SHAPEWEAR GARMENT WITH FLOATING AND/OR MOVABLE SHAPING INNER PANEL(S)

FIELD OF THE INVENTIONS

The present invention relates generally to shapewear garments. More specifically, the present invention relates to shapewear garments for shaping and/or slenderizing the midsection of a user having one or more inner movable and/or floating panels or sections.

BACKGROUND

Different garments provide different features for users, including aesthetic and functional features, some of which overlap. Functional features include covering certain portions of the wearer's body and providing support for certain other body portions. Aesthetic features include the overall image presented when a person wears a particular garment, as well as a change in the outward appearance of certain portions of a wearer's body due to wearing the garment.

Garments known in the art have incorporated compressive materials in order to more firmly support areas of a wearer's body than traditional materials, to give the appearance of a more slender figure. Some such garments are made exclusively of compressive materials. Others combine compressive materials with traditional non-compressive materials to balance the aesthetic and functional features of the garments.

For example, Japan Patent Laid-open Application JP 2006-316359, incorporated herein by reference, describes a sleeveless underwear garment that is a sort of undershirt one can put on downward from the head, which has a length enough to cover from shoulders to the vicinity of the crotch portion, and fits the body so as not to have an effect on the surface of the outer clothes. The sleeveless underwear consists on the front main body part and rear main body part, which are cylindrically formed together by round-braid knitting. A part of the sleeveless underwear includes different knitting organization to have the different tightening forces to corresponding parts. Specifically, in the vicinity of the waistline, a rib stitch provides a great straining force. The area with prescribed upper and lower width along the upper edge and lower edge of the support area has a cushioning area, which is formed by the different types of rib stitch to have a weaker straining force than the support area.

In addition, U.S. published application 2008-0134409, incorporated herein by reference, describes a shirt for supporting and shaping the mid-section of a wearer. The mid-section of the shirt includes an upper and lower region each constructed having a plurality of fabric densities or integrated elasticity portions. These elasticity portions provide support for the abdominal region, back, and back-side regions of the wearer where “love handles” sometime develop. The top-section of the shirt has a substantially loose fitting construction to yield a simple, clean and comfortable fit that facilitates breath-ability and comfort to the wearer. The shirt may be worn as an undershirt or as outerwear to minimize the wearer's torso. In another embodiment, the shirt further comprises an outer portion that extends over and covers the mid-section so that the mid-section acts as an internal support structure when the shirt is worn as a T-shirt or outerwear.

Notwithstanding the prior art support undergarments, we have determined that it would be beneficial to design a women's shapewear garment adapted to support and shape the mid-section of a woman that is comfortable to wear and easy to position and/or maintain the position correctly. In addition, we have determined that it would be beneficial to design a woman's garment that shapes the mid-section of a woman in a comfortable manner.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments described here relate to shapewear garments for slenderizing the midsection of a user. In one aspect, the invention is a shapewear garment for slenderizing the midsection of a user using one or more floating and/or movable panels or sections, shaping the waistline or other areas of the user, and minimizing the roll up of the garment over the abdomen area of the user, comprising an upper section including a first non-compressive or shaping material, a floating slenderizing middle section or tubular slenderizing material including a compressive or shaping material, where the compressive or shaping material slenderizes the midsection of the user and shapes the waistline of the user, and a lower section including a second non-compressive or shaping material, where the lower section minimizes the roll up of the garment over the abdomen area of the user. Advantageously, in some embodiments, the present invention includes lower section that also conceals additional abdominal and/or buttocks areas and can also serve to re-position the garment on the wearer/user. In addition, while one embodiment of the invention is focused on a women's shapewear garment, alternative embodiments of the multi-fabric garment may be used for men and/or unisex garments.

In some embodiments, the tubular or cylindrical material comprising multiple sections or pieces of the same and/or different fabrics/material. In some embodiments, the invention includes a compressive or shaping free-floating tubular or cylindrical material in a front portion of the tube and/or garment and a non-compressive or shaping material in a back portion of the tube and/or garment. In some embodiments, the lower section of the garment is designed to alternatively be exposed for viewing or to be tucked into other clothes so as to not be exposed for viewing. In some embodiments, the invention is in the form of a women's tank top garment, including in some embodiments a halter top and/or racer back. In some embodiments, the compressive or shaping material substantially fully encompasses the front, back and/or front and back abdominal area of a wearer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of a multi-fabric and/or shapewear tank top garment according to another aspect and/or embodiment of the invention. FIG. 1B illustrates a rear view of the shapewear tank top garment of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A illustrates a front view of the shapewear tank top garment of FIG. 1A showing an outer layer and a floating or movable inner panel. FIG. 2B illustrates a rear view of the shapewear tank top garment of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A illustrates a side view of the shapewear tank top garment of FIG. 2A with the inner panel worn in a first position. FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of the shapewear tank top garment of FIG. 2A with the inner panel worn in a second position. FIG. 3C illustrates a side view of the shapewear tank top garment of FIG. 2A with the inner panel worn in a third position.

