Patent Application
20240215656
The present invention relates to a shape enhancing garment which reduces thigh chafing by having a thigh slimming and separating effect.
Thigh chafing occurs when thighs rub against each other, causing friction. Thighs may rub together due to an excessive amount of inner thigh tissue. Thigh chafing can result in symptoms such as inflammation, blister-like lesions, a rash, feelings of burning, and pain. To reduce these symptoms, sufferers are recommended to wear garments with flat or no seams. These garments do not stop the root cause of the problem (i.e. the thighs rubbing together) but only address the symptoms. As a result, thigh chafing can make it difficult to keep to an exercise regime and if untreated can lead to further problems such as skin infections.
A way of ameliorating these problems has been sought.
According to the invention there is provided a shape enhancing garment which is formed from a base layer and one or more inner compressive layers for applying pressure at least to an inner thigh area to urge inner thigh leg tissue away from the inner thigh; wherein the one or more inner compressive layers comprise a non-circumferential layer; wherein the non-circumferential layer is a non-stretch layer.
Advantages of the invention include that it reduces chafing by removing the cause of thigh chafing by the thigh slimming and separation effect of the one or more inner compressive layers which include a non-circumferential layer, instead of merely addressing the symptoms which arise from thigh chafing. As can be seen from the Examples, the garment according to the invention has been compared with seven different types of commercially available garments. The data in the Examples demonstrates that the garment according to the invention is more effective in reducing chafing by increasing thigh slimming and separation.
Advantages of using a non-stretch layer include that it provides a powerful urging effect to increase thigh slimming and separation.
In some embodiments, the non-stretch layer may be formed from a non-stretch film, e.g. a heat-applied or adhesive non-stretch film. Advantages of providing the non-stretch layer in the form of a non-stretch film include that the non-stretch layer is substantially invisible as it is thin, it does not add to the bulk of the garment, and so it provides better aesthetics. In some embodiments, the non-stretch layer may have a thickness of from 50 μm, e.g. from 60 μm, e.g. from 70 μm, e.g. from 80 μm, to 500 μm, e.g. to 400 μm, e.g. to 300 μm, e.g. to 200 μm.
In some embodiments, the one or more inner compressive layers may comprise a compressive fabric layer. In some embodiments, the compressive fabric layer has a greater compressive effect than the base layer. In some embodiments, the compressive fabric layer has a smaller size than the base layer. In some embodiments, the compressive fabric layer has a height and/or breadth which is smaller than the height and/or breadth of the base layer, for example the height and/or breadth of the compressive layer may be from 5% to 20% smaller than the base layer, for example about 10% smaller. In some embodiments, the compressive fabric layer may be a non-circumferential compressive fabric layer. In some embodiments, the compressive fabric layer may be formed from two or more fabric regions having different compressive strength such that a fabric region having a higher compressive strength may be positioned at or near an inner thigh area to urge thigh tissue away from the inner thigh. In some embodiments, the two or more fabric regions may each have a different fabric density or may each comprise a different grade and/or amount of an elastic synthetic fibre. In some embodiments, the low stretch fabric layer may be secured by a peripheral seam, e.g. to the base layer, for example using a flatlock stitch. In some embodiments, the non-circumferential layer may be applied to the compressive fabric layer or to the base layer.
In some embodiments, the one or more inner compressive layers may comprise one or more front non-circumferential layers and one or more back non-circumferential layers where the front and back non-circumferential layers are different (e.g. the front and back non-circumferential layers may have a different shape or may each have a different number of layers). In some embodiments, the one or more inner compressive layers may consist of a non-circumferential layer. In some embodiments, the one or more inner compressive layers may consist of a non-circumferential layer and a compressive fabric layer.
In some embodiments, the non-circumferential layer may comprise an inner thigh shaping region and optionally a sculpting area wherein the non-circumferential layer may be formed from a continuous non-stretch layer. In some embodiments, the inner thigh shaping region may be shaped to cover only the inner thigh. In some embodiments, the front and/or back inner thigh shaping region may each have a semi-circular shape.
