearer. The front portion  102  of the shapewear garment  100  may include a front torso panel  106  and an open-bust panel  108 . The open-bust panel  108  may be made of a stretchable fabric (e.g., 80% nylon and 20% spandex/elastane, etc.). The front torso panel  106  may also be made of a stretchable fabric (e.g., about 80% nylon and about 20% spandex/elastane, etc.). 
         [0047]    The fabric used to construct the shapewear garment  100  may have any suitable firmness characteristic and the illustrative examples of fabrics specifically identified herein are only examples of the multitude of other fabrics that may be used in connection with the shapewear garments  100  described herein. The rear portion  104  may include multiple back torso side panels  110  and a center back princess panel  112  (collectively, the back torso side panels  110  and the center back princess panel  112  can be referred to herein as a back torso panel  113 ). The rear portion  104  may be made of similar or different fabrics from the front portion  102  or the front torso panel  106 . The front torso panel  106  may be connected to each back torso side panel  110  along a seam. The center back princess panel  112  may be connected to each back torso side panel  110  along a seam  116 . The seam  116  may be stitched (e.g., single top zigzag stitch, etc.) to secure the panels to each other while potentially adding decoration and/or extra strength to the shapewear garment  100 . The seams  116  may also provide added tension to the front and rear portions  102 ,  104 . 
         [0048]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the shapewear garment  100  may include a shoulder strap  118  on each side of a neck opening  120 . A first end  122  of the shoulder strap  118  may be attached to the front portion  102  and a second end  124  of the shoulder strap  118  may be attached to the rear portion  104 . The first end  122  of the shoulder strap  118  may be attached to the front torso panel  106  or the open-bust panel  108 . The second end  124  of the shoulder strap  118  may be attached to the back torso side panel  110  or the center back princess panel  112 . The shoulder straps  118  may be attached to the shapewear garment  100  by, e.g., stitches, fasteners, buttons, snaps, etc. In some embodiments, the shoulder straps  118  may be made of, e.g., elastic trim materials, etc. The shoulder straps  118  may include any suitable width, e.g., about 2 inches, about 1 inch, about 0.6 inches, or about 0.4 inches. In other embodiments, the shoulder straps  118  may be one continuous portion of material with the rest of the shapewear garment  100  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 11-14 ). 
         [0049]    In some embodiments, the shapewear garment  100  may include a back torso lining  126  inserted into the inside of the back torso panel  113 . The torso lining  126  may be made of, e.g., polyester, etc. In one or more embodiments, the torso lining  126  may be constructed of a stretchable and thin fabric. 
         [0050]    The shapewear garment  100  may include support bands positioned on the rear portion  104  of the shapewear garment  100 . In some embodiments, the shapewear garment  100  may include less than four support bands. In other embodiments, the shapewear garment  100  includes four support bands. In yet other embodiments, the shapewear garment  100  includes more than four support bands. 
         [0051]    The shapewear garment  100  may include one or more support bands positioned on the rear portion  104  of the shapewear garment  100  in various manners. In some embodiments, the support bands may be integrated into the back torso lining  126  or the back torso panels (including the back torso side panels  110  and the center back princess panel  112 ). In other embodiments, the support bands may be attached to the back torso lining  126 . In other embodiments, the support bands may be attached to the back torso panels. In other embodiments, the support bands may be located in between the back torso lining  126  and the back torso panels. In other embodiments, the support bands are positioned outside of the rear torso panels. In yet other embodiments, the support bands can be positioned in other locations. 
         [0052]    The support bands may include any suitable width, e.g., about 3 inches, about 2 inches, about 1 inch, about 0.5 inches, etc. In some embodiments, the support bands may be made of the same fabric as the shapewear garment  100 . In other embodiments, the support bands can be made of a different fabric than the shapewear garment  100 . In some embodiments, the support bands can be made of, e.g., about 68% nylon and 32% spandex/elastane. In other embodiments, the support bands can be made of stretchable materials. In yet other embodiments, the support bands can be made of elastic trims. Other materials are also possible. In some embodiments, the support bands may define a shape that is, e.g., straight, bent, curved, or shaped in a way conducive to support. In some embodiments, the support bands may define a cross-sectional shape (e.g., square, circle, rectangular, etc.). 
         [0053]    As shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the depicted illustrative embodiments of the shapewear garment  100  may include four support bands  150 ,  152 ,  154 , and  156 . In this example, it is illustrated that the support bands are attached to the back torso lining  126  (e.g., an inside  127  thereof), and the back torso lining  126  is then attached to, or inserted into, the rear portion  104  of the torso body  101 , as shown in  FIG. 3B . However, the support bands can be positioned on the rear portion  104  of the torso body  101  in various manners as described above. 
