Improvements in Corsets.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 23rd May, 1895-Accepted, 6th July, 1895
Improvements in Corsets.
I OTTILIE BARTH, of Lindenstrasse 30, Stettin, in the Empire of Germany,
Manufacturess, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement :-
This invention consists in improvements in corsets. This improved corset is not
made as those heretofore in use, of a close textile fabric, but of any suitable open
or net like material which may be of a textile fabric, or of rubber, or metal having
perforations, it is further, not fitted with solid stays such as whale-bone, steel or
the like, but its stiffening is effected and its shape obtained by means of strips or
ribbons of cloth which are sewn on to the corsets, and which are provided in their
interior with strings or bands.
This improved corset has also a peculiar fastening or closing device the
characteristic feature of which is that by pulling two strings the two vertical edges
of the corset are uniformly brought together the effect of the pull being equally
and uniformly distributed along said edges whereas on the other hand on loosening
the strings again, the pressure is at once relieved so that by a very simple operation
the corset may be untied or opened which is of great importance in cases of
accidents of any kind. Although this improved corset is not fitted with a solid or
continuous lining or covering it gives a well shaped figure equal to any known
pattern of corsets and it does not moreover hinder free movement of the parts
embraced by it.
The annexed drawings represent this improved corset, in Fig. 1 in front view, in
Fig. 2 in rear view. It substantially consists of four pieces of reticulated material.
The front and back portion or division being each formed of two symmetrical
parts. Said portions are united by lateral elastic strips B, preferably of rubber
the two symmetrical pieces of the front, being combined in a like manner by similar
strips C, or they may constitute one piece while the entire lower edge is surrounded
by a similar elastic strip B. As mentioned above, the proper stiffening and shape
is imparted to the corset by strips A of cloth in which cords or strings are embodied.
These strips run lengthwise connecting the upper and lower edges or borders of
the corset.
The fastening is accomplished with the belt or strap L, the latter is in two
parts the one provided with a hook and the other with corresponding eyelets and
both terminating at the back portion, in 5 smaller straps D. D¹ the free ends of
which are equally spaced along the length of the edge of the corset and fastened
on to the borders of the opposite pieces that compose the back portion, the straps D'
being united directly to the border, the straps D, to another strap K', which is
sewn onto the upper and lower edge of the corset thereby covering the other
straps D¹. A similar strap K. is arranged on the opposite border but, as already
mentioned, the ends of straps D¹, are directly attached to the edge covered by
strap K.
It is manifest that a pulling of the straps L. L will distribute the force exerted
over the single straps D, D', it is also evident that the vertical edges will be
uniformly brought together while a slackening of the pull at once relieves the
pressure, and causes the opening of the corset.
The back portions run out above to the shoulder straps E, which are solidly or

page_text: removably fastened to the upper border of the front pieces. The straps G when
attached to straps E and. with their other end to the upper end of the front of the
corset prevent displacement of the latter. The elastic band B¹ is provided with
downward projections adapted for buttoning onto the drawers or petticoat.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. A corset comprising front and back portions of reticulated or perforated
material united at the sides by lateral elastic straps and stiffened and shaped by
means of strips of cloth, the front portions being also connected together, by elastic
straps.
2. In a corset as described the locking or fastening device consisting of straps
uniformly spaced along the edges of the back parts or pieces said straps being
combined respectively in one larger strap the pulling and securing of which causes
the closing and fastening of the corset.
3. The combination with the corset as described of the downward projections
with buttons F, for the purpose set forth.
Dated this 23rd day of May 1895
HERBERT HADDAN & Co.,
18 Buckingham Street, Strand, London, W.C., Agents for Applicant.