In some embodiments, the sculpting area may be formed from a plurality of non-stretch elements to provide graduated compressive pressure release. Advantages of providing graduated compressive pressure release include that there is not an abrupt change in the compressive effect of the garment which might result in a visible effect such as ridge of tissue; instead, soft contours are provided. In some embodiments, each non-stretch element may have a similar shape and/or size. In some embodiments, each non-stretch element may have a polygonal or rounded (e.g. circular or oval) shape; for example, a polygonal shape having from 3, e.g. from 5, to 10, e.g. to 8 sides. In some embodiments, the size of each non-stretch element may decrease the further the non-stretch element is away from the inner thigh shaping region (e.g. such that the size of each non-stretch element is inversely proportional to its distance from the inner thigh shaping region). In some embodiments, the distance between adjacent non-stretch elements may increase the further the non-stretch elements are away from the inner thigh shaping region (e.g. such that the distance between adjacent non-stretch elements is proportional to their distance from the inner thigh shaping region).
In some embodiments, the non-circumferential front layer may comprise a front sculpting area. In some embodiments, the front sculpting area may be an upper thigh (e.g. groin) sculpting area. In some embodiments, the one or more non-circumferential back layer may comprise a back sculpting area. In some embodiments, the back sculpting area may be a buttock supporting area.
In some embodiments, the garment may include side panels which are shaped to cover each outer leg wherein each side panel is free from inner compressive layers.
In some embodiments, the garment may be any form of clothing which covers a wearer's thighs, in particular any form of clothing which covers a wearer's body at least from their hips (or waist) to their knees. Examples of suitable garments include undergarments (e.g. undershorts or hosiery (e.g. tights)), sportswear (e.g. cycling shorts, golf wear (e.g. plus twos or plus fours), swim wear (e.g. swim shorts or a wetsuit), ski wear (e.g. ski pants), jodhpurs, tracksuit trousers, jogging bottoms, or leggings), or clothing (e.g. trousers, breeches, dungarees, or shorts). In some embodiments, the garment may be ankle length such that the garment may be in the form of tights, ski pants, leggings (e.g. ankle or calf length leggings), or trousers (e.g. jeans). In some embodiments, the garment may be knee length such that the garment may be in the form of shorts (e.g. cycling shorts), breeches, jodhpurs, or underwear.
In some embodiments, the garment may further comprise a waistband. In some embodiments, the garment may further comprise one or more pockets (such as a sewn on patch pocket or an internal pocket which may optionally be secured by a zip closure).
In some embodiments, the base layer may be constructed from a blend of a non-elastic synthetic fibre (such as a polyamide fibre (e.g. Nylon™) or non-elastic natural fibre (such as bamboo) and an elastic synthetic fibre (such as a fibre formed from polyurethane or polyether-polyurea copolymer (e.g. Elastane™ or Lycra™ or Spandex™, e.g. a material comprising 78% recycled Nylon and 22% recycled Elastane (where the percentages are by weight).
The invention will now be illustrated with reference to the following Figures of the accompanying drawings which are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention:
A first embodiment of a garment according to the invention is indicated generally at 10 on
Garment 10 is shown in the form of ankle-length tights or leggings and comprises a base layer 20, front inner compressive layers indicated generally at 30F, and back inner compressive layers indicated generally at 30B. The base layer 20 is constructed from a material comprising a blend of a non-elastic synthetic fibre such as Nylon™ and an elastic synthetic fibre such as Elastane (registered trademark), e.g. a material comprising 78% recycled Nylon and 22% recycled Elastane (where the percentages are by thread count). In an alternative embodiment, the material may be formed from different fibres and/or fibres which are not recycled.
The front and back inner compressive layers 30F,30B each respectively comprise front and back internal non-stretch layers 40F,40B as well as front and back internal fabric layers 50F,50B. Each internal non-stretch layer 40F,40B is formed from a non-stretch heat-applied polyurethane film on a polyethylene terephalate carrier having a thickness of about 0.13-5.1 mm and a weight of 150 g/m2 (e.g. a film such as Dream 5500 (Framis Italia)). Each internal non-stretch layer 40F,40B is applied to an upper side of each internal fabric layer 50F,50B. In an alternative embodiment, each internal non-stretch layer 40F,40B may be applied to a lower side of the base layer 20.
Each internal fabric layer 50F,50B is a graded fabric layer having a compressive construction which is a high performance Lycra™ material which is formed from a blend of a synthetic fibre such as a polyester and an elastic synthetic fibre such as Elastane (registered trademark), e.g. a material comprising 76% polyester and 24% Elastane (where the percentages are by weight).
The base layer 20 comprises a garment waistband 12, a front panel 21, a garment right leg back panel 16BR, a garment left leg back panel 16BL, a garment right side panel 17R, and a garment left side panel 17L. The front panel 21 comprises a garment right leg front area 16FR and a garment left leg front area 16FL wherein the garment right and left leg front areas 16FR, 16FL are joined together by a body front area 14F. The body front area 14F extends from the garment waistband 12 to the wearer's crotch 2.
Garment waistband 12 is secured by a vertical waistband seam 22. The garment waistband 12 is attached to the front panel 21 and garment right and left leg back panels 16BR, 16BL by a circumferential garment body seam 24. On the back of base layer 20, there is a pocket 13 suitable for receiving a smartphone and/or keys below the waistband with a horizontal zip closure 15.
The garment front panel 21 and garment right and left leg back panels 16BR, 16BL extend from the waistband 12. Each garment leg front area 16FR, 16FL has a respective longitudinal outer leg seam 26FR,26FL. Similarly, each garment leg back panel 16BR, 16BL has a respective longitudinal outer leg seam 26BR, 26BL. The longitudinal outer leg seams 26FR, 26FL, 26BR, 26BL are provided at an outer edge of each garment leg area 16FR,16FL,16BR,16BL and extend along the length of each garment leg. Each garment leg area 16FR,16FL and garment leg panel 16BR,16BL has a tapered ankle section 18FR, 18FL, 18BR, 18BL at their lower end and a transverse circumferential ankle seam 28R, 28L. Seams 26FR,26FL,26BR,26BL,28R,28L are flatlock stitched. The garment right leg panels 16FR,16BR are connected to each other by an outer right side panel 17R which joins the garment right leg area 16FR and garment right leg panel 16BR at the longitudinal outer leg seams 26FR,26BR. Likewise, the garment left leg area 16FL and garment left leg panel 16BL are connected to each other by an outer left side panel 17L which joins the garment left leg panels 16FL,16BL at the longitudinal outer leg seams 26FL,26BL. In an alternative embodiment, the garment right leg area 16FR and garment right leg panel 16BR and the garment left leg area 16FL and garment left leg panel 16BL may each be joined at an inner leg seam (not shown) or may each be formed from a continuous piece of material. In an alternative embodiment, the garment 10 may be in the form of shorts or underwear having a lower seam 28R,28L which is positioned above or below the knee. In a further alternative embodiment, the garment 10 may be in the form of trousers (e.g. jeans) which lack lower seam 28R,28L.
The front internal fabric layer 50F is attached to the base layer 20 by right and left internal fabric layer peripheral front seams 58R,58L which have a corresponding shape where each right and left internal fabric layer peripheral front seam 58R,58L has a lower arcuate shaped seam 60FR,60FL and an upper curved seam 62FR,62FL.
The lower arcuate shaped seam 60FR, 60FL is for attaching the front internal fabric layer 50F to the front leg areas 16FR, 16FL wherein the lower arcuate shaped seam 60FR,60FL links an upper end of each respective front longitudinal outer leg seam 26FR,26FL to an inside edge of the front leg areas 16FR, 16FL between the area of the thigh slimming and separation effect 6 and the knee 4.
The upper curved seam 62FR, 62FL is for attaching the front internal fabric layer 50F to the front body area 14F wherein the upper curved seam 62FR,62FL links the upper end of each respective front longitudinal outer leg seam 26FR, 26FL to the garment body seam 24.
The back internal fabric layer 50B is attached to the base layer 20 by right and left internal fabric layer peripheral back seams indicated at 64BR,64BL, an internal fabric layer buttock back seam 72, and right and left internal fabric layer leg seams 74R,74L.
Right and left internal fabric layer peripheral back seams 64BR,64BL have a corresponding shape where each has a lower arcuate shaped seam 66BR,66BL, a side curved seam 68BR,68BL, and an upper curved seam 70BR, 70BL.
The lower arcuate shaped seam 66BR,66BL links an upper end of each respective front longitudinal outer leg seam 26BR,26BL to an inside edge of the back leg panels 16BR, 16BL between the area of the thigh slimming and separation effect 6 and the knee 4. The side curved seams 68BR,68BL are substantially vertically oriented and link the upper end of each respective back longitudinal outer leg seam 26BR,26BL to the upper curved seam 70BR,70BL. The upper curved seams 70BR,70BL are substantially horizontally oriented and each links an upper end of the side curved seams 68BR,68BL to the internal fabric layer buttock back seam 72. The upper curved seams 70BR, 70BL are positioned immediately below pocket 13.
The internal fabric layer buttock back seam 72 is a substantially vertical seam positioned along a wearer's intergluteal cleft from just below pocket 13 to the crotch 2. The right and left internal fabric layer inner leg seams 74R, 74L link the internal fabric layer buttock back seam 72 to lower ends of the lower arcuate shaped seams 66BR,66BL of right and left internal fabric layer peripheral back seams 64BR,64BL.
Each internal fabric layer 50F,50B has a height H which is measured vertically from garment body seam 24 to where the lower arcuate shaped seams 60FR,60FL,66BR,66BL meet inner leg seam (not shown) which is the lowest point of each internal fabric layer 50F,50B. Each internal fabric layer 50F,50B has a breadth B which is measured horizontally from the crotch 2 to where the lower arcuate shaped seams 60FR,60FL,66BR,66BL meet the outer leg seams 26FR,26FL,26BR,26BL. The height H and breadth B of each internal fabric layer 50F,50B are each about 10% less than the height H and breadth B of base layer 20 such that the size of each internal fabric layer 50F,50B is smaller than the corresponding parts 21,16BR,16BL of the base layer such that the internal fabric layers 50F,50B exert a compressive effect.
The front internal non-stretch layer 40F is shown in more detail on the side-to-side cross-sectional view shown on
Each inner thigh shaping film region 42FR,42FL has a substantially semi-circular shape defined at their inner edge by the inner leg edge of front leg areas 16FR, 16FL, at their lower edge by the lower arcuate shaped front seams 60FR,60FL, and by an upper curved edge 43FR,43FL which extends from about halfway along the respective lower arcuate shaped front seam 60FR, 60FL to the upper end of the inner edge, just below the crotch 2.
The right and left groin sculpting film areas 44R,44L are each formed from a plurality of sculpting film regions 46, each of which has a substantially hexagonal shape. The size of each sculpting film element 46 is smaller the further away that they are positioned in relation to the inner thigh shaping film regions 42FR,42FL and the spacing between the sculpting film regions 46 increases the further away that they are positioned in relation to the inner thigh shaping film regions 42FR,42FL, to provide graduated easing of the compression of thigh fat layers (or cellulite layers).
The groin sculpting film areas 44R,44L have lower and upper groin sculpting film areas. The lower groin sculpting film area is positioned between each inner thigh shaping film element 42FR,42FL and each lower arcuate shaped front seam 60FR,60FL. The upper groin sculpting film area is positioned above the lower groin sculpting film area and has a rounded shape, extending over the lower end of the front body area 14F of the garment.
The back internal non-stretch layer 40B is shown in more detail on the side-to-side cross-sectional view shown on
As for the front internal non-stretch layer 40F, each back inner thigh shaping film element 42BR,42BL has a substantially semi-circular shape defined at their inner edge by the inner leg edge of back leg panels 16BR, 16BL, at their lower edge by the lower arcuate shaped back seams 66BR,66BL, and by an arched upper edge (not shown) which extends from about halfway along the respective lower arcuate shaped back seam 66FR,66FL to below each buttock 8 and across to the upper end of the inner edge, just below the crotch 2.
