U.S. patent application number 12/506594 was filed with the patent office on 2010-11-04 for body cover wrap.
Invention is credited to Angela Huc.
Application Number | 20100275339 12/506594 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43029255 |
Filed Date | 2010-11-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100275339 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Huc; Angela |
November 4, 2010 |
Body Cover Wrap
Abstract
The present application is directed to garments that provide a
covering for skin imperfections on a body portion of a wearer. One
embodiment discloses a single stretchable fabric panel having a
first end and a second end joined together to form a hollow
cylindrical configuration. In this configuration, the garment has
an inner surface disposed towards the body, and an outer surface
disposed away from the body. In one embodiment, the stretchable
fabric panel is resiliently yieldable both horizontally and
vertically such that the stretchable fabric panel conforms to a
shape of the body portion while generally unaltering the shape of
the body portion. One embodiment includes a decorative fabric panel
attached to the stretchable fabric panel.
Inventors: |
Huc; Angela; (Bryn Mawy,
PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
The Law Office of David P. Hendricks, PLLC
P.O. Box 37127
Raleigh
NC
27627
US
|
Family ID: |
43029255 |
Appl. No.: |
12/506594 |
Filed: |
July 21, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61214817 |
Apr 29, 2009 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/69 ; 2/211;
2/247 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41C 1/08 20130101; A41D
1/22 20130101; A41F 9/002 20130101; A41D 1/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/69 ; 2/211;
2/247 |
International
Class: |
A41D 1/00 20060101
A41D001/00; A41D 1/14 20060101 A41D001/14; A41D 27/20 20060101
A41D027/20 |
Claims
1. A garment for covering a body portion of a wearer, comprising: a
stretchable fabric panel to cover the body portion, the stretchable
fabric panel having a first end and a second end, the first and
second ends joined together to form a hollow cylindrical
configuration with an inner surface disposed towards the body and
an outer surface disposed away from the body; wherein the
stretchable fabric panel is resiliently yieldable both horizontally
and vertically such that the stretchable fabric panel conforms to a
shape of the body portion while generally unaltering the shape of
the body portion.
2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the outer surface is adorned
with colors or designs such that the garment may be worn as an
outergarment.
3. The garment of claim 1, further comprising a decorative fabric
panel attached to the stretchable fabric panel.
4. The garment of claim 3, wherein the decorative fabric panel is
releasably attached to the stretchable fabric panel.
5. The garment of claim 3, wherein the decorative fabric panel
forms a skirt.
6. The garment of claim 1, wherein the stretchable fabric panel has
an upper edge and a lower edge, and a vertical distance between the
upper and lower edges is at least six inches.
7. The garment of claim 1, wherein the stretchable fabric panel is
homogeneous throughout.
8. The garment of claim 1, further comprising a storage pouch
attached to the stretchable fabric panel.
9. The garment of claim 1, wherein the stretchable fabric panel is
comprised of a single fabric panel.
10. The garment of claim 1, further comprising a second stretchable
fabric panel attached to the stretchable fabric panel such that the
second stretchable fabric panel at least partially covers a
different body portion than the stretchable fabric panel.
11. A garment for covering a body portion of a wearer, comprising:
a stretchable fabric panel to cover the body portion, the fabric
panel having a first end and a second end, the first and second
ends joined together to form a hollow cylindrical configuration
with an inner surface disposed toward the body and an outer surface
disposed away from the body; and a decorative fabric panel attached
to the stretchable fabric panel and covering at least a portion of
the outer surface; wherein the stretchable fabric panel is
resiliently yieldable both horizontally and vertically such that
the stretchable fabric panel conforms to a shape of the body
portion while generally unaltering the shape of the body
portion.
12. The garment of claim 11, wherein the decorative fabric panel is
releasably attached to the stretchable fabric panel.
13. The garment of claim 11, wherein the decorative fabric panel is
releasably attached in proximity to an upper edge of the
stretchable fabric panel and unattached in proximity to a lower
edge of the stretchable fabric panel.
14. The garment of claim 11, wherein the stretchable fabric panel
is homogeneous throughout.
