Abstract:
This disclosure relates generally to a shirt garter (also known as a shirt stay). More specifically, this disclosure relates a shirt garter that extends around the crotch region of the wearer and is designed for use with a camisole or other shirt-type garment.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/934,838 filed Feb. 2, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to a shirt garter (also known as a shirt stay). More specifically, this disclosure relates a shirt garter that extends around the crotch region of the wearer and is designed for use with a camisole or other shirt-type garment. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Shirt garters (stays) are used to hold the wearer&#39;s shirt in place (i.e., tucked in) and are generally made of an elastic strap that connects the bottom of the wearer&#39;s shirt to the socks or feet. Because these shirt stays extend along the wearer&#39;s leg, they can only be worn with full length pants and/or socks and cannot be worn with skirts, dresses, crop pants, shorts, etc. The bulk and design of these shirt stays makes them difficult to remove/adjust when needed by the wearer. Also, because they are usually constructed from an elongated elastic band, they are frequently visible through/under lightweight fabrics. Accordingly, a need in the art exists for a shirt garter that does not require coupling to the wearer&#39;s socks and/or feet, is easily adjusted/removed, and is not visible under lightweight fabrics. 
     SUMMARY 
     Presented are systems and methods for coupling a garter to shirt-type garment. An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a garter. The garter may include at least three elongate members, including a first, second and third elongate member. A first end of each of the first and second elongate members may be coupled to a first end of the third elongate member to form a Y-shape. The garter may also include a fastener coupled to a second end of each of the first, second and third elongate members. The fasteners may be configured to be coupled to a garment. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a garment and garter for keeping the garment in place when worn by a user. The garter may include at least three elongate members, including a first, second and third elongate member. A first end of each of the first and second elongate members may be coupled to a first end of the third elongate member to form a Y-shape. The garter may also include a fastener coupled to a second end of each of the first, second and third elongate members. The fasteners may be coupled to the garment such that the elongate members are configured to extend along a crotch section of the wearer. Additionally, the fasteners may be coupled to the garment such that the fastener of the first and second elongate members are coupled to a front of the garment and the fastener of the third elongate member is coupled to a back of the garment. 
     A further aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method of securing a garment in place on a user. The method may include providing a garter having at least three elongate members including a first, second and third elongate member, where a first end of each of the first and second elongate members may be coupled to a first end of the third elongate member to form a Y-shape. The garter may also include a fastener coupled to a second end of each of the first, second and third elongate members. The method may further include coupling the first and second elongate members to a front of the garment and coupling the fastener of the third elongate member to a back of the garment. The fasteners may be coupled to the garment such that the elongate members extend along a crotch section of the user. 
     The details of one or more embodiments of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The device is explained in even greater detail in the following drawings. The drawings are merely examples to illustrate the structure of preferred devices and certain features that may be used singularly or in combination with other features. The disclosure should not be limited to the examples shown. 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of an example garter; 
         FIG. 2A  is a front view of an example garter including a releasable fastener; 
         FIG. 2B  is a front view of an example garter including a releasable fastener; 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of an example garter; 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of an example garter including a panel; 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of an example garter; 
         FIG. 6A  is a front view of an example garter and garment; 
         FIG. 6B  is a front view of an example garter and garment; 
         FIG. 6C  is a back perspective view of an example garter and garment; and 
         FIG. 6D  is a back perspective view of an example garter and garment. 
     
    
    
     Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right,” “left,” “lower,” and “upper” designate direction in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inner” and “outer” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the described feature or device. The words “distal” and “proximal” refer to directions taken in context of the item described and, with regard to the instruments herein described, are based on the perspective of the surgeon using such instruments. The terminology includes the above-listed words, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. 
     In addition, various components may be described herein as extending horizontally along a longitudinal direction “L” and lateral direction “A,” and vertically along a transverse direction “T.” Unless otherwise specified herein, the terms “lateral,” “longitudinal,” and “transverse” are used to describe the orthogonal directional components of various items. It should be appreciated that while the longitudinal and lateral directions are illustrated as extending along a horizontal plane, and that the transverse direction is illustrated as extending along a vertical plane, the planes that encompass the various directions may differ during use. Accordingly, the directional terms “vertical” and “horizontal” are used to describe the components merely for the purposes of clarity and illustration and are not meant to be limiting. 