The right and left buttock supporting film areas 48R,48L are each formed from continuous film, as for the back inner thigh shaping film regions 42BR,42BL. The buttock supporting film areas 48R,48L have lower and upper sculpting film areas. The lower sculpting film area is positioned between each inner thigh shaping film element 42BR,42BL and each lower arcuate shaped back seam 66BR,66BL. The upper sculpting film area is positioned above the lower sculpting film area and has a trapezoid shape which extends to the upper end of the back leg panels 16BR, 16BL of the garment, which in use is below each buttock 8.
The front internal fabric layer 50F is shown in more detail in
The lower front internal fabric region 52FR,52FL has the highest compressive strength and comprises a right front internal fabric panel 52FR and a left front internal fabric panel 52FL. The right and left lowest front internal fabric panels 52FR, 52FL extend from the lowest point of the respective right and left lower arcuate shaped front seam 60FR, 60FL to halfway between that lowest point and the crotch 2. The right and left lower front internal fabric panels 52FR, 52FL extend between the respective right and left lower arcuate shaped front seam 60FR,60FL and the respective inner edge of the right and left front leg areas 16FR, 16FL.
The intermediate front internal fabric region 54F has a moderate compressive strength and comprises a single front internal fabric panel 54F which extends from the right and left lowest front internal fabric panels 52FR, 52FL to part way up the garment body front area 14F.
The upper front internal fabric region 56F has a low compressive strength and comprises a single front internal fabric panel 56f which extends from the intermediate front internal fabric region 54F to garment body seam 24.
The back internal fabric layer 50B is shown in more detail in
The lower back internal fabric region 52BR,52BL has the highest compressive strength and comprises a right back internal fabric panel 52BR and a left back internal fabric panel 52BL. The right and left lower back internal fabric panels 52BR, 52BL extend from the lowest point of the respective right and left lower arcuate shaped back seam 66BR,66BL to halfway between that lowest point and the crotch 2. The right and left lower back internal fabric panels 52BR, 52BL extend between the respective right and left lower arcuate shaped back seams 66BR,66BL and the respective inner edge of the right and left back leg panels 16BR, 16BL.
The intermediate back internal fabric region 54B has a moderate compressive strength and comprises a single back internal fabric panel 54B which extends from the right and left lower back internal fabric panels 52BR, 52BL to part way between crotch 2 and curved upper back seams 70BR,BL.
The upper back internal fabric region 56B has a low compressive strength and comprises a single back internal fabric panel 56B which extends from the intermediate back internal fabric region 54B to right and left curved upper back seams 70BR, 70BL.
A second embodiment of a garment according to the invention is indicated generally at 110 on
Front and back inner compressive layers 130F,130B lack the front and back internal fabric layer 50F,50B such that the front and back internal non-stretch layers 40FR,40FI,40BR,40BL are applied directly to an inner side of the garment base layer 20, as shown on
The effect of a garment 10 according to the first embodiment of the invention was tested on six medium sized models having a dress size of 10 in comparison to different types of premium leggings. Each model was measured to determine suitable leg measurements (i) without leggings, (ii) with a premium leggings, and (iii) with garment 10 according to the first embodiment of the invention. The suitable leg measurements were (a) their thigh circumference at the widest point, (b) vertical distance L from knee to crotch (maximum possible thigh slimming and separation effect to minimise chafing), (c) vertical distance L1 of actual visible thigh slimming effect from knee to point where the thighs meet, and (d) horizontal distance W between the thighs at the widest point of the thigh separation effect. The results obtained are set out in Examples 1 to 6 below which are not intended to limit the scope of the invention claimed.
A first model was measured (i) without leggings, (ii) with a first leggings having a single panel and sold by New Look (registered trademark), and (iii) with garment 10 according to the first embodiment of the invention. The measurements set out in Table 1:
The results show that the garment 10 according to the first embodiment of the invention is more effective in reducing chafing by having a thigh slimming and separation effect than the first leggings. By wearing the garment according to the invention, the vertical length L1 which measures the thigh slimming effect was 3.9 times longer compared to the vertical length L without clothing and 3.6 times longer than that obtained using the first leggings. The length of the thigh slimming effect L1 as a percentage of the overall length L was 20.6% for the first leggings but 73.9% for the garment according to the first embodiment of the invention. Furthermore, the horizontal distance W which measures the thigh separation was a multiple of 4.6 greater in size for the garment 10 according to the first embodiment of the invention compared to that obtained with either bare skin or with the first legging.
A second model was measured (i) without leggings, (ii) with a second premium leggings having a single panel and sold by H&M (registered trademark), (iii) with a third premium leggings formed from one panel and sold by Lululemon (registered trademark), and (iv) with garment 10 according to the first embodiment of the invention. The measurements set out in Table 2:
The results show that the garment 10 according to the first embodiment of the invention is more effective in reducing chafing by producing a thigh slimming and separation effect than the second or third premium leggings. This is because no thigh slimming or separation effect was observed with naked skin or obtained with the second premium leggings. A slight thigh slimming effect was observed with the third premium leggings which had a length L1 which is about 16.6% of the potential length, L. In contrast, the garment 10 according to the first embodiment of the invention produced a substantial thigh slimming effect, having a length L1 about 70.4% of the potential length, L. Furthermore, the horizontal distance W which measures the thigh separation was a multiple of 6.7 greater in size for the garment 10 according to the first embodiment of the invention compared to that obtained with the third premium leggings.
A third model was measured (i) without leggings, (ii) with a fourth premium leggings having a single panel and sold by Nike (registered trademark), and (iii) with garment 10 according to the first embodiment of the invention. The measurements set out in Table 3:
The results show that the garment 10 according to the first embodiment of the invention is more effective in reducing chafing by producing a thigh slimming and separation effect than the fourth premium leggings. This is because no thigh slimming or separation effect was observed with naked skin or obtained with the fourth premium leggings but the garment 10 according to the first embodiment of the invention produced a substantial thigh slimming effect, having a length about 65.9% of the potential length, L and a thigh separation of 1.8 cm was obtained.
A fourth model was measured (i) without leggings, (ii) with a fifth premium leggings having a single panel and sold by Spanx Shapewear (registered trademark), and (iii) with garment 10 according to the first embodiment of the invention. The measurements set out in Table 4:
The results show that the garment 10 according to the first embodiment of the invention is more effective in reducing chafing by having a thigh slimming and separation effect than the fifth premium leggings. This is because no thigh slimming or separation effect was observed with naked skin or obtained with the fifth premium leggings but the garment 10 according to the first embodiment of the invention produced a substantial thigh slimming effect, having a length about 78.9% of the potential length, L and a thigh separation of 2 cm was obtained.
A fifth model was measured (i) without leggings, (ii) with a sixth premium leggings having a single panel which is a first Sweaty Betty™ leggings, and (iii) with garment 10 according to the first embodiment of the invention. The measurements set out in Table 5:
The results show that the garment 10 according to the first embodiment of the invention is more effective in reducing chafing by having a thigh slimming and separation effect than the sixth premium leggings. This is because no thigh separation effect was observed with naked skin or obtained with the sixth premium leggings. By wearing the garment 10 according to the invention, the length L1 which measures the thigh slimming effect was 4.3 times longer compared to the length without clothing or that obtained using the sixth premium leggings. The length of the thigh slimming effect as a percentage of the overall length L was 8.2% for the sixth premium leggings but 35.1% for the garment according to the first embodiment of the invention. A thigh separation of 1 cm was obtained with garment 10 according to the invention.
A sixth model was measured (i) without leggings, (ii) with a seventh premium leggings having a single panel which is a second Sweaty Betty™ leggings, and (iii) with garment 10 according to the first embodiment of the invention. The measurements set out in Table 6:
The results show that the garment 10 according to the first embodiment of the invention is more effective in reducing chafing by having a thigh slimming and separation effect than the seventh premium leggings. By wearing the garment according to the invention, the length L1 which measures the thigh slimming effect was 4.5 times longer compared to the length without clothing or that obtained using the seventh premium leggings. The length of the thigh slimming effect L1 as a percentage of the overall length L was 16.2% for the sixth premium leggings but 72.3% for the garment according to the first embodiment of the invention. A thigh separation of 1.5 cm was obtained with garment 10 according to the invention.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2105689.0 | Apr 2021 | GB | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2022/060368 | 4/20/2022 | WO |