         [0054]    A first support band  150  of the four support bands may extend from a left underarm region  160  toward a right waist region  162  on the rear portion  104  of the torso body  101 . A second support band  152  of the four support bands may extend from a right underarm region  164  toward a left waist region  166  on the rear portion  104  of the torso body  101 . In some embodiments, the first and second support bands  150 ,  152  may extend all the way from a seam  114  on one side of the shapewear garment  100  to a seam  114  on the opposite side of the shapewear garment  100 . The first and second support bands  150 ,  152  may intersect at an intersection point  168  so that the first and second support bands  150 ,  152  may define, e.g., an X-shape. In some embodiments, the first and second support bands  150 ,  152  may be substantially transverse to one another proximate the intersection  168 . 
         [0055]    A third support band  154  of the four support bands may extend from a low waist region  170  toward a center of the neck opening  120  on the rear portion  104  of the torso body  101 . In some embodiments, the third support band  154  may be oriented such that the third support band  154  is substantially vertical when a wearer is standing upright. In some embodiments, the third support band  154  is arranged such that, when the shapewear garment  100  is worn, the third support band  154  extends from the upper spine region (e.g., cervical vertebra 7, C7) to the lower spine region (e.g., lumbar vertebra 5, L5) of a wearer. 
         [0056]    A fourth support band  156  of the four support bands may extend between the right and left arm openings  174 ,  176  on the rear portion  104  of the torso body  101 . In some embodiments, the fourth support band  156  may be oriented such that the fourth support band  156  is substantially horizontal when a wearer is standing upright. In one or more embodiments, the third and fourth support bands  154 ,  156  may be transverse to one another. As used herein to describe the orientation of bands and other components with respect to each other, the term “transverse” can include perpendicular as well as nearly perpendicular (e.g., ±10 degrees from perpendicular). In some embodiments, the third and fourth support bands  154 ,  156  define, e.g., a T-shape. The T-shape defined by the third and fourth support bands  154 ,  156  may provide support to the spine to help with scoliosis by potentially improving abnormal curvatures of the spine. The first and second support bands  150 ,  152  may provide a dual support to the spine curvature when placed on the third and fourth support bands  154 ,  156  (e.g., the X-shape defined by the first and second support bands  150 ,  152  in combination with the T-shape defined by the third and fourth support bands  154 ,  156 ). 
         [0057]    In some embodiments, the first and second support bands  150 ,  152  may be attached together at or proximate the intersection  168 . The first and second support bands  150 ,  152  may be attached (e.g., stitched) together at or proximate the intersection  168  as well as to one or more other components of the shapewear garment  100  (e.g., the third support band  154 , the back torso lining  126 , the center back princess panel  112 , the back torso panel  113  (e.g., the back torso side panels  110  and the center back princess panel  112 ), etc.). In some embodiments, the intersection  168  may be located, e.g., on the third support band  154 , to the left of the third support band  154 , to the right of the third support band  154 , closer to the neck opening  120  than a waist region  171  (which can include the right waist region  162  and the left waist region  166 ), closer to the waist region  171  than the neck opening  120 , in the middle between the neck opening  120  and the waist region  171 , etc. The placement of the intersection  168  proximate one of these locations may provide increased stability to the support bands and the shapewear garment  100 . In one or more embodiments, the first and second support bands  150 ,  152  may be attached (e.g., stitched, etc.) at the intermediate locations of each band on the shapewear garment  100  (e.g., back torso lining  126 , the center back princess panel  112 , the back torso panel  113 , etc.) to prevent rolling up of the bands due to friction while wearing the garment. 
         [0058]    In one or more embodiments, the support bands used to construct the shapewear garments described herein may have a modulus of elasticity that is greater than the modulus of elasticity of the fabric or fabrics used to construct the torso body to which the support bands are attached (where the fabric or fabrics are of the same width as the support bands—with width being measured transverse to the direction of elongation). In other words, the resistance to elastic elongation along their length of the support bands is greater than the resistance to elastic elongation of the underlying fabric to which the support bands are attached in one or more embodiments. Further, the support bands used in the same garment may have different moduli of elasticity. 
         [0059]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the shapewear garment  100  may include a front bottom panel  180  and a back bottom panel  182 . The front and back bottom panels  180 ,  182  may be attached to the torso panels defining the torso body as described herein. The front and back bottom panels  180 ,  182  may define a right leg opening  184  and a left leg opening  186 . In some embodiments, the front and back bottom panels  180 ,  182  may define an opening crotch  188  for toileting use. As shown in  FIGS. 4-6 , the shapewear garment  100  may include a wide opening crotch  190 . 