FIG. 4A illustrates a front view of the outer layer of the shapewear tank top garment of FIG. 2A showing dimensional measurements. FIG. 4B illustrates a rear view of the outer layer of the shapewear tank top garment of FIG. 2A showing dimensional measurements.

FIG. 5A illustrates a front view of the inner panel of the shapewear tank top garment of FIG. 2A showing dimensional measurements. FIG. 4B illustrates a rear view of the inner panel of the shapewear tank top garment of FIG. 2A showing dimensional measurements.

FIG. 6A illustrates a front view of a multi-fabric and/or shapewear cami top garment according to another aspect and/or embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6B illustrates a rear view of the shapewear cami top garment of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A illustrates a front view of the shapewear cami top garment of FIG. 6A showing an outer layer and a floating or movable inner panel. FIG. 7B illustrates a rear view of the shapewear cami top garment of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 8A illustrates a side view of the shapewear cami top garment of FIG. 7A with the inner panel worn in a first position. FIG. 8B illustrates a side view of the shapewear cami top garment of FIG. 7A with the inner panel worn in a second position. FIG. 8C illustrates a side view of the shapewear cami top garment of FIG. 7A with the inner panel worn in a third position.

FIG. 9A illustrates a front view of the outer layer of the shapewear cami top garment of FIG. 7A showing dimensional measurements. FIG. 9B illustrates a rear view of the outer layer of the shapewear cami top garment of FIG. 7A showing dimensional measurements.

FIG. 10A illustrates a front view of the inner panel of the shapewear cami top garment of FIG. 7A showing dimensional measurements. FIG. 10B illustrates a rear view of the inner panel of the shapewear cami top garment of FIG. 7A showing dimensional measurements.

FIG. 11A illustrates a front view of a multi-fabric and/or shapewear slip garment according to another aspect and/or embodiment of the invention. FIG. 11B illustrates a rear view of the shapewear slip garment of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12A illustrates a front view of the shapewear slip garment of FIG. 11A showing an outer layer and a floating or movable inner panel. FIG. 12B illustrates a rear view of the shapewear slip garment of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 13A illustrates a side view of the shapewear slip garment of FIG. 12A with the inner panel worn in a first position. FIG. 13B illustrates a side view of the shapewear slip garment of FIG. 12A with the inner panel worn in a second position. FIG. 13C illustrates a side view of the shapewear slip garment of FIG. 12A with the inner panel worn in a third position.

FIG. 14A illustrates a front view of a multi-fabric and/or shapewear bodysuit garment according to another aspect and/or embodiment of the invention. FIG. 14B illustrates a rear view of the shapewear bodysuit garment of FIG. 14A.

FIG. 15A illustrates a front view of the shapewear bodysuit garment of FIG. 14A showing an outer layer and a floating or movable inner panel. FIG. 15B illustrates a rear view of the shapewear bodysuit garment of FIG. 14A.

FIG. 16A illustrates a side view of the shapewear bodysuit garment of FIG. 15A with the inner panel worn in a first position. FIG. 16B illustrates a side view of the shapewear bodysuit garment of FIG. 15A with the inner panel worn in a second position. FIG. 16C illustrates a side view of the shapewear bodysuit garment of FIG. 15A with the inner panel worn in a third position.

FIG. 17A illustrates a front view of a multi-fabric and/or shapewear 3-in-1 swimsuit garment according to another aspect and/or embodiment of the invention. FIG. 17B illustrates a rear view of the shapewear 3-in-1 swimsuit garment of FIG. 17A.

FIG. 18A illustrates a front view of the shapewear 3-in-1 swimsuit garment of FIG. 17A showing an outer layer and a floating or movable inner panel. FIG. 18B illustrates a rear view of the shapewear 3-in-1 swimsuit garment of FIG. 17A.

FIG. 19A illustrates a side view of the shapewear 3-in-1 swimsuit garment of FIG. 18A with the inner panel worn in a first position. FIG. 19B illustrates a side view of the shapewear 3-in-1 swimsuit garment of FIG. 18A with the inner panel worn in a second position.

FIG. 19C illustrates a side view of the shapewear 3-in-1 swimsuit garment of FIG. 18A with the inner panel worn in a third position.

FIG. 20A illustrates a front view of a multi-fabric and/or shapewear legging garment according to another aspect and/or embodiment of the invention. FIG. 20B illustrates a rear view of the shapewear legging garment of FIG. 20A.

FIG. 21A illustrates a front view of the shapewear legging garment of FIG. 20A showing an outer layer and a floating or movable inner panel. FIG. 21B illustrates a rear view of the shapewear legging garment of FIG. 20A.

FIG. 22A illustrates a side view of the shapewear legging garment of FIG. 21A with the inner panel worn in a first position. FIG. 22B illustrates a side view of the shapewear legging garment of FIG. 21A with the inner panel worn in a second position. FIG. 22C illustrates a side view of the shapewear legging garment of FIG. 21A with the inner panel worn in a third position.

FIG. 23A illustrates a front view of a shapewear tank top garment having an outer layer and a floating or movable inner panel according to one aspect and/or embodiment of the invention. FIG. 23B illustrates a rear view of the shapewear tank top garment of FIG. 23A.

FIG. 24A illustrates a side view of the shapewear tank top garment of FIG. 23A with the inner panel worn in a first position. FIG. 24B illustrates a side view of the shapewear tank top garment of FIG. 23A with the inner panel worn in a second position. FIG. 24C illustrates a side view of the shapewear tank top garment of FIG. 23A with the inner panel worn in a third position.

FIG. 25A illustrates a front view of a multi-fabric and/or shapewear tank top garment having an outer layer and a floating or movable inner panel according to another aspect and/or embodiment of the invention. FIG. 25B illustrates a rear view of the shapewear tank top garment of FIG. 25A.

FIG. 26A illustrates a side view of the shapewear tank top garment of FIG. 25A with the inner panel worn in a first position. FIG. 26B illustrates a side view of the shapewear tank top garment of FIG. 25A with the inner panel worn in a second position. FIG. 26C illustrates a side view of the shapewear tank top garment of FIG. 25A with the inner panel worn in a third position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description includes many specific details. The inclusion of such details is for the purpose of illustration only and should not be understood to limit the invention. Moreover, certain features which are well known in the art are not described in detail in order to avoid complication of the subject matter of the present invention. In addition, it will be understood that features in one embodiment may be combined with features in other embodiments of the invention.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the invention be regarded as including equivalent constructions to those described herein insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In addition, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on other embodiments to yield a still further embodiment. Additionally, certain features may be interchanged with similar devices or features not mentioned yet which perform the same or similar functions. It is therefore intended that such modifications and variations are included within the totality of the present invention.

In some embodiments, the present invention encompasses a shapewear garment for slenderizing the midsection of a user, shaping the waistline of the user, and minimizing the roll up of the garment over the abdomen area of the user. Specifically, the present invention comprises an exterior garment and a movable panel section. The exterior garment can have at least a first material and first and second side sections. The movable panel section can have a shaping material configured to shape the waistline of the user. The movable panel section can be disposed in the interior of the exterior garment and vertically connected to the first and second side sections of the exterior garment allowing upper and lower sections of the movable panel to be movable and allowing the movable panel section to be positionable by the user.

In some embodiments, the present invention encompasses a dual and/or multiple fabric garment as described herein. Specifically, the present invention comprises multi-fabric and/or shapewear garments including one or more of, for example, a body contouring shaper tank top, a body contouring shaper tank top with a built in shelf bra, a body contouring shaper tank top with adjustable straps, a body contouring shaper short sleeve tee shirt, a body contouring shaper long-sleeved tee shirt, a body contouring shaper tube top for the midsection, and/or a body contouring shaper boy short for the belly and buttocks without a top and/or pullover top. In some embodiments, the present invention comprises a multi-fabric and/or shapewear garment with a racer back top, backless top or slip dress configuration with an extended lower section of non-compressive or shaping material such as cotton and/or lace.

In some embodiments, the multi-fabric and/or shapewear garment of the present invention comprises different lengths, different number of sections or panels, and/or different section sizes used in the garment. For example, the multi-fabric and/or shapewear garment comprises v-neck and scoop neck configurations.

In some embodiments, the floating or movable inner panel multi-fabric and/or shapewear garment of the present invention is constructed to provide the following product details:

- Secret minimizing panel shapes entire waistline from the bust to the hips visibly taking off inches.
- User control of controlling inner shaping panel to provide different levels of shaping.
- Firm Control microfiber panel comfortably smooth and naturally wicks moisture.
- Made with sleek yarns that do not cling.
- Exclusive dual fabric strategy provides a hip design and full coverage that stays in place.
- Extra-long design does not roll up over the abdomen and is great for layering over or tucking into pants and skirts.
- Tag-less for added comfort.

Advantageously, the multi-fabric and/or shapewear garment of the present invention slenderizes the mid-section and camouflages visible lumps and bumps using one or more inner movable and/or floating panels or sections. The multi-fabric and/or shapewear garment of the present invention minimizing one or more panels shape(s) the entire waistline from the bust to the hips, visibly taking off inches from the waistline. The multi-fabric and/or shapewear garment of the present invention uses in some embodiments firm control microfiber for the hidden panel to comfortably slenderize, smooth and/or naturally wick moisture. In some embodiments, the multi-fabric and/or shapewear garment is made with sleek yarns that do not cling. The dual fabric strategy of other embodiments provides a hip design and full coverage that stays in place. In some embodiments, the outer shell or outer side of the garment covering the floating or movable inner panel or tube is comprised of one or more garment pieces. In some embodiments, the inside of the garment comprises one or more pieces or section forming the inner tube or shaping panel. In addition, in some embodiments, one or more non-slip grip tapes, length of the garment and/or other designs are used to position and/or prevent garment rollup.

In some embodiments, the interior tube or movable inner panels comprises a single section. In some embodiments more than one section of material is used for the inner shaping panel. In some embodiments, the floating or movable inner panel is connected symmetrically to the sides of the shape wear garment. In some embodiments, the single or multiple movable inner shaping panels are not symmetrically connected to the interior of the garment and/or of different widths and/or different heights to create different shaping characteristics. In some embodiments, one or more of the floating or movable inner shaping panel(s) is connected to the exterior covering garment at different interior locations. In some embodiments, the floating or movable inner panel is connected symmetrically to the front and back of the shape wear garment to focus shaping characteristics for the side area(s) of the wearer. The floating or movable inner shaping panel can be comprised of multiple interior panels where a front panel floats or moves and/or a back panel floats or moves. In some embodiments, a single panel is used that is floating, and therefore, is not of a tube shape but of a single section, such as a rectangular shape.

In some embodiments, the multi-fabric and/or shapewear garment of the present invention is constructed to minimize the roll up over the belly or abdomen area of the body, and can be used for layering over or tucking into pants and skirts. In other embodiments, the multi-fabric and/or shapewear garment of the present invention utilizes any generally compressive or shaping type fabric for the mid-section, such as a micro denier, Spandex, also sometimes referred to as elastane, or other type of garment.

In some embodiments, the multi-fabric and/or shapewear garment of the present invention includes one or more adjustable straps and/or an inner shelf bra configuration. In some embodiments, the multi-fabric and/or shapewear garment of the present invention advantageously includes a third lower section which is preferably comprised of cotton or other fabric that can be displayed or exposed for viewing. In some embodiments, the present invention is used not only to tuck into pants, but the longer design can be used as a layering garment. In addition, this third section of fabric or exclusive dual fabric design helps to keep the garment of the present invention in place. In fact, other body shapers roll up and do not stay put as well, whereas the three section or multi fabric design of embodiments of the present invention are functional to minimize or prevent roll up.

In some embodiments, the middle or shaper section of the multi-fabric and/or shapewear garment of the present invention is shaped as a band like, and can take on a variety of shapes. In some embodiments, the multi-fabric and/or shapewear garment of the present invention comprises a front only micro denier/spandex version that is connected to the back portion of the garment directly, for example, on the sides. In this embodiment, the back portion of the center section may be comprised of the same material as the top and lower portion, or may be comprised of other materials that generally are not used for compressive or shaping actions. In this embodiment, the multi fabric garment would perform differently from the full spandex version in that it would only slim and slenderize the abdomen or tummy area in the front. The back area of the body would not generally be slimmed in this embodiment, as the back would be of standard non-compressive or shaping type of material.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, in some embodiments, a multi-fabric and/or shapewear garment 10 has an outer layer 100 comprising an upper section 110, a middle section 120 and a lower section 130. The upper section 110 generally corresponds to the neck, shoulder and chest of the wearer. The middle section 120 generally corresponds to the stomach and waist of the wearer and can be slenderized. The lower section 130 generally corresponds to a portion of the hip of the wearer.

The outer layer 100 has a front side 140, a rear or back side 150, a left side 160 between the front side 140 and the back side 150, and a right side 170 between the front side 140 and the back side 150. The front side 140 generally corresponds to the chest and stomach of the wearer. The rear side 150 generally corresponds to the back side of the wearer. The left side 160 and right side 170 generally correspond to the parts under the armpits of the wearer. In some embodiments, the front side 140 and the rear side 150 are attached by one or more side seams 180 at the left side 160 and/or the right side 170. As shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the side seam 180 is aligned with the right side 170 of the outer layer 100. In another embodiment, the side seam 180 can be aligned with the left side 160 of the outer layer 100. In yet another embodiment, one side seam 180 is aligned with the right side 170 of the outer layer 100 and another side seam 180 is aligned with the left side 160 of the outer layer 100. In yet another embodiment, the seam or seams can be positioned on other places of the outer layer 100.

The outer layer 100 can take many shapes, including but not limited to long-sleeve, short-sleeve, sleeveless, tank top (including halter top), and many other shapes and can be constructed of one or more pieces of garments. The neckline of the upper section 110 can also take many shapes, including scoop neck, crew neck, racer back, halter top and/or v-neck by way of non-limiting examples.

Referring also to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the multi-fabric and/or shapewear garment 10 advantageously has floating or movable inner panels or tubes 200 configured to be positioned on the interior of the outer layer 100. The inner panels 200 can have a first half panel 210 and a second half panel 220. In other embodiments, more than two half panels can be used. For example, a third half panel can be used together with the first half panel 210 and the second half panel 220.

The first half panel 210 has a first top side 212, a first bottom side 214, a first left side 216 and a first right side 218 and is sized to fit the middle section 120 on both the front side 140 and the back side 150 of the outer layer 100. In some embodiments, the first right side 218 is fixedly attached to the side seam 180 of the outer layer 100 positioned at the right side 170 of the outer layer 100 using standard stitching techniques, adhesive and the like. In other embodiments, the first right side 218 is removably attached to the side seam 180 of the outer layer 100 positioned at the right side 170 of the outer layer 100 by, for example, buttons, Velcro, sticky hook, snaps and loop fasteners, etc. The first left side 216 of the first half panel 210 can be removably attached to the outer layer 100 at the left side 160 of the outer layer 100 by, for example, buttons, sticky hook and loop fasteners, etc.

In some embodiments, the first top side 212 and the first bottom side 214 are floating that the middle portion of the first top side 212 and the middle portion of the first bottom side 214 do not have direct attachments with the outer layer 100. In some embodiments, the first top side 212 and the first bottom side 214 are substantially straight that the first half panel 210 has a nearly constant width, defined by the distance between the first top side 212 and the first bottom side 214. In other embodiments, one or both of the first top side 212 and the first bottom side 214 are curved that the first half panel 210 has a variable width, for example, the width is largest near a centerline of the body of the wearer, and smallest near the sides of the body of the wearer. One of the advantages of using a curved first top side 212 and/or a curved first bottom side 214 is to have the first half panel 210 fit the body of the wearer and not to conflict with, and/or more closely correspond to, the outer layer 100 for fit/construction purposes. In some embodiments, the floating panel left and right sides are a single piece of fabric or two or more pieces of fabric.

The second half panel 220 has a second top side 222, a second bottom side 224, a second left side 226 and a second right side 228 and is sized to fit the middle section 120 on both the front side 140 and the back side 150 of the outer layer 100. In some embodiments, the second right side 228 is fixedly attached to the side seam 180 of the outer layer 100 positioned at the right side 170 of the outer layer 100 using standard stitching techniques, adhesive and the like. In other embodiments, the second right side 228 is removably attached to the side seam 180 of the outer layer 100 positioned at the right side 170 of the outer layer 100 by, for example, buttons, Velco, sticky hook, snaps and loop fasteners, etc. The first left side 226 of the second half panel 220 can be removably attached to the outer layer 100 at the left side 160 of the outer layer 100 by, for example, buttons, sticky hook and loop fasteners, etc.

In some embodiments, the second top side 222 and the second bottom side 224 are floating that the middle portion of the second top side 222 and the middle portion of the second bottom side 224 do not have direct attachments with the outer layer 100. In some embodiments, the second top side 222 and the second bottom side 224 are substantially straight that the second half panel 220 has a nearly constant width, defined by the distance between the second top side 222 and the second bottom side 224. In other embodiments, one or both of the second top side 222 and the second bottom side 224 is curved that the second half panel 220 has a variable width, for example, the width is largest near a centerline of the body of the wearer, and smallest near the sides of the body of the wearer.

The shapewear garment 10 can be made of a jersey outer layer 100 with a mesh inner panel 200. In some embodiments, the garment 10 can be constructed with any warp or circular knit, cotton or synthetic for either portion, tricots, interlocks, mesh, lace, etc. In other embodiments, the inner panel 200 is provided with generally compressive or shaping type fabric or materials, for example, a micro denier, Spandex, also sometimes referred to as elastane, or other type of compressive or shaping materials.

Referring also to FIG. 3A, in some embodiments, the first right side 218 of the first half panel 210 can be fixedly or removably attached to the interior of the outer layer 100 at the right side 170 of the outer layer 100. The first left side 216 of the first half panel 210 can be wrapped around and along with the interior of the front side 140 of the outer layer 100 and can be removably attached to the interior of the outer layer 100 at the left side 160 of the outer layer 100. On the other hand, the second right side 228 of the second half panel 220 can be fixedly or removably attached to the interior of the outer layer 100 at the right side 170 of the outer layer 100. The second left side 226 of the second half panel 220 can be wrapped around and along with the interior of the back side 150 of the outer layer 100 and can be removably attached to the interior of the outer layer 100 at the left side 160 of the outer layer 100. In the configuration as shown in FIG. 3A, the shapewear garment 10 can firmly support the stomach and the waist (front and back) areas of the wearer's body to provide the appearance of such areas a more slender figure.

Referring also to FIG. 3B, in some embodiments, the first half panel 210 can remain in the same attachment configurations as that in FIG. 3A that the first right side 218 of the first half panel 210 is attached to the interior of the outer layer 100 at the right side 170 of the outer layer 100 and the first left side 216 of the first half panel 210 is wrapped around and along with the interior of the front side 140 of the outer layer 100 and be removably attached to the interior of the outer layer 100 at the left side 160 of the outer layer 100. The second half panel 220 can also have similar attachment configurations as that of the first half panel 210 so that the second right side 228 of the second half panel 220 is fixedly or removably attached to the interior of the outer layer 100 at the right side 170 of the outer layer 100 while the second left side 226 of the second half panel 220 is wrapped around and along with the interior of the front side 140 of the outer layer 100 and be removably attached to the interior of the outer layer 100 at the left side 160 of the outer layer 100. In the configuration as shown in FIG. 3B, both the half panels 210, 220 are applied corresponding to the middle section 120 on the front side 140 of the outer layer 100 and the shapewear garment 10 can firmly support the stomach and the front side of the waist areas of the wearer's body to provide the appearance of such areas a more slender figure.

Referring also to FIG. 3C, in some embodiments, the first right side 218 of the first half panel 210 can be fixedly or removably attached to the interior of the outer layer 100 at the right side 170 of the outer layer 100 while the first left side 216 of the first half panel 210 is wrapped around and along with the interior of the back side 150 of the outer layer 100 and be removably attached to the interior of the outer layer 100 at the left side 160 of the outer layer 100. The second half panel 220 can have similar attachment configurations as that in FIG. 3A that the second right side 228 of the second half panel 220 can be fixedly or removably attached to the interior of the outer layer 100 at the right side 170 of the outer layer 100. The second left side 226 of the second half panel 220 can be wrapped around and along with the interior of the back side 150 of the outer layer 100 and can be removably attached to the interior of the outer layer 100 at the left side 160 of the outer layer 100. In the configuration as shown in FIG. 3C, both the half panels 210, 220 are applied corresponding to the middle section 120 on the back side 150 of the outer layer 100 and the shapewear garment 10 can firmly support the back side of the waist areas of the wearer's body to provide the appearance of such areas a more slender figure.

In some embodiments, the half panels 210, 220 can be moved to a higher position or a lower position by the wearer to provide a customized configuration to shape any desired areas and/or be of different sizes and/or shapes.

The attachments of the first left side 216 of the first half panel 210 to the outer layer 100 at the left side 160 of the outer layer 100 can be secured by, for example, buttons, Velcro, snaps, sticky hook and loop fasteners, etc. The attachments of the second left side 226 of the second half panel 220 to the outer layer 100 at the left side 160 of the outer layer 100 can be secured by, for example, buttons, Velcro, snaps, sticky hook and loop fasteners, etc.

It is understandable that the usage of left and right can be reversible without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the left side 216 of the first half panel 210 can be fixedly attached to a side seam 180 of the outer layer 100 positioned at the left side 160 of the of the outer layer 100 and the first right side 218 of the first half panel 210 is floating or movable relatively to the first left side 216. In some embodiments, the garment can be worn six (6) different ways, including front as a circular neck and reverse with the V neck, and each of these necklines can be worn in three different positions for the floating inner panel. In some embodiments, when the garment is not reversed, for example, where the front and back necklines are the same and the floating inner panel is worn in three different positions.

FIGS. 4A-4B correspond to FIGS. 1A-1B with exemplary dimensional measurements included according to some embodiments representing a women's size. Length A is the top to bottom length for both front side and back side of the outer layer 100. In one embodiment, length A is 23 and ⅝ inches. Length B is the bust for the front side of the outer layer 100. In one embodiment, length B is 14 and ¾ inches. Length C is the waist for the front side of the outer layer 100. In one embodiment, length C is 12 and ⅜ inches. Length D is the bottom sweep width for both front side and back side of the outer layer 100. In one embodiment, length D is 16 inches. Accordingly, in one embodiment, length C is the shortest, then length B and then finally length D. Accordingly, in some embodiments, length C is about 16% smaller than length B, and length B is about 13% smaller than length D. In some embodiments, the comparative lengths for B, C and D can broadly vary from about 5%-25%. In some embodiments, the comparative lengths for B, C and D can vary from about 10%-20%. In some embodiments, the lengths of A-D can vary around 5-15% for a particular garment size. In some embodiments, the floating panel and/or garment form a substantially in a double “V” or double “U” shape around the waistline to enhance the compressive or shaping functionality.

FIGS. 5A-5B correspond to the first half panel 210 and the second half panel 220 of FIGS. 2A-2B with dimensional measurements included and substantially sized to conform or follow the corresponding area of the outer layer 100. Length E is the width at the top side 212, 222. In one embodiment, length E is 14 and ¼ inches. Length F is the height at the side seam 180. In one embodiment, length F is 13 and ⅝ inches. Length G is the width at the bottom side 214, 224. In one embodiment, length G is 15 and ⅞ inches. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the waist line is the shortest, then length E and finally length G. Accordingly, in some embodiments, length E is about 10% smaller than length G. In some embodiments, the lengths of E-G can vary around 5-15% for a particular size. In some embodiments, the floating panel left and right sides are a single piece of fabric or multiple pieces of fabric.

FIGS. 6A-10B illustrate a variety of views of a multi-fabric and/or shapewear cami top garment according to another aspect and/or embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 6A-10B correspond to FIGS. 1A-5B and the descriptions in connection with FIGS. 1A-5B can be applied to FIGS. 6A-10B with the same reference numbers refer to the same features.

In FIGS. 9A-9B, Length A is the strap joint to bottom length for the front side of the outer layer 100. In one embodiment, length A is 18 and 13/16 inches. Length B is the center neck to bottom length for the back side of the outer layer 100. In one embodiment, length B is 15 and ¾ inches. Length C is the bust for the front side of the outer layer 100. In one embodiment, length C is 14 and ¼ inches. Length D is the waist for the front side of the outer layer 100. In one embodiment, length D is 12 and ⅜ inches. Length E is the bottom sweep width for both front side and back side of the outer layer 100. In one embodiment, length E is 16 inches. In some embodiments, the lengths can vary around 5-15% for a particular size.

In FIGS. 10A-10B, Length F is the width at the top side 212, 222. In one embodiment, length F is 14 and ¼ inches. Length G is the height at the side seam 180. In one embodiment, length G is 13 and ⅝ inches. Length H is the width at the bottom side 214, 224. In one embodiment, length H is 16 and ¼ inches. FIGS. 10A-10B correspond to the first half panel and the second half panel of FIGS. 9A-9B with dimensional measurements included and substantially sized to conform or follow the corresponding area of the outer layer 100.

FIGS. 11A-13C illustrate a variety of views of a multi-fabric and/or shapewear slip garment according to another aspect and/or embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 11A-13B correspond to FIGS. 1A-3C and the descriptions in connection with FIGS. 1A-3C can be applied to FIGS. 11A-13C with the same reference numbers refer to the same features.

FIGS. 14A-16C illustrate a variety of views of a multi-fabric and/or shapewear bodysuit garment according to another aspect and/or embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 14A-16C correspond to FIGS. 1A-3C and the descriptions in connection with FIGS. 1A-3C can be applied to FIGS. 14A-16C with the same reference numbers refer to the same features.

FIGS. 17A-19C illustrate a variety of views of a multi-fabric and/or shapewear 3-in-1 swimsuit garment according to another aspect and/or embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 17A-19C correspond to FIGS. 1A-3C and the descriptions in connection with FIGS. 1A-3C can be applied to FIGS. 17A-19C with the same reference numbers refer to the same features.

FIGS. 20A-22C illustrate a variety of views of a multi-fabric and/or shapewear legging garment 30 according to another aspect and/or embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIGS. 20A and 20B, the multi-fabric and/or shapewear garment 30 has an outer layer 300 comprising an upper section 310 and a lower section 330. The upper section 310 generally corresponds to the waist of the wearer. The lower section 330 generally corresponds to the legs of the wearer.

The outer layer 300 has a front side 340, a rear or back side 350, a left side 360 between the front side 340 and the back side 350, and a right side 370 between the front side 340 and the back side 350. In some embodiments, the front side 340 and the rear side 350 are attached by one or more side seams 380. As shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 20A and 20B, the side seam 380 is aligned with the right side 370 of the outer layer 300. In another embodiment, the side seam 380 can be aligned with the left side 360 of the outer layer 300. In yet another embodiment, one side seam 380 is aligned with the right side 370 of the outer layer 300 and another side seam 380 is aligned with the left side 360 of the outer layer 300. In yet another embodiment, the seam or seams can be positioned on other places of the outer layer 300. The outer layer 300 can take other shapes, including but not limited to dress pants, jeans, and many other shapes.

Referring also to FIGS. 21A and 21B, the multi-fabric and/or shapewear garment 30 has floating or movable inner panels or tubes 400 configured to be positioned on the interior of the outer layer 300. The inner panels 400 can have a first half panel 410 and a second half panel 420. In other embodiments, more than two half panels can be used. For example, a third half panel can be used together with the first half panel 410 and the second half panel 420.

The first half panel 410 has a first top side 412, a first bottom side 414, a first left side 416 and a first right side 418 and is sized to fit the top section 310 on both the front side 340 and the back side 350 of the outer layer 300. In some embodiments, the first right side 418 is fixedly attached to the side seam 380 of the outer layer 300 positioned at the right side 370 of the of the outer layer 300. In other embodiments, the first right side 418 is removably attached to the side seam 380 of the outer layer 300 positioned at the right side 370 of the of the outer layer 300 by, for example, buttons, sticky hook and loop fasteners, etc. The first left side 416 of the first half panel 410 can be removably attached to the outer layer 300 at the left side 360 of the outer layer 300 by, for example, buttons, sticky hook and loop fasteners, etc.

In some embodiments, the first top side 412 and the first bottom side 414 are floating that the middle portion of the first top side 412 and the middle portion of the first bottom side 414 do not have direct attachments with the outer layer 300. In some embodiments, the first top side 412 and the first bottom side 414 are substantially straight that the first half panel 410 has a nearly constant width, defined by the distance between the first top side 412 and the first bottom side 414.

The second half panel 420 has a second top side 422, a second bottom side 424, a second left side 426 and a second right side 428 and is sized to fit the top section 310 on both the front side 340 and the back side 350 of the outer layer 300. In some embodiments, the second right side 428 is fixedly attached to the side seam 380 of the outer layer 300 positioned at the right side 370 of the of the outer layer 300. In other embodiments, the second right side 428 is removably attached to the side seam 380 of the outer layer 300 positioned at the right side 370 of the of the outer layer 300 by, for example, buttons, sticky hook and loop fasteners, etc. The second left side 426 of the second half panel 420 can be removably attached to the outer layer 300 at the left side 360 of the outer layer 300 by, for example, buttons, sticky hook and loop fasteners, etc.

In some embodiments, the second top side 422 and the second bottom side 424 are floating that the middle portion of the second top side 422 and the middle portion of the second bottom side 424 do not have direct attachments with the outer layer 300. In some embodiments, the second top side 422 and the second bottom side 424 are substantially straight that the second half panel 420 has a nearly constant width, defined by the distance between the second top side 422 and the second bottom side 424.

In some embodiments, the shapewear garment 30 can be made of a jersey outer layer 300 with a mesh inner panel 400. In some embodiments, the garment 30 can be constructed with any warp or circular knit, cotton or synthetic for either portion, tricots, interlocks, mesh, lace, etc. In other embodiments, the inner panel 400 is provided with generally compressive or shaping type fabric or materials, for example, a micro denier, Spandