U.S. patent application number 11/917721 was filed with the patent office on 2010-03-18 for shape enhancing garment.
Invention is credited to Bruce Bary Buckley.
Application Number | 20100064409 11/917721 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42005887 |
Filed Date | 2010-03-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100064409 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Buckley; Bruce Bary |
March 18, 2010 |
SHAPE ENHANCING GARMENT
Abstract
A shape enhancing garment to be worn upon a wearers body for the
purpose of increasing or enhancing a visual buttock profile of the
wearer is described. The shape enhancing garment is characterised
in that it includes an outer rear fabric portion and an inner rear
fabric portion arranged in an overlying manner. The shape enhancing
garment further includes a first pocket and a second pocket, each
pocket located upon an inner surface of the inner rear fabric
portion. Each pocket is arranged to receive a shape defining pad
and to retain the shape defining pad therein such that, in use,
each shape defining pad is disposed adjacent a buttock of the
wearer so as to create a visual buttock profile that is enhanced. A
shape defining pad for use in a shape defining garment is also
described, as is a method of manufacture of said shape defining
pad.
Inventors: |
Buckley; Bruce Bary;
(Bankok, TH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JAMES D. STEVENS;REISING ETHINGTON P.C.
P.O. BOX 4390
TROY
MI
48099
US
|
Family ID: |
42005887 |
Appl. No.: |
11/917721 |
Filed: |
June 12, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
June 12, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB06/01637 |
371 Date: |
June 6, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/67 ; 2/250;
2/267; 2/400 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41B 9/04 20130101; A41B
2400/38 20130101; A41D 27/26 20130101; A41D 1/06 20130101; A41B
9/001 20130101; A41D 2400/38 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/67 ; 2/400;
2/250; 2/267 |
International
Class: |
A41D 7/00 20060101
A41D007/00; A41B 9/00 20060101 A41B009/00; A41D 27/20 20060101
A41D027/20; A41D 27/26 20060101 A41D027/26 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 22, 2005 |
TH |
050300810 |
Dec 7, 2005 |
TH |
0503001530 |
Dec 7, 2005 |
TH |
0503001531 |
Dec 30, 2005 |
TH |
0503001645 |
Claims
1. A shape enhancing garment to be worn upon a wearers body for the
purpose of increasing or enhancing a visual buttock profile of the
wearer, wherein the shape enhancing garment comprises: an outer
rear fabric portion and an inner rear fabric portion arranged in an
overlying manner; and a first pocket and second pocket, each pocket
located upon an inner surface of the inner rear fabric portion,
each pocket being arranged to receive a shape defining pad and to
retain the shape defining pad therein such that, in use, each shape
defining pad is disposed adjacent a buttock of the wearer so as to
create a visual buttock profile that is enhanced.
2. A shape enhancing garment according to claim 1, wherein each
pocket has a periphery having a shape with a generally straight
portion, the straight portion being arranged adjacent and
substantially parallel to a waistband of the garment.
3. A shape enhancing garment according to claim 2, wherein the
straight edge is located within a range of 0.5 cm to 3 cm below the
waistband.
4. A shape enhancing garment according to claim 1, wherein each
pocket has a shape and size similar to that of the shape defining
pad received therein so as to maintain the pad in a substantially
fixed position upon being received by each respective pocket.
5. A shape enhancing garment according to claim 4, wherein an outer
periphery of each pocket is of a size that is between 1 mm to 4 mm
larger than a size of each respective shape defining pad.
6. A shape enhancing garment according to claim 1, wherein two or
more outer rear fabric portions are provided in an overlying
manner, the outer rear fabric portions assisting to conceal joining
between the inner rear fabric portion and pockets.
7. A shape enhancing garment according to claim 1, wherein the
garment is a pair of hipster or low-rise underwear or briefs.
8. A shape enhancing garment according to claim 6, wherein the
garment is a swimsuit.
9. A shape defining pad for use in a shape enhancing garment,
wherein the shape defining pad comprises: a central portion with a
surrounding peripheral portion having an outermost edge, the
outermost edge defining a shape comprising an arc having two ends,
the ends being connected by a generally straight portion, the
generally straight portion being arranged, in use, below and
substantially parallel to a waistband of the shape enhancing
garment; and a convex outer face having a shape and configuration
arranged to define a desired buttock profile when an inner face of
the shape defining pad is placed adjacent a buttock of the wearer
of the shape enhancing garment.