15. A garment for covering a body portion of a wearer, comprising:
a stretchable fabric panel to cover the body portion, the
stretchable fabric panel having a first end and a second end, the
first and second ends joined together to form a hollow cylindrical
configuration defining an upper opening and a lower opening wherein
a vertical distance from the upper opening to the lower opening is
at least six inches; wherein the stretchable fabric panel is
resiliently yieldable both horizontally and vertically such that
the stretchable fabric panel conforms to a shape of the body
portion while generally unaltering the shape of the body
portion.
16. The garment of claim 15, wherein the stretchable fabric panel
is homogeneous throughout.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority to Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/214,817 filed on Apr. 29, 2009,
which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present application is directed to garments and, more
particularly, to a wrap that is worn around the waist, abdomen,
hips, buttocks, arms, or legs of a wearer to cover up imperfections
in the skin of the wearer.
[0003] The skin, a protective membrane covering the exterior of the
body, is comprised of three layers. The epidermis which is the
outer layer, the dermis which is the middle layer, and the stratum
or deepest layer. Stretch marks and skin alterations usually occur
in the dermis. The dermis is an elastic, resilient middle layer
which allows skin to retain its shape. When the dermis is stretched
over time as in pregnancy and obesity, the skin becomes less
elastic and connective fibers in the dermis can break and tear. The
result is skin alterations like stretch marks and loose skin. This
skin distension resulting in stretch marks and flab can occur on
numerous areas of the body, namely the abdomen, thigh and buttock.
Such damage to the skin can also be caused by lactation, weight
lifting, aging, and other stressful activities that result in
tension build up in the dermis.
[0004] Skin imperfections and scars are a major problem for women,
especially after pregnancy. There have been numerous topical
creams, oils, and solutions developed which women apply to the skin
before or after pregnancy to help diminish, limit, and camouflage
the marks. Most treatments have been unsuccessful or mildly
effective. In the United States it is estimated that about 90
percent of women who have gone through pregnancy and 70 percent of
adolescent females have stretch marks.
[0005] Many women also experience stretched skin or flabby skin in
the stomach area after weight loss. Surgical solutions such as
tummy tucks have resulted in some women redefining their stomach
area, especially surrounding the naval. However, surgical
procedures may not be effective for eliminating or reducing stretch
marks and other skin imperfections, and many women are unwilling to
undergo surgical procedures.
[0006] Additionally, a condition called cellulite may occur in
females after puberty. This condition results from a collection of
fat that pushes against the connective tissue beneath the skin
causing the surface of the skin to dimple or pucker in areas of the
thighs, abdomen, and buttocks. This condition may leave women
feeling apprehensive when exposing those areas of their body.
[0007] Many women with skin imperfections desire to wear bikini
swim wear, midriff tops, or high cut underwear. As a result of
these skin imperfections, they may instead relegate themselves to
wearing one-piece swimwear that affords more complete coverage.
SUMMARY
[0008] The present application is directed to garments that provide
a covering for skin imperfections on a body portion of a wearer.
One embodiment discloses a single stretchable fabric panel having a
first end and a second end joined together to form a hollow
cylindrical configuration. In this configuration, the garment has
an inner surface disposed towards the body, and an outer surface
disposed away from the body. In one embodiment, the stretchable
fabric panel is resiliently yieldable both horizontally and
vertically such that the stretchable fabric panel conforms to a
shape of the body portion while generally unaltering the shape of
the body portion. One embodiment includes a decorative fabric panel
attached to the stretchable fabric panel. In one embodiment, a
storage pouch is attached to the stretchable fabric panel.
[0009] The garment may provide a remedy to unsightly skin
imperfections in the abdomen, waist, stomach, midsection, thigh,
arm, and buttocks body portions of the wearer. The garment provides
a covering for body portions deemed unattractive by the wearer by
utilizing a generally cylindrical-shaped garment made of
stretchable fabric that provides comfort and a form-fitting smooth
and seamless appearance to desired areas of the body. The garment
may include a stretchable fabric panel that is positioned by the
wearer around the circumference of the body portion to provide a
form-fitting body wrap that covers skin imperfections, cellulite,
and fatty areas. The body wrap may be used as an attractive
outerwear garment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a stretchable fabric panel
according to one embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 2 is perspective view of a body wrap according to one
embodiment
[0012] FIG. 3 is a front view of a person wearing a body wrap
according to one embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a body wrap according to one
embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a front view of a person wearing a body wrap
according to one embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a front schematic view of a stretchable fabric
panel according to one embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a body wrap and decorative
fabric panel according to one embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a front view of a person wearing first and second
body wraps according to one embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a front view of a person wearing a body wrap with
a pouch according to one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] The present application is directed to garments that provide
a covering for skin imperfections on a body portion of a wearer.
One embodiment discloses a single stretchable fabric panel having a
first end and a second end joined together to form a hollow
cylindrical configuration. In this configuration, the garment has
an inner surface disposed towards the body, and an outer surface
disposed away from the body. In one embodiment, the stretchable
fabric panel is resiliently yieldable both horizontally and
vertically such that the stretchable fabric panel conforms to a
shape of the body portion while generally unaltering a shape of the
body portion.
[0020] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a stretchable fabric panel
12 of a body wrap 10. The stretchable fabric panel 12 may be
constructed of fibers of an elasticized material that allows the
stretchable fabric panel 12 to be yieldable both horizontally and
vertically. Example materials that may be used for the stretchable
fabric panel 12 include, but are not limited to, Lycra, spandex,
elastane, and/or blends thereof. The stretchable fabric panel 12
may also include, but is not limited to, one or more different
fibers such as cotton, nylon, polyester, acrylic, rayon, and blends
thereof to impart other desired properties.
[0021] Although the stretchable fabric panel 12 may include fibers
of more than one material as described above, in one embodiment the
stretchable fabric panel 12 is homogeneous throughout. That is, the
stretchable fabric panel 12 may not include reinforcing bands,
inserts, or panels that may tend to provide support or shaping
functions for the body portion covered beyond that of the
stretchable fabric panel 12 itself.
[0022] The stretchable fabric panel 12 may include first end 14 and
second end 16. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the first
and second ends 14, 16 are joined together at seam 18 to form a
hollow, generally cylindrical shape. The cylindrical shape allows
the wearer to step into the body wrap 10 and pull the body wrap 10
up to the body portion to be covered. Alternatively, the wearer may
first pass their arms through the cylinder and pull the body wrap
10 over their head and down to the body part to be covered. The
stretchable fabric panel 12 may also include an inner surface 30
disposed toward the body, and an outer surface 32 disposed away
from the body.
[0023] The body wrap 10 when in the cylindrical shape as
illustrated in FIG. 2, defines an upper opening 20 and a lower
opening 22. The upper opening 20 has a diameter D1 and the lower
opening 22 has a diameter D2. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the
diameter D1 of the upper opening 20 is approximately equal to the
diameter D2 of the lower opening 22. This embodiment may be
advantageously worn on the midsection or abdomen on the wearer as
illustrated in FIG. 3, as well as on the legs or arms. In the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the diameter D1 of the upper
opening 20 is smaller than the diameter D2 of the lower opening 22.
This embodiment may be advantageously worn over the abdomen and
hips as illustrated in FIG. 5, where the larger diameter D2 of the
lower opening 22 affords better conformity over both the hips and
abdomen of the wearer.
[0024] The material of construction selected for the stretchable
fabric panel 12 may have a percent stretch in the horizontal and/or
vertical directions in the range of about 50 percent to about 200
percent. The percent stretch may be selected such that the body
wrap 10 conforms to the shape of the body portion covered without
changing the shape the body portion has without the body wrap 10.
Thus, in one embodiment, the body wrap 10 simply conforms to the
body portion without providing any appreciable support to the body
portion or any appreciable shaping of the body portion.
[0025] FIG. 6 illustrates the stretchable fabric panel 12 without
the first and second ends 14,16 attached. The stretchable fabric
panel 12 has an unstretched length L as measured from the first end
14 to the second end 16. The length L chosen may depend on a number
of factors, such as the intended size of the body wrap 10. For
example, the length L of a size small body wrap 10 may be less than
the length L of a size large body wrap 10. In one embodiment, the
length L ranges from about 12 inches to about 50 inches, although
other lengths L are within the scope of the present invention.
[0026] The stretchable fabric panel 12 has an unstretched width W
as measured from an upper edge 24 to a lower edge 26. The width W
may be selected to provide varying amounts of coverage. Generally,
the width W may vary in one embodiment from about 6 inches to about
15 inches, although other widths W are within the scope of the
present invention.
[0027] In one embodiment, the body wrap 10 is intended to be worn
as a decorative outer garment that is visible to an observer, not
hidden beneath other garments. Accordingly, the outer surface 32 of
the body wrap 10 may include a decorative color or pattern (not
shown) on at least a portion of the outer surface 32.
[0028] To further accentuate the decorative nature of one
embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 illustrates the body
wrap 10 with a decorative fabric panel 28 attached to the
stretchable fabric panel 12. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the
decorative fabric panel 28 is in the general form of a skirt.
However, any shape or design known in the art may be used for the
decorative fabric panel 28. For example, the decorative fabric
panel 28 may comprise a tubular shape (not shown) that encircles at
least part of the stretchable fabric panel 12. In one embodiment, a
plurality of decorative fabric panels 28 may be attached to the
stretchable fabric panel 12, such as in the form of a plurality of
strips (not shown) attached to the stretchable fabric panel 12. In
each of these embodiments, the decorative fabric panel 28 may be
releasably attached to the stretchable fabric panel 12 to allow
interchangeability of decorative fabric panels 28 for coordination
with other garments.
[0029] One embodiment includes multiple body wraps 10 worn by the
wearer simultaneously. For example, FIG. 8 illustrates the wearer
wearing a first body wrap 10A such as that illustrated in FIG. 2
around the midsection and a second body wrap 10B such as that
illustrated in FIG. 4 around the hips. Any combination of body
wraps 10 on any combination of body portions may be utilized. In
one embodiment, the first body wrap 10A and second body wrap 10B
are configured to releasable attach to one another using devices
known in the art such as snaps, hooks, stitching, zippers, buttons,
and hook and loop fasteners to name but a few.
[0030] Due to the flexible characteristic of the stretchable fabric
panel 12, the wearer may fold down a portion of the upper edge 24
or may fold up a portion of the lower edge 26. This may allow the
user to custom fit the body wrap 10 to a specific shape of the
body. For example, when the body wrap 10 is worn around the
abdomen, portions of the upper edge may be folded down to avoid
contact with the ribcage. Similarly, portions of the lower edge 26
may be folded up to better conform to the hips.
[0031] The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9 includes a storage
pouch 34 attached to the body wrap 10 to store items such as a
wallet, coins, cell phone, or the like. The pouch 34 may be
attached to the outer surface 32 or inner surface 30 of the
stretchable fabric panel 12. Additionally, the pouch 34 may be
releasably attached to the stretchable fabric panel 12 so that the
pouch 34 may be removed when not needed.
[0032] Spatially relative terms such as "under", "below", "lower",
"over", "upper", and the like, are used for ease of description to
explain the positioning of one element relative to a second
element. These terms are intended to encompass different
orientations of the garment in addition to different orientations
than those depicted in the figures. Further, terms such as "first",
"second", and the like, are also used to describe various elements,
regions, sections, etc. and are also not intended to be limiting.
Like terms refer to like elements throughout the description.
[0033] As used herein, the terms "having", "containing",
"including", "comprising", and the like are open ended terms that
indicate the presence of stated elements or features, but do not
preclude additional elements or features. The articles "a", "an"
and "the" are intended to include the plural as well as the
singular, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
[0034] The present invention may be carried out in other specific
ways than those herein set forth without departing from the scope
and essential characteristics of the invention. The present
embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as
illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the
meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended
to be embraced therein.
* * * * *