         [0060]    As shown in  FIGS. 7A, 7B, 8, 9A, and 9B , in some embodiments, the shapewear garment  100  may be part of a garment system  200  that also may include a brief panty  202 . The brief panty  202  may be worn along with the shapewear garment  100  and may or may not be permanently attached to the shapewear garment  100  (where permanent attachment requires destruction of a seam or other attachment in a manner that cannot be reversed). In some embodiments, the brief panty may include any lower body garment (e.g., panty hose, corsets, leggings, boxer briefs, boxer shorts, gym wear to prevent injury, etc.). The brief panty may include a closed crotch that is capable of covering the crotch opening when worn with the shapewear garment  100 . The brief panty may also be capable of smoothing body bulges and improving posture when worn on the body. In some embodiments, the panty brief may be, e.g., the same materials as the shapewear garment  100 , different materials than the shapewear garment  100 , etc. 
         [0061]    As shown in  FIGS. 7A, 7B, 9A, and 9B , the brief panty  202  may include a front portion  204  and a rear portion  206 . The rear portion  206  of the brief panty may include a first panel  208  and a second panel  210  attached (e.g., sewn, etc.) to each other. The front portion  204  of the brief panty  202  may include a front panty panel  212 . The first and second panels  208 ,  210  may be attached to the front panty panel  212 . The brief panty  202  may include a crotch strap  214  that may be seamed proximate the front panty panel  212  along a line  216  including, e.g., a stitch (e.g., a single top zigzag stitch, a straight stitch, etc.). The brief panty  202  may further include a cotton panel  218  that may be secured to an inside bottom of the brief panty to provide physiological comfort. 
         [0062]    The brief panty  202  may include a waist support band  220  positioned around a waist of the brief panty. The waist support band  220  may be made of, e.g., the same materials as the support bands of the shapewear garment  100 , different materials than the support bands of the shapewear garment  100  (e.g., about 68% nylon and 32% spandex/elastane, etc.). The use of a similar material may provide a comparable amount of support as the support bands. However, the use of a different material that may be, e.g., thicker and stronger than the support bands of the shapewear garment  100  material, may provide increased posture support. The waist support band  220  may include any suitable width, e.g., about 4 inches, about 3 inches, about 2 inches, about 1 inch, about 0.5 inches, etc. In some embodiments, the waist support band  222  may be folded down on an inside of the brief panty  202  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 9A and 9B ). 
         [0063]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , the shapewear garment  100  may define a waist line  230  and an abdomen line  232 . In some embodiments, the abdomen line  232  is arranged below the waist line  230 . For example, the abdomen line  232  may be three inches below the waist line  230  when in an elevated use position of the brief panty. The waist support band  220 ,  222  on the brief panty  202  may be located at or proximate the waist line  230  when the brief panty and shapewear garment  100  are worn together, as shown in  FIG. 8 . The waist support band may be folded downward from the waist of the brief panty and on an inside of the brief panty to help smooth body bulges and improve posture around an abdomen area, as shown in  FIG. 9 . In some embodiments, the waist support band  220 ,  222  may be located proximate the abdomen line  232  when folded downward. The presences of the waist support band may provide additional back and spine support and create a “triple back support” when combining the waist support band and the X-shape and T-shape defined by the four support bands of the shapewear garment  100 . 
         [0064]      FIGS. 11 and 12  illustrate a front and rear view of another embodiment of a shapewear garment  300 . The shapewear garment  300  may include a torso body  301  having a front portion  302  and a rear portion  304  that are configured to be positioned on the front and rear portion of a human body, respectively. In some embodiments, the front and rear portions  302 ,  304  may define a tubular article configured to fit on the torso of a wearer. The front portion of the shapewear garment  300  may include a front torso panel  306  and an upper front torso panel  308 . The front torso panel  306  and the upper front torso panel  308  may be made of a stretchable fabric (e.g., 80% nylon and 20% spandex/elastane, etc.). The rear portion  304  may include a back torso panel  313  that includes multiple back torso side panels  310  and a center back princess panel  312 . The rear portion  304  may be made of similar or different fabrics from the front portion  302 , front torso panel  306 , and/or upper front torso panel  308 . The front torso panel  306  may be connected to each back torso side panel  310  along a seam. The center back princess panel  312  may be connected to each back torso side panel  310  along a seam  316 . The seam  316  may be stitched (e.g., single top zigzag stitch, etc.) to secure the panels to each other while potentially adding decoration and/or extra strength to the shapewear garment  300 . The seams  316  may also provide added tension to the front and rear portions. 
         [0065]    As shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the upper front torso panel  308  extends along a shoulder region  311  of the torso body towards the back torso panel  313 . The front torso panel  308  and the back torso panel  313  may be attached and combine to define a shoulder strap  318 . The shoulder strap  318  may provide a wider shoulder strap region  320  to attach support bands on the rear portion  304  of the torso body  301 . 