10. A shape defining pad according to claim 9, wherein the pad has
a thickness that generally decreases outwardly from the central
portion towards the peripheral edge such that the peripheral edge
has a minimum thickness.
11. A shape defining pad according to claim 9, wherein the central
portion has a maximum thickness in the range of 0.5 to 3 cm.
12. A shape defining pad according to claim 11, wherein the central
portion has a maximum thickness in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 cm.
13. A shape defining pad according to claim 9, wherein the convex
outer face is an irregular convex outer face wherein curvature of
the outer face is greater adjacent the straight portion.
14. A shape defining pad according to claim 9, wherein the
outermost edge is generally uneven.
15. A shape defining pad according to claim 14, wherein the uneven
outermost edge is formed from a multitude of broken open-cell foam
cells.
16. A shape defining pad according to claim 9, wherein a length of
the pad from the straight portion to an opposing side is in the
range of 12 to 17.5 cm.
17. A shape defining pad according to claim 16, wherein the length
is in the range of 14 to 17 cm.
18. A shape defining pad according to claim 9, wherein a width of
the pad is in the range of 12 to 19 cm.
19. A shape defining pad according to claim 18, wherein the width
is in the range of 14 to 16 cm.
20. A method of manufacture of a shape defining pad for use in a
shape enhancing garment, the method comprising: subjecting a
section of heat-formable foam to a heat press process in a mould
casing, the section of foam having a convex upper surface and the
foam having a size and shape that substantially matches the
outermost edge of the pad; the mould casing defining the shape and
configuration of the pad such that upon compression of the foam,
the foam is compressed substantially evenly throughout to create a
pad that has substantially uniform density.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a garment for use in
enhancing the shape of a part of the human body, such as for use in
enhancing or increasing the size and shape of the buttock
region.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In recent years, fashion trends have tended to embrace
clothing and apparel designs that increasingly reveal and
accentuate natural curves of the human body. There has also been a
general increase in the popularity of clothing that serves to
reveal or expose the abdominal and hip area of the body. One such
example of this fashion is that of hipster or low-rise jeans, where
a waistline of such a garment is deliberately designed to extend no
higher than the hip area, often sitting well below the wearer's
waistline. Unfortunately for a proportion of a fashion conscious
population, such a design can emphasise a perceived figure flaw,
such as a small or relatively flat buttock region. This perception
of such a flaw may become magnified as fashion trends, particularly
Western fashion, begin to increasingly regard a larger or rounder
buttock profile as being in vogue or generally visually
appealing.
[0003] To date, figure enhancing clothing has had limited success
in attempting to remedy such perceived figure flaws. Often, clothes
that employ the use of pads to increase or otherwise enhance a
particular part of a body tend to cause that part of the body to
appear artificial, rather than giving the appearance of a natural
extension of the wearer's body. This may be due, for example, to
the shape of the pad not conforming to or blending into the natural
curves of the wearer's body, as is often the case with oval or
egg-shaped prior art pads, or could be due to unsightly stitching
or joining of the padded material being visible from an exterior of
the garment.
[0004] Further, some known padded clothing items are unable to
provide a "natural" visual effect due to an inadequate means of
attaching the padding to the clothing. Items of clothing that use,
for example, latch loop fasteners to adjustably position padded
portions underneath the exterior of the garment are often prone to
having the padded portion move from a desired position. Such
movement thus creates an unnatural effect in use. These types of
problems can be increased in those instances where it is desired to
wear hipster or low-rise garments.
[0005] Such inadequacies in padded clothing do little to reassure
or instil confidence in the wearer, who often already has a defined
perception that a part of their body is flawed in appearance.
Rather, the inadequacies in such clothing items can render the
person more self conscious about their figure, as they may have the
additional concern that others will not only notice their perceived
figure flaw, but also notice their attempts to remedy such flaws by
artificial means.
[0006] The present invention attempts to overcome at least in part
the aforementioned disadvantages of previous figure enhancing
garments, particularly those for enhancing the size and shape of
the buttock region.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention
there is provided a shape enhancing garment to be worn by a wearer
for the purpose of increasing or enhancing a visual buttock profile
of the wearer, characterised in that the shape enhancing garment
comprises: [0008] an outer rear fabric portion and an inner rear
fabric portion arranged in an overlying manner; and [0009] a first
and a second pocket, each pocket located upon an inner surface of
the inner rear fabric portion, each pocket being arranged to
receive a shape defining pad and to retain the shape defining pad
therein such that, in use, each shape defining pad is disposed
adjacent a buttock of the wearer so as to create a visual buttock
profile that is enhanced.
[0010] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a shape defining pad for use in a shape enhancing
garment, the shape defining pad characterised in that it comprises:
[0011] a central portion with a surrounding peripheral portion
having an outermost edge, the outermost edge defining a shape
comprising an arc having two ends, the ends being connected by a
generally straight portion, the generally straight portion being
arranged, in use, below and substantially parallel to a waistband
of the shape enhancing garment; and [0012] a convex outer face
having a shape and configuration arranged to define a desired
buttock profile when an inner face of the shape defining pad is
placed adjacent a buttock of a wearer of the shape enhancing
garment.
[0013] Preferably, the central portion generally decreases in
thickness as it extends outwardly towards the outermost edge such
that the outermost edge has a minimum thickness relative to the
remainder of the pad.
[0014] In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention
there is provided a method of manufacture of a pad for use in a
shape enhancing garment, characterised by comprising the steps of:
[0015] subjecting a quantity of heat-formable foam to a heat press
process in a mould casing, the section of foam having a convex
upper surface and the foam having a size and shape that
substantially matches a desired shape of an outer peripheral edge
of the pad; [0016] the mould casing defining the shape and
configuration of the pad such that upon compression, the foam is
compressed substantially evenly throughout to create a pad that has
substantially uniform density.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The present invention will now be described, by way of
example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shape enhancing garment
with shape defining pads in accordance with the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a exploded view of components of a rear portion of
the shape enhancing garment of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of components of the shape
enhancing garment of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a shape defining pad of the shape
enhancing garment of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a side view of the shape defining pad of FIG.
4;
[0023] FIGS. 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d and 6e are plan views of different
embodiments of shape defining pads in accordance with the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a side view of a foam block used in a
manufacturing process of the shape defining pads of FIGS. 4 to
6;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a rear view of a further embodiment of the shape
enhancing garment of the present invention; and
[0026] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of components of the shape
enhancing garment of FIG. 8.
DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0027] Referring to the Figures, there is shown a shape enhancing
garment 10 for wear by a person for the purpose of accentuating or
otherwise enhancing the shape and/or profile of a buttock region.
The shape enhancing garment 10 may be underwear, such as lingerie
or briefs, or may be an outerwear garment, such as shorts, jeans or
even swimwear.
[0028] Referring initially to the embodiment of the present
invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the shape enhancing garment 10 is
a pair of underwear pants, such as a pair of hipster or low rise
briefs. The garment 10 includes at least one outer rear fabric
portion 12 which, in this embodiment, forms a majority portion of
the seat of the pants; a front portion 14; and a crotch portion 16.
It should be understood that a plurality of outer rear fabric
portions 12 can be provided, so as to create a multi-layer effect
upon the rear of the garment 10.
[0029] The outer rear fabric portion 12, front portion 14 and
crotch portion 16 are substantially as is known in the art of
underwear design and manufacture and may be modified in shape,
style and choice of fabric to suit individual or specific
requirements.
[0030] An inner rear fabric portion 18 is disposed adjacent an
inner surface of the outer rear fabric portion 12. In those
instances where more than one outer rear fabric portion 12 is
provided, the inner rear fabric portion 18 is disposed adjacent the
inner surface of the innermost outer rear fabric portion 12. The
inner rear fabric portion 18 is similar in size and shape to the
outer rear fabric portion 12 and is attached thereto along a
periphery 20 thereof. The inner and outer rear portions 12, 18 may
also be joined along a central seam 22, which acts to divide the
inner rear fabric portion 18 into left and right regions.
Preferably, the inner and outer portions 12, 18 are joined by
stitching along the periphery 20.
[0031] The provision of the at least one outer rear fabric portion
12 outside the inner rear fabric portion 18 advantageously acts to
create a multi-layer effect which assists to conceal from view any
stitching or other means of joining the inner and outer 18, 12
fabric portions together. Further, this multi-layer effect also
advantageously conceals from view further components of the garment
10, described below, which are located internally of the inner rear
fabric portion 18. It is preferred that the garment 10 has more
than one outer fabric portion 12 especially in those instances
where the material used or style of the garment 10 requires, for
example, a bulkier stitching to be used. In this manner, such
stitching is much more readily concealed from view when the garment
10 is viewed in use.
[0032] A pair of fabric portions, each smaller in size than
respective left and right regions of the inner rear fabric portion
18, are fixedly located upon an inner surface of the inner rear
fabric portion 18 so as to create a left pocket 24a and a right
pocket 24b. Each pocket 24a, 24b is designed to receive a shape
defining pad 26a, 26b and acts to retain the pad 26a, 26b in a
predetermined position. Typically, the predetermined position is
such that, in use, an uppermost portion of each pocket 24a, 24b is
generally aligned with a top of the crease between the natural
buttocks of the wearer. In this manner, each pad 26a, 26b is, in
use, disposed adjacent each buttock of the wearer so as to create a
desired buttock profile that is increased or otherwise enhanced
relative to the wearer's natural buttock profile.
[0033] Each pocket 24a, 24b are formed by a respective a first
pocket portion 28a, 28b which is attached to the inner rear fabric
portion 18 by any suitable means, such as by stitching. The
respective first pocket portions 28a, 28b are arranged upon the
inner rear fabric portion 18 such that each pocket 24a, 24b has an
opening adjacent and parallel to a waistband of the garment 10 so
as to receive the pads 26a, 26b. The first pocket portions 28a, 28b
are arranged in a position that allows creation of the desired
cosmetic profile of the wearer as described above. Preferably, the
first pocket portions 28a, 28b have a shape and dimensions that are
similar to the shape and dimensions of the respective pads 26a, 26b
so as to maintain the pads 26a, 26b snugly in a desired position.
Preferably, the first pocket portions 28a, 28b have an outer
periphery having a size that is approximately 2 to 4 mm greater
than the size of an outer periphery of each pad 26a, 26b.
[0034] Each pocket 24a, 24b also preferably has a second pocket
portion 30, disposed adjacent the opening of each pocket 24a, 24b
and overlapping an upper portion of each first pocket portion 26a,
26b. In this manner, each pocket 24a, 24b has a covered opening so
as to assist in maintaining the pads 26a, 26b in position within
the respective pockets 24a, 24b.
[0035] Each pad 26a, 26b is preferably formed from suitable foam
material, such as open-cell polyurethane foam or open cell latex
foam. Further preferably, the pads 26a, 26b are formed from a foam
or foam-like material that can be shaped by a heat press process.
However, it should be understood that the pads 26a, 26b may be
formed of any material that is able to substantially retain a
predetermined shape in use. It is also preferred that the foam or
other material used to form the pads 26a, 26b is at least
substantially the same colour as the garment 10 in which they are
to be inserted.
[0036] Referring primarily to FIGS. 4 to 6, each pad 26a, 26b
comprises a central portion 32 with a surrounding peripheral
portion 34. The peripheral portion has an outermost peripheral edge
36. The peripheral edge 36 defines a shape generally comprised of
an arc 33 having two ends 35, the ends 35 being connected by a
generally straight portion 38. In other words, the entire
peripheral edge 36 has the shape of a truncated circle with a
substantially straight upper edge.
[0037] Advantageously, the straight portion 38 enables the pads 26
to be used specifically in garments that are of a low-rise or
hipster variety or worn under garments that are low-rise or
hipster. In this manner, an enhanced or increased buttock profile
can be created upon the wearer of the garment 10 whilst allowing
the wearer to wear hipster or low-rise outerwear without any
portion of the garment 10 in accordance with the invention being
exposed above the waistband of such attire. However, it should be
understood that the generally straight portion 38 may also have a
slight curvature without departing from the scope of the
invention.
[0038] Each pad 26a, 26b has a generally convex outer face 40. Each
pad 26a, 26b generally decreases in thickness as it extends
outwardly from the central portion 32 towards the peripheral
portion and edge 34, 36. The peripheral portion 34 and edge 36 are
thus the thinnest parts of each pad 24a, 24b, having a minimum
thickness. Preferably, the pads 24a 24b have a maximum thickness at
the central portion 32 in the range of 0.5 to 3 cm, depending on
the individual wearers requirements. More preferably, the pads 24a,
24b will have a maximum thickness in the range of 1.5 to 2.5 cm.
The thickness tapers outwardly to the peripheral edge 36 which is
typically no more than 2 or 3 mm thick, preferably 1 mm or
less.
[0039] In a further embodiment, the pads 26a, 26b have a maximum
thickness that is slightly offset from the central portion 32 and
towards the straight upper portion 38. That is, the pads 26a, 26b
have an irregular convex curvature, wherein the curvature is
greater towards the straight upper portion 38. Pads having such a
shape are particularly advantageous for use by wearers that have
buttocks that are somewhat sagging in appearance. Placement of pads
26a, 26b adjacent buttocks of such a shape can give the appearance
of a more symmetrical or uplifted buttock profile.
[0040] The peripheral edge 36 of each pad 26a, 26b is preferably
slightly ragged, forming a generally uneven edge rather than a
smooth edge. The ragged peripheral edge 36 is preferably comprised
of a multitude of broken foam cells. This edge formation visually
blends more readily into the wearer's natural profile. In this
manner, any visibility of the pads 26a, 26b through the outer rear
fabric portion 12 of the garment 10 and also through any layer of
outer clothing worn over the pants garment 10, can be greatly
reduced.
[0041] The ragged peripheral edge 36, together with the effect of
the or each outer rear fabric portion 12 adjacent the inner rear
fabric portion 18, minimises any visibility of pads 26a, 26b, and
any joining of the components, in such a way that a substantially
natural visual profile is created in use. The dual effect of the
multi-layering from the inner rear fabric portion 18 and the or
each outer rear fabric portion 12 and ragged peripheral edge 36
enables the creation of such a profile even when the garment 10 is
viewed in use alone or underneath a sheer garment.
[0042] Each pad 26a, 26b has an inner face 31 disposed in use,
adjacent an inner surface of each respective first pocket portion
28. The inner face 31 may be concave or substantially flat.
Preferably, the inner face 31 is substantially flat for pads 26a,
26b that have a maximum thickness in the range of approximately 0.5
cm to 1.5 cm. For pads 26a, 26b that have a greater thickness, it
is preferred that the inner face 31 is at least slightly concave,
so as to enable the pads to contour along the natural profile of
the wearer. It has been found that for pads having the smaller
thickness, less compression by overlying fabric is required to
achieve the necessary contouring for a natural profile effect.
[0043] The pads 26a, 26b preferably have a diameter between
approximately 12 and 19 cm. Even more preferably, the diameter is
within the range of 14 to 17 cm. It is preferred that the height of
each pad from a lower edge to the generally straight portion 38 and
the width is substantially the same. However, it should be
understood that the height and width can be varied to better
accommodate different shapes and sizes of various wearers of the
garment 10. For example, it is preferred that the pads each have a
length, being a distance from straight portion 38 to opposing side,
in the range of 12 to 17.5 cm. More preferably, the length is in
the range of 14 to 17 cm. It is preferred that a width of each pad
is in the range of 12 to 19 cm, more preferably in the range of 14
to 16 cm.
[0044] A sample of preferred pad 26a configurations is as shown in
FIG. 6. Importantly, it will be noted that every pad 26a, 26b has a
substantially straight portion 38, particularly suitable for the
use of these pads 26a, 26b in hipster or low rise garments. A
method of manufacture of the pads 26a, 26b of the invention is also
described, the method enabling the production of pads 26a, 26b that
are best suited for the invention described. Referring to FIG. 7,
the method includes first preparing or obtaining a section of
suitable foam block 42 having an upper surface 44 that is
substantially convex in shape. Further, the foam block 42 has a
diameter and shape that substantially matches the desired shape of
the outer peripheral edge 36. This foam block 42 is a type of foam
that may be subjected to a heating process without unwanted
distortion of the foam occurring. For example, an open cell
polyurethane foam would be suitable, whereas a polystyrene foam
would not react well to heat exposure and thus be unsuitable for
use in the described manufacturing process.
[0045] The foam block 42 is then subject to a heat press process,
whereby the block 42 is placed into a suitable mould casing, the
mould casing defining the shape and configuration of the final pad
26. As the mould casing is closed, the block 42 is compressed into
the desired final shape, as described above. As the thickness of
the block 42 initially decreases outwardly from the central portion
to outer periphery, the entire block 42 is compressed substantially
evenly throughout. This even compression through the entire width
and length of the block 42 eventuates in a pad that has
substantially even density throughout all portions of the pad.
[0046] In such a manner of manufacture, the peripheral edge 36 is
not subject to any greater compression than the rest of the foam.
As such, the peripheral edge 36 has a density that is substantially
the same as the remainder of the pad and therefore does not lead to
the creation of a hardened edge, as is the case in the creation of
some prior art pads. Further, the pressing process squeezes very
little or none of the foam beyond the desired periphery of the pad.
This also avoids the necessity of having to trim the edge with a
cutting means and importantly allows the creation of the ragged
peripheral edge 36, as described above.
[0047] It should be understood that the above described method of
manufacture might be used in the manufacture of pads to be used in
a shape enhancing garment for the purpose of enhancing any part of
the wearer's body. The advantage whereby the edge of pads created
by this method has a uniform density relative to the remainder of
the pad, ensures that such pads are able to blend into the natural
profile of the wearer, regardless of which body part is being
enhanced by the garment.
[0048] The above description of the garment 10 in accordance with
the present invention may be readily applied to the manufacture of
garments other than underwear. For example, buttock shape enhancing
swimsuits can be readily manufactured using the same principles. In
such instances, the only manufacturing variations would be
primarily in relation to the materials used for manufacture. For
example, the manufacture of swimming attire requires the use of
swimsuit grade stretch fabrics and the use of a padding material
that is able to withstand significant exposure to water without
loss or degradation of shape or consistency. Preferably, in such an
embodiment, the pads 26a, 26b are formed from a closed cell foam or
silicon material as these materials are better suited for exposure
to water than open cell foam.
[0049] Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, there is shown a second
embodiment of the present invention, as applied to an outergarment
such as a pair of jeans. In this embodiment, where like features
are denoted by like numerals in reference to the previous
embodiment, the garment 110 has an inner fabric portion 18
substantially as described above. In this embodiment, the outer
rear fabric portion 12 is comprised of material that forms a seat
portion of the garment 110. The inner rear fabric portion 18 is
attached to the outer rear fabric portion 12 substantially as
described above. As before, any number of further rear fabric
portions 12 may also be provided to create a further multi-layer
effect.
[0050] First and second pockets 24a, 24b are attached to the inner
rear fabric portion 18 as described above. In this embodiment, it
is preferred that upon attachment of the pockets 24a, 24b, the
respective openings are disposed such that they face towards each
other. That is, the opening of the pockets 24a, 24b face towards a
central seam or portion of the inner rear fabric portion 18, as can
be seen in FIG. 9. However, arrangement of the pockets 24a, 24b as
described above with reference to the first embodiment is also
suitable.
[0051] Suitable shape defining pads 26a, 26b are inserted into the
respective pockets 24a, 24b substantially as described with
reference to the first embodiment.
[0052] In use, prior to a wearer putting on the garment 10, the
garment 10 is preferably turned inside out so that the pockets 24a,
24b face outwardly. The shape defining pads 26a, 26b are then
inserted into their respective pockets 24a 24b such that the
straight portion 38 is adjacent and parallel to the waistband of
the garment 10. The pads 26a, 26b should also be placed inside each
pocket 26a, 26b such that the convex outer face 40 faces towards
the outer rear fabric portion 12 and hence protrudes outwardly from
the wearers natural visual profile.
[0053] Once the pads 26a, 26b are inside their respective pockets
24a, 24b, the overlying fabric is gently stretched around the pads
26a, 26b so that they are positioned centrally within the pocket
24a, 24b. Importantly, the pads 26a, 26b need to be positioned such
that the outer peripheral edge 36 are flat and do not curl against
the interior of the pockets 24a, 24b. The garment 10 may then be
put on as appropriate by the wearer. The predetermined positioning
of the pockets 24a, 24b and thus the pads 26a, 26b ensure that the
pads are appropriately positioned upon each buttock of the wearer
so as to create the desired enhanced or increased profile.
[0054] It is preferred that upon the garment 10 being taken off by
the wearer, that the pads 26a, 26b are removed prior to any
cleaning or washing of the garment 10. Alternatively, if it is
desired that instead an alternative profile is to be created, one
set of pads 26a, 26b can be removed and replaced with a further
pair of a different size as required.
[0055] Modifications as would be apparent to the skilled addressee
are deemed to be within the scope of this invention.
* * * * *