     Certain examples of the disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings. In general, such embodiments relate to a garter  100  configured to be coupled to a garment  500 . The garter  100  can include elongated members  200  coupled to fasteners  300  for attaching the garter  100  to the garment  500 . The garment  500  can include, for example, shirts, camisoles, undergarments, undershirts, compression garments, shapewear, tanks, and active wear, and/or any other shirt-type garment worn on the upper body of the wearer. 
       FIG. 1  provides a front view of an example garter  100 . The garter  100  can include a plurality of elongated members  200 . It is also contemplated that the garter  100  can include a single elongate member  200  and/or any number of elongate members  200 . For example, the garter  100  can include at least three elongate members  200  including a first elongate member  210 , a second elongate member  220 , and a third elongate member  230 . The elongate members  200  can be joined together and/or integrally formed. For example, the elongate members  200  can be joined at a seam, a clasp, a clip (e.g., loop-and-button, toothed, etc.), a snap, a hook and eye, a zipper, a buckle, a toggle, a button, a lace, an adhesive (e.g., VELCRO, fusible interfacing), or any other fastener known in the art. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the first, second, and third elongate members  210 ,  220 ,  230  can be coupled at a seam to form a Y-shape. For example, a first end  211  of the first elongate member  210  and a first end  221  of the second elongate member  220  can be coupled to a first end  231  of the third elongate member  230 . 
     The elongate member  200  can have a length (l) measured between the first end and the second end of the elongate member  200 . It is contemplated that each of the first, second and third elongate members  210 ,  220 ,  230  can have the same, different, and/or varying length. For example, as provided in  FIG. 1 , the first and second elongate members  210 ,  220  can have an equal length. For example, the first and second elongate members  210 ,  220  can have a length (l) between 5 inches and 10 inches. In another example, the first and second elongate members  210 ,  220  can have a length (l) between 7 inches and 8 inches. In yet another example, the first and second elongate members  210 ,  220  can have a length (l) between 7½ inches and 8 inches. In a further example, the third elongate member  230  can have a length (l) between 3 inches and 6 inches. In yet another example, the third elongate member  230  can have a length (l) between 4 inches and 5 inches. In another example, the third elongate member  230  can have a length (l) between 4 inches and 4½ inches. In another example garter  100  (not shown), the length of the first, second and/or third elongate members  210 ,  220 ,  230  is adjustable. For example, the elongate member  200  can include a buckle and a length of material that can be manipulated by the wearer to adjust (lengthen and/or shorten) the length of the elongate member  200 . The elongate members  200  can have a width (w) measured between opposing left and right sides of the elongate members  200 . It is contemplated that each of the first, second and third elongate members  210 ,  220 ,  230  can have the same, different, and/or varying width (w). For example, as provided in  FIG. 1 , the first, second and third elongate members  210 ,  220 ,  230  can have an equal width (w). For example the first, second and third elongate members  210 ,  220 ,  230  can have a width (w) between ¼ inch and 1½ inches. In another example, the first, second and third elongate members  210 ,  220 ,  230  can have a width (w) between ½ inch and 1 inch. In yet another example, the first, second and third elongate members  210 ,  220 ,  230  can have a width (w) between ½ inch and ¾ inch. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the first, second, and third elongate members  210 ,  220 ,  230  can be coupled to form a Y-shape. The spacing between the first and second elongate members  210 ,  220  can define an angle (α) measured between the centerline of the first elongate member  210  and the centerline of the second elongate member  220 . In an example garter  100 , the angle (α) can be between 10° and 60°. In another example, the angle (α) can be between 20° and 45°. In a further example, the angle (α) can be between 25° and 45°. 
     The elongate members  200  can be constructed from a woven or knit fabric. For example, the elongate member can be constructed from a fabric comprising spandex, spandex filament yarn, stretch vinyl, polyester, silk, cotton, rayon, nylon, and/or any other fabric known in the art, including mixtures thereof. For example, the elongate members  200  can be constructed from a fabric comprising an elastomer. An elastomer is a viscoelastic polymer that often has a high failure strain and low elastic modulus, when compared with other materials. In an example garter  100 , the elongate members  200  can be constructed from a woven and/or knit elastomer-containing fabric. For example, the fabric can comprise 1% to 25% (e.g., 15% to 20%), by weight, of elastomer and 75% to 99%, by weight, of non-elastomer. The elastomer-containing fabric can comprise, for instance 1% to 25% spandex (e.g., 10% to 20%, 15% to 20%). In one example, the elastomer-containing fabric is a knitted lace. In another example, the elastomer-containing fabric is knit fabric comprising 16% spandex and 84% nylon. The composition of the fabric can be selected to help provide the desired stretch and strength when using the garter  100  to secure the position of the garment  500  with respect to the wearer&#39;s body. 
     The elongate members  200  can include a fastener  300  for coupling the elongate member  200  to a garment  500 . The fastener  300  can include a clasp, a clip (e.g., loop-and-button, toothed, etc.), a snap, a hook and eye, a zipper, a buckle a toggle, a button, a lace, an adhesive (e.g., VELCRO), or any other removable fastener known in the art. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the example fastener  300  can include a loop-and-button style garter clip. 
     Each of the elongate members  200  can include a fastener  300  configured to couple the garter  100  to a garment  500 . For example, the first elongate member  210  can have a fastener  300  coupled to its second end  212 , the second elongate member  220  can have a fastener  300  coupled to its second end  222 , and the third elongate member  230  can have a fastener  300  coupled to its second end  232 . The fastener  300  can be removable and/or permanently coupled to the elongate member  200 . 
     The fastener  300  can have length (l) measured from the proximal and distal ends of the fastener  300 . For example, the fastener  300  can have a length (l) between ¼ inch and 2 inches. In another example, the fastener  300  can have a length (l) between 1 inch and 2 inches. In a further example, the fastener  300  can have a length (l) between 1½ inches and 2 inches. Accordingly, the garter  100  can have an overall length (L) measured between the distal end of the fasteners  300  coupled to the first and second elongate members  210 ,  220  and the fastener  300  coupled to the third elongate member  230  is between 10 inches and 15 inches. In another example, the overall length (L) of the garter  100  is between 12 inches and 14 inches. Likewise, the garter  100  can have an overall width (W) measured between the fastener  300  coupled to the first elongate member  210  and the fastener  300  coupled to the second elongate member  220  between 5 inches and 10 inches. In another example, garter  100  can have an overall width (W) between 6 inches and 8 inches 
     In another example, the garter  100  can include a releasable fastener  310 . For example, as illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the garter  100  can include a releasable fastener  310  located on the third elongated member  230 . Though illustrated on the third elongated member  230 , it is contemplated that any of the first, second and/or third elongated members  210 ,  220 ,  230  can include a releasable fastener  310 . Using the releasable fastener  310 , a wearer of the garter  100  can easily and quickly separate the garter  100 . For example, when needing to adjust the position of the garment  500 , the wearer may not wish to uncouple the fasteners  300  from the garment  500 . The releasable fastener  310  permits the wearer to separate the garter  100  into two distinct pieces such that repositioning and/or removal of the garment  500  is possible without separating the garter  100  fasteners  300  from the garment  500 . Likewise, the releasable fastener  310  permits the wearer to separate the garter  100  into two distinct pieces such that repositioning of the garter  100  and/or access to the area between and the wearer&#39;s body is possible without separating the garter  100 /fasteners  300  from the garment  500 . For example, as provided in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the releasable fastener  310  can be located intermediate the first and second end  231 ,  232  of the third elongate member  230 .  FIG. 2B  illustrates the releasable fastener  310  disconnected such that the third elongated member separable into at least two portions (e.g., a first and second portion  234 ,  235 ).  FIG. 2A  illustrates a releasable fastener  310  connected such that the first and second portions  234 ,  235  are coupled and the third elongated member  230  forms a single member. The releasable fastener  310  can include any fastener-type known in the art for coupling and uncoupling material. Example releasable fasteners  310  can include a clasp, a clip (e.g., loop-and-button, toothed, etc.), a snap, a hook and eye, a zipper, a buckle, a toggle, a button, a lace, an releasable adhesive (e.g., VELCRO), or any other releasable fastener  310  known in the art. As illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the releasable fastener  310  can include a snap for connecting the first and second portions  234 ,  235  of the third elongated member  230 . A stabilizer and/or interfacing can be used proximate the releasable fastener  310  to provide permanent and/or temporary support and strength to the material of the elongate member near the releasable fastener  310 . Example woven and non-woven stabilizers can include cut-away, tear-away, heat-away, water-soluble, filmoplast, and/or combinations thereof. 
     In another example, the garter  100  can include a fourth elongate member  240 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the garter  100  can include at least four elongate members  200  including a first elongate member  210 , a second elongate member  220 , a third elongate member  230  and a fourth elongate member  240 . As outlined above, the elongate members  200  can be joined together and/or integrally formed. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the first, second, third and fourth elongate members  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240  can be coupled at a seam to form an X-shape. For example, a first end  211  of the first elongate member  210  and a first end  221  of the second elongate member  220  can be coupled to a first end  231  of the third elongate member  230  and a first end  241  of the fourth elongate member  240 . 
     The fourth elongate member  240  can have a length (l) measured between the first end  241  and the second end  242  of the fourth elongate member  240 . It is contemplated that each of the first, second, third and fourth elongate members  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240  can have the same, different, and/or varying length. For example, as provided in  FIG. 4 , the third and fourth elongate members  230 ,  240  can have an equal length. For example, the third and fourth elongate members  230 ,  240  can have a length (l) between 3 inches and 6 inches. In another example, the third and fourth elongate members  230 ,  240  can have a length (l) between 4 inches and 5 inches. In a further example, the third and fourth elongate members  230 ,  240  can have a length (l) between 4 inches and 4½ inches. outlined above, it is also contemplated that the length of the first, second, third and/or fourth elongate members  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240  are adjustable. The fourth elongate member  240  can have a width (w) measured between opposing left and right sides of the elongate member. It is contemplated that each of the first, second, third and fourth elongate members  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240  can have the same, different, and/or varying width (w). For example, as provided in  FIG. 4 , the first, second, third and fourth elongate members  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240  can have an equal width (w). For example the first, second, third and fourth elongate members  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240  can have a width (w) between ¼ inch and 1½ inches. In another example, the first, second, third and fourth elongate members  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240  can have a width (w) between ½ inch and 1 inch. In yet another example, the first, second, third and fourth elongate members  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240  can have a width (w) between ½ inch and ¾ inch. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the first, second, third and fourth elongate members  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240  can be coupled to form an X-shape. The spacing between the first and second elongate members  210 ,  220  and the third and fourth elongate members  230 ,  240  can define an angle (α) measured between the centerline of each of the respective elongate members  200 . It is contemplated the angle (α) between the first and second elongate members  210 ,  220  can be the same and/or different from the angle (α) between the third and fourth elongate members  230 ,  240 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the angle (α) between the first and second elongate members  210 ,  220  is equal to the angle (α) between the third and fourth elongate members  230 ,  240 . In an example garter  100 , the angle (α) between the third and fourth elongate members  230 ,  240  can be between 10° and 60°. In another example, the angle (α) between the third and fourth elongate members  230 ,  240  can be between 20° and 45°. In a further example, the angle (α) between the third and fourth elongate members  230 ,  240  can be between 25° and 45°. The fourth elongate member  240  can also include a fastener  300  configured to couple the fourth elongate member  240  to a portion of a garment  500 . For example, the fourth elongate member  240  can include a fastener  300  removably and/or permanently coupled to its second end  242 . 
     In another example, the garter  100  can include a panel  400  located intermediate the proximal (front) and distal (back) portions of the garter  100 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . For example, the garter  100  can include a material panel  400  that can be located proximate the crotch section of the wearer then the garter  100  is worn with a garment  500 . The panel  400  can be coupled to each of the elongate members  200 . For example, the first end of each of the first, second and third elongate members  210 ,  220 ,  230  can be coupled to the panel  400 . Likewise, the panel  400  can be coupled along a length of each of the first, second and third elongate members  210 ,  220 ,  230 . The panel  400  can define a triangle shape, a rhomboid shape, a rectangular shape, square shape or any other regular or irregular shape known in the art. The panel  400  can be constructed from the same and/or different material as the elongate members  200 . 
     In further example, the garter  100  can include two separate elongate members  200 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the garter  100  can include a first elongate member  210  and a separate, second elongate member  220 . The first end  211  of the first elongate member  210  and the first end  221  of the second elongate member  220  can be coupled to fasteners  300  for joining the garter  100  to the front of a garment  500 . Likewise, the second end  212  of the first elongate member  210  and the second end  222  of the second elongate member  220  can be coupled to fasteners  300  for joining the garter  100  to the back of a garment  500 . It is contemplated that the first elongate member  210  will be used in conjunction with the second elongate member  220 . In another example, the first elongate member  210  and/or second elongate member  220  can be used individually. For example, only the first elongate member  210  is coupled to the garment  500 . 
     The first and second elongate members  210 ,  220  can have a length (l) measured between the first end  211  and a second end  212  of the first elongate member  210 , and between the first end  221  and second end  222  of the second elongate member  220 . It is contemplated that the first elongate member  210  and the second elongate member  220  can have the same, different, and/or varying length. For example, as provided in  FIG. 5 , the first and second elongate members  210 ,  220  can have an equal length. In one example the first and second elongate members  210 ,  220  can have a length (l) between 5 inches and 10 inches. In another example, the first and second elongate members  210 ,  220  can have a length (l) between 6 inches and 8 inches. In a further example, the first and second elongate members  210 ,  220  can have a length (l) between 6½ inches and 7½ inches. In yet another example, the first and second elongate members  210 ,  220  can have a length (l) of 7 inches. 
     As outlined above, it is also contemplated that the length (l) of the first and second elongate members  210 ,  220  are adjustable. The first and/or second elongate members  210 ,  220  can have a width (w) measured between opposing left and right sides of the elongate member. It is contemplated that each of the first and second elongate members  210 ,  220  can have the same, different, and/or varying width (w). For example, as provided in  FIG. 5 , the first and second elongate members  210 ,  220  can have an equal width (w). For example the first and second elongate members  210 ,  220  can have a width (w) between ¼ inch and 1½ inches. In another example, the first and second elongate members  210 ,  220  can have a width (w) between ½ inch and 1 inch. In yet another example, the first and second elongate members  210 ,  220  can have a width (w) between ½ inch and ¾ inch. 
     As outlined above, the fasteners  300  can be used to couple the garter  100  to a garment  500 .  FIGS. 6A-6D  illustrate a garter  100  coupled to a garment  500  as worn by as user. As provided in  FIGS. 6A-6D , the garter  100  can be coupled to the garment  500  such that the garter  100  extends around the crotch region of the wearer. For example, the fasteners  300  of the first and second elongate members  210 ,  220  can be coupled to the front of the garment  500 . Likewise, the fastener  300  of the third elongate member  230  can be coupled to the back of the garment  500 . Where the garter  100  includes a fourth elongate member  240 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the fourth elongate member  240  can also be coupled to the back of the garment  500 . 
     The garter  100  can be used to maintain the position of the garment  500 . For example,  FIGS. 6A and 6B  provide a front view of an example garter  100  when worn with a garment  500 . As illustrated in  FIG. 6B , as the position of the garment  500  changes (e.g., rides up the wearer&#39;s torso), the garter  100  secures at least a portion of the front hem at a desired position (e.g., proximate the wearer&#39;s waist).  FIGS. 6C and 6D  provide a back view of an example garter  100  when worn with a garment  500 . As illustrated in  FIG. 6D , as the position of the garment  500  changes (e.g., rides up the wearer&#39;s torso), the garter  100  secures at least a portion of the rear hem at a desired position. 
     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 example forms of implementing the claims.