         [0066]    As shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the shapewear garment  300  may include a front bottom panel  380  and a back bottom panel  382 . The front and back bottom panels  380 ,  382  may be attached to the torso panels defining the torso body  301  as described herein. The front and back bottom panels  380 ,  382  may define a right leg opening  384  and a left leg opening  386 . In some embodiments, the front and back bottom panels  380 ,  382  may define an opening crotch  388  for toileting use. As shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the shapewear garment  300  may include a wide opening crotch  390 . The shapewear garments  300 , as shown in  FIGS. 13-14  may be configured to be worn with a brief panty (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 8 and 10 ). 
         [0067]    In some embodiments, the shapewear garment  300  may include four or more support bands. For example, a variety of support band locations are illustrated in  FIGS. 15-24 . The different support band locations may provide support to an upper spine and shoulder region of a wearer. 
         [0068]    As shown in  FIG. 15 , the shapewear garment  300  (e.g., a back torso lining  326 ) may include a first support band  350 , a second support band  352 , a third support band  354 , and a fourth support band  356 . In this example, it is illustrated that the support bands are attached to the back torso lining  326  (e.g., an inside  327  thereof), and the back torso lining  326  is then attached to, or inserted into, the rear portion  304  of the torso body  301 . However, the support bands can be positioned on the rear portion  304  of the torso body  301  in various manners as described above. The back torso lining  326  is configured to similarly to the back torso lining  126 , and therefore the description of the back torso lining  126  herein is incorporated by reference in this example. 
         [0069]    The first support band  350  may extend from a left underarm region  360  toward a right waist region  362  on the rear portion  304  of the torso body  301 . The second support band  352  may extend from a right underarm region  364  toward a left waist region  366  on the rear portion  304  of the torso body  301 . The first and second support bands  350 ,  352  may intersect at or proximate an intersection point  368 . The third support band  354  may extend from the low waist region  370  toward the neck opening  320  on the rear portion of the torso body. In some embodiments, the third support band  354  may be oriented such that the third support band  354  is substantially vertical when a wearer is standing upright. The fourth support band  356  may extend along the neck opening  320  between the right and left arm openings  374 ,  376  on the rear portion of the torso body. In one or more embodiments in which the fourth support band  356  is curved, the third support band  354  may be transverse to a tangent of the curve defined by the fourth support band  356  at the intersection (real or imaginary) of the third support band  354  and the fourth support band  356 . 
         [0070]    As shown in  FIG. 16 , the shapewear garment  300  (e.g., the back torso lining  326 ) may include a first support band  350 , a second support band  352 , a third support band  354 , a fourth support band  356 , and a fifth support band  358 . The first support band  350  may extend from the left underarm region  360  toward the right waist region  362  on the rear portion  304  of the torso body  301 . The second support band  352  may extend from the right underarm region  364  toward the left waist region  366  on the rear portion  304  of the torso body  301 . The first and second support bands  350 ,  352  may intersect at or proximate an intersection point  368 . The third support band  354  may extend from the low waist region  370  toward the neck opening  320  on the rear portion of the torso body. In some embodiments, the third support band  370  may be oriented such that the third support band  354  is substantially vertical when a wearer is standing upright. The fifth support band  358  may extend between the right and left arm openings  374 ,  376  on the rear portion  304  of the torso body  301 . As shown, the fifth support band  358  may be oriented such that the fifth support band  358  is substantially horizontal when a wearer is standing upright. The fourth support band  356  may extend along the neck opening  320  between the right and left arm openings  374 ,  376  on the rear portion  304  of the torso body  301 . As shown, the fourth support band  356  may be located between the neck opening  320  and the fifth support band  358 . In one or more embodiments in which the fourth support band  356  is curved, the third support band  354  may be transverse to a tangent of the curve defined by the fourth support band  356  at the intersection (real or imaginary) of the third support band  354  and the fourth support band  356 . In one or more embodiments in which the fifth support band  358  is straight, the third support band  354  may be transverse to the fifth support band  358 . 
         [0071]    As shown in  FIG. 17 , the shapewear garment  300  (e.g., the back torso lining  326 ) may include a first support band  350 , a second support band  352 , a third support band  354 , a fourth support band  356 , and a fifth support band  358 . The first support band  350  may extend from the left underarm region  360  toward the right waist region  362  on the rear portion of the torso body. The second support band  352  may extend from the right underarm region  364  toward the left waist region  366  on the rear portion of the torso body. The first and second support bands  350 ,  352  may intersect at or proximate an intersection point  368 . The third support band  354  may extend from the low waist region  370  toward the neck opening  320  on the rear portion of the torso body. In some embodiments, the third support band  354  may be oriented such that the third support band  354  is substantially vertical when a wearer is standing upright. The fifth support band  358  may extend between the right and left arm openings  374 ,  376  on the rear portion of the torso body. As shown, the fifth support band  358  is defined by a curved shape that extends from the left underarm region  360  toward an apex  400  at or proximate the neck opening  320  and between the left and right arm openings  374 ,  376  and then toward the right under arm region  364 . The fifth support band  358  may help to provide support to the upper shoulder blade region of a wearer. The fourth support band  356  may extend along the neck opening  320  between the right and left arm openings  374 ,  376  on the rear portion of the torso body. As shown, the fourth support band  356  may be between the neck opening  320  and the fifth support band  358 . 
         [0072]    As shown in  FIG. 18 , the shapewear garment  300  (e.g., the back torso lining  326 ) may include a first support band  350 , a second support band  352 , a third support band  398 , a fourth support band  410 , a fifth support band  412 , and a sixth support band  414 . The first support band  350  may extend from the left underarm region  360  toward the right waist region  362  on the rear portion  304  of the torso body  301 . The second support band  352  may extend from the right underarm region  364  toward the left waist region  366  on the rear portion  304  of the torso body  301 . The first and second support bands  350 ,  352  may intersect at or proximate an intersection point  368 . The third support band  354  may extend from the low waist region  370  toward the neck opening  320  on the rear portion  304  of the torso body  301 . In some embodiments, the third support band  354  may be oriented such that the third support band  354  is substantially vertical when a wearer is standing upright. The fourth support band  410  may extend between the right and left arm openings  374 .  376  on the rear portion  304  of the torso body  301 . As shown, the fourth support band  410  may be oriented such that the fourth support band  410  is substantially horizontal when a wearer is standing upright. The fifth support band  412  may extend from the fourth support band  410  toward a right shoulder strap region  420  of the torso body  301 . The sixth support band  414  may extend from the fourth support band  410  toward a left shoulder strap region  422  of the torso body  301 . The left shoulder strap region  422  may be a location between the left arm opening  376  of the torso body  301  and the neck opening  320  of the torso body  301  and the right shoulder strap region  374  may be a location between the right arm opening  374  of the torso body  301  and the neck opening  320  of the torso body  301 . As shown, the fifth and sixth support bands  412 ,  414  may be transverse to the fourth support band  410 . 
         [0073]    As shown in  FIG. 19 , the shapewear garment  300  (e.g., the back torso lining  326 ) may include a first support band  350 , a second support band  352 , a third support band  430 , and a fourth support band  432 . The first support band  350  may extend from the left underarm region  360  toward the right waist region  362  on the rear portion  304  of the torso body  301 . The second support band  352  may extend from the right underarm region  364  toward the left waist region  366  on the rear portion  304  of the torso body  301 . The first and second support bands  350 ,  352  may intersect at or proximate an intersection point  368 . The third support band  430  may extend from the low waist region  370  toward the neck opening  320  on the rear portion  304  of the torso body  301 . In some embodiments, the third support band  430  may be oriented such that the third support band  430  is substantially vertical when a wearer is standing upright. The fourth support band  432  may extend from a left shoulder strap region  422  toward a location at or proximate the third support band  430  and then toward a right shoulder strap region  420 . The fourth support band  432  may define a V-shape and the point of the V-shape may be located at or proximate the third support band  430 . The left shoulder strap region  422  may be a location between the left arm opening  376  of the torso body  301  and the neck opening  320  of the torso body  301  and the right shoulder strap region  420  may be a location between the right arm opening  374  of the torso body  301  and the neck opening  320  of the torso body  301 . A combination of the V-shape of the fourth support band  432  and the third support band  430  may define a Y-shape. 
         [0074]    As shown in  FIG. 20 , the shapewear garment  300  (e.g., the back torso lining  326 ) may include a first support band  350 , a second support band  352 , a third support band  430 , a fourth support band  432 , and a fifth support band  434 . The first support band  350  may extend from the left underarm region  360  toward the right waist region  362  on the rear portion  304  of the torso body  301 . The second support band  352  may extend from the right underarm region  364  toward the left waist region  366  on the rear portion  304  of the torso body  301 . The first and second support bands  350 ,  352  may intersect at or proximate an intersection point  168 . The third support band  430  may extend from the low waist region  370  toward the neck opening  320  on the rear portion  304  of the torso body  301 . In some embodiments, the third support band  430  may be oriented such that the third support band  430  is substantially vertical when a wearer is standing upright. The fifth support band  434  may extend between the right and left openings  374 ,  376  on the rear portion  304  of the torso body  301 . As shown, the fifth support band  434  may be oriented such that the fifth support band  434  is substantially horizontal when a wearer is standing upright. The fourth support band  432  may extend from a left shoulder strap region  422  toward a location at or proximate an intersection of the third support band  430  and the fifth support band  434  and then toward a right shoulder strap region  420 . The fourth support band  432  may define a V-shape and the point of the V-shape may be located at or proximate the intersection of the third support band  430  and the fifth support band  434 . The left shoulder strap region  422  may be a location between the left arm opening  376  of the torso body  301  and the neck opening  320  of the torso body  301  and the right shoulder strap region  420  may be a location between the right arm opening  374  of the torso body  301  and the neck opening  320  of the torso body  301 . As shown, the fourth support band  432  may be between the neck opening  320  and the fifth support band  434 . A combination of the V-shape of the fourth support band  432  and the third support band  430  may define a Y-shape. The Y-shape and the fifth support band  434  combined may provide support around the upper shoulder blade region of a wearer. 
         [0075]    As shown in  FIG. 21 , the shapewear garment  300  (e.g., the back torso lining  326 ) may include a first support band  350 , a second support band  352 , a third support band  440 , a fourth support band  442 , and a fifth support band  444 . The first support band  350  may extend from the left underarm region  360  toward the right waist region  362  on the rear portion  304  of the torso body  301 . The second support band  352  may extend from the right underarm region  364  toward the left waist region  366  on the rear portion  304  of the torso body  301 . The first and second support bands  350 ,  352  may intersect at or proximate an intersection point  368 . The third support band  440  may extend from the low waist region  370  toward the neck opening  320  on the rear portion  304  of the torso body  301 . In some embodiments, the third support band  440  may be oriented such that the third support band  440  is substantially vertical when a wearer is standing upright. The fourth support band  442  may extend from a right shoulder strap region  420  toward the left underarm region  360 . The fifth support band  444  may extend from a left shoulder strap region  442  toward the right underarm region  364 . The left shoulder strap region  442  may be a location between the left arm opening  376  of the torso body  301  and the neck opening  320  of the torso body  301  and the right shoulder strap region  440  may be a location between the right arm opening  374  of the torso body  301  and the neck opening  320  of the torso body  301 . The fourth support band  442  and the fifth support band  444  may intersect at or proximate a point that is proximate the third support band  440 . 
         [0076]    As shown in  FIG. 22 , the shapewear garment  300  (e.g., the back torso lining  326 ) may include a first support band  350 , a second support band  352 , a third support band  450 , a fourth support band  452 , and a fifth support band  454 . The first support band  350  may extend from the left underarm region  360  toward the right waist region  362  on the rear portion  304  of the torso body  301 . The second support band  352  may extend from the right underarm region  364  toward the left waist region  366  on the rear portion  304  of the torso body  301 . The first and second support bands  350 ,  352  may intersect at or proximate an intersection point  368 . The third support band  450  may extend from the low waist region  370  toward the neck opening  320  on the rear portion  304  of the torso body  301 . In some embodiments, the third support band  370  may be oriented such that the third support band  370  is substantially vertical when a wearer is standing upright. The fourth support band  452  may extend from a right shoulder strap region  420  toward the right underarm region  364 . More specifically, the fourth support band  452  may extend from the right shoulder strap region  420  toward the third support band  450  and then toward the right underarm region  364 . The fourth support band  452  may be defined by a C-shape opening towards the right. The fifth support band  454  may extend from a left shoulder strap region  422  toward the left underarm  360 . More specifically, the fifth support band  454  may extend from the left shoulder strap region  422  toward the third support band  450  and then toward the left under arm region  360 . The fifth support band  454  may be defined by a reverse C-shape opening towards the left. In one or more embodiments, the fourth support band  452  and the fifth support band  454  may be mirror images of each other about an axis of symmetry defined along a length of the third support band  450 . The left shoulder strap region  422  may be a location between the left arm opening  376  of the torso body  301  and the neck opening  320  of the torso body  301  and the right shoulder strap region  420  may be a location between the right arm opening  374  of the torso body  301  and the neck opening  320  of the torso body  301 . 
         [0077]    As shown in  FIG. 23 , the shapewear garment  300  (e.g., the back torso lining  326 ) may include a first support band  460 , a second support band  462 , a third support band  464 , and a fourth support band  466 . The third support band  464  may extend from the low waist region  370  toward the neck opening  320  on the rear portion  304  of the torso body  301 . In some embodiments, the third support band  464  may be oriented such that the third support band  464  is substantially vertical when a wearer is standing upright. The first support band  460  may extend from the left underarm region  360  toward the left waist region  366 . More specifically, the first support band  460  may extend from the left underarm region  360  toward the third support band  464  and then toward the left waist region  366  on the rear portion  304  of the torso body  301 . The first support band  460  may be defined by a reverse C-shape. The second support band  462  may extend from the right underarm region  364  toward the right waist region  362 . More specifically, the second support band  462  may extend from the right underarm region  364  toward the third support band  464  and then toward the right waist region  362  on the rear portion  304  of the torso body  301 . The second support band  462  may be defined by a C-shape. The fourth support band  466  may extend between the right and left arm openings  374 ,  376  on the rear portion  304  of the torso body  301 . In one or more embodiments, the C-shapes of the first support band  460  and second support band  462  may approximate an X-shape as defined by, e.g., the first and second support bands  350 ,  352  of the illustrative embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 3A and 15-22 . As shown, the fourth support band  466  may be oriented such that the fourth support band  466  is substantially horizontal when a wearer is standing upright. As shown, the third support band  464  and the fourth support band  466  may be transverse to one another. 
         [0078]    As shown in  FIG. 24 , the shapewear garment  300  (e.g., the back torso lining  326 ) may include a first support band  470 , a second support band  472 , a third support band  474 , and a fourth support band  478 . As shown, the first support band  470  may extend from the left arm opening  376  toward a right waist region  480  on the back bottom panel  382 . In other embodiments, the first support band  470  may extend from any location from between the neck opening  320  of the torso body  301  and the left arm opening  376  of the torso body to a left waist region  480  of the back bottom panel  382 . As shown, the second support band  472  may extend from the right arm opening  372  toward the left waist region  482  on the back bottom panel  382 . In other embodiments, the second support band  472  may extend from any location from between the neck opening  320  of the torso body  301  and the right arm opening  374  of the torso body  301  to the right waist region  480  of the back bottom panel  382 . The first and second support bands  470 ,  472  may intersect at or proximate an intersection point  368 . In some embodiments, the first and second support bands  470 ,  472  may be transverse to each other. In other embodiments, the first and second support bands  470 ,  472  may not be transverse to each other. The third support band  474  may extend from the low waist region  370  toward the neck opening  320  on the rear portion  304  of the torso body  301 . In some embodiments, the third support band  474  may be oriented such that the third support band  474  is substantially vertical when a wearer is standing upright. The fourth support band  476  may extend between the right and left arm openings  374 ,  376  on the rear portion  304  of the torso body  301 . As shown, the fourth support band  476  may be oriented such that the fourth support band  476  is substantially horizontal when a wearer is standing upright. 
       Examples 
       [0079]    The following non-limiting examples serve to describe more fully the manner of using the above described garments and systems. It is understood that these examples in no way serve to limit the scope of this disclosure or claims that follow, but rather are presented for illustrative purposes. 
         [0080]    A comprehensive test was conducted with 17 women (small, medium, and large size) recruited from university staff, faculty members and students to wear-test the modified shapewear garment including the four support bands as shown in  FIGS. 3A-3B . The average age was 21.5 years old for small size group, 20.5 years old for medium size group, and 24 years old for large size group. Participants were scanned three times using a 3D Human Solutions body scanner in: 1. no shapewear garment, 2. the commercial shapewear garment, and 3. the modified shapewear garment. Participants were each scanned wearing their own underwear (bra and panties) in 8 positions including the anatomical pose face forward and feet placed at shoulder width without carrying an item and carrying an item positions including four types of handbags, right-side and left-side loading respectively. One participant was scanned one more time in a garment system as described herein including four support bands as well as a brief panty serving a waist support, as shown in  FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 8 . After scanning, numerical body angles were calculated using coordinates of some reference points on the 3D scanned body and each angle in the same positions was compared among the three wearing conditions. The test results showed more aligned body angles in the modified shapewear garment compared to the commercial shapewear and no shapewear garment in most cases. It was also observed, in many cases, that the overall shape of the mid-torso was smoother in the shapewear garment of the present disclosure, compared to the commercially available shapewear garment and much smoother than no shapewear garment.  FIGS. 25A and 25B  illustrate an example showing posture improvement in one of the carrying an item positions on the posterior view and sagittal view, respectively, of one individual in no shapewear garment  2510 ,  2515 , in a commercial shapewear garment  2520 ,  2525 , in the modified shapewear garment  2530 ,  2535 , and in the garment system  2540 ,  2545 . 
         [0081]    Since the challenge in developing shapewear garment with posture support elements is to not negatively affect body shape, this is a critical finding indicating a successful shapewear garment design that can help improving posture as well as body shape. The effectiveness of the shapewear garment and the garment system with a simple design element in accordance with present disclosure may indicate that this type of design modification might be applied to any shapewear garment product to prevent poor posture and make more smooth body shape. 
         [0082]    Additionally, a shapewear garment may be specifically designed including the design modifications discussed herein to prevent poor posture. 
         [0083]    In a first aspect, one or more embodiments of the shapewear garments described herein include a torso body comprising a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the torso body defines: a neck opening, a right arm opening, a left arm opening, a right leg opening, a left leg opening, a waist region located around the torso body and between the arm openings and the leg openings, wherein the waist region comprises a left waist region, a right waist region, and a low waist region between the left and right waist regions, a right underarm region located between the right arm opening and the right leg opening, wherein the right underarm region is closer to the right arm opening than the right leg opening, and a left underarm region located between the left arm opening and the left leg opening, wherein the left under arm region is closer to the left arm opening than the left leg opening; a first support band extending from the left underarm region toward the right waist region on the rear portion of the torso body; a second support band extending from the right underarm region toward the left waist region on the rear portion of the torso body, wherein the first support band and the second support band intersect proximate an intersection; a third support band extending from the low waist region toward the neck opening on the rear portion of the torso body; and a fourth support band extending between the right and left arm opening on the rear portion of the torso body. 
         [0084]    In a second aspect, one or more embodiments of the shapewear garments described herein include a torso body comprising a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the torso body defines: a neck opening, a right arm opening, a left arm opening, a right leg opening, a left leg opening, a waist region located around the torso body and between the arm openings and the leg openings, wherein the waist region comprises a left waist region, a right waist region, and a low waist region between the left and right waist regions, a right underarm region located between the right arm opening and the right leg opening, wherein the right underarm region is closer to the right arm opening than the right leg opening, and a left underarm region located between the left arm opening and the left leg opening, wherein the left under arm region is closer to the left arm opening than the left leg opening; a first support band extending from the left underarm region toward the right waist region on the rear portion of the torso body; a second support band extending from the right underarm region toward the left waist region on the rear portion of the torso body, wherein the first support band and the second support band intersect proximate an intersection; a third support band extending from the low waist region toward the neck opening on the rear portion of the torso body; a fourth support band extending from a first location between the neck opening and the left arm opening toward a second location between the right arm opening the right leg opening; and a fifth support band extending from a third location between the neck opening and the right arm opening toward a fourth location between the left arm opening and the left leg opening. 
         [0085]    In a third aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the torso body defines a wide opening crotch. 
         [0086]    In a fourth aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the intersection of the first and second support bands is closer to the waist region than the neck opening. 
         [0087]    In a fifth aspect according to any one of the first through third aspects, the intersection of the first and second support bands is closer to the neck opening than the waist region. 
         [0088]    In a sixth aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the intersection of the first and second support bands is positioned along the third support band. 
         [0089]    In a seventh aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the first support band and the second support band are transverse to each other. 
         [0090]    In an eighth aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the third support band and the fourth support band are transverse to each other. 
         [0091]    In a ninth aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the support bands have a modulus of elasticity that is greater than a modulus of elasticity of fabric used to construct the portion of the torso body to which they are attached. 
         [0092]    In a tenth aspect according to the ninth aspect, wherein at least two of the support bands have different moduli of elasticity. 
         [0093]    In an eleventh aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the third support band extends between the low waist region and a center of the neck opening on the rear portion of the torso body. 
         [0094]    In a twelfth aspect according to the first aspect, the fourth support band extends along the neck opening on the rear portion of the torso body. 
         [0095]    In a thirteenth aspect according to the first aspect, the garment further comprises a fifth support band extending along the neck opening on the rear portion of the torso body. 
         [0096]    In a fourteenth aspect according to the first aspect, the garment further comprises a fifth support band on the rear portion of the torso body. 
         [0097]    In a fifteenth aspect according to the first aspect, the garment further comprises a fifth support band and a sixth support band on the rear portion of the torso body, wherein the fifth and sixth support bands are transverse to the fourth support band. 
         [0098]    In a sixteenth aspect, one or more embodiments of the shapewear garment systems described herein include a garment of any one of the first through fifteenth aspects; and a brief panty, wherein the brief panty comprises a waist support band positioned around a waist of the brief panty, and the brief panty defines an inside of the brief panty and an outside of the brief panty. 
         [0099]    In a seventeenth aspect according to the sixteenth aspect, the waist support band is folded downward from the waist of the brief panty and on the inside of the brief panty. 
         [0100]    The forgoing description, accompanied by drawings that form a part of the description hereof, show illustrations of various embodiments. It is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated and may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense. Also, the various embodiments described herein may be combined to describe additional embodiments. 
         [0101]    Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes, amounts, and physical properties used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the foregoing specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by those skilled in the art utilizing the teachings disclosed herein. The use of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers within that range (e.g. 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5) and any range within that range. 
         [0102]    Particular materials and dimensions thereof recited in the disclosed examples, as well as other conditions and details, should not be construed to unduly limit this disclosure. Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as representative forms of implementing the claims. 
         [0103]    The various examples and teachings described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made without following the example examples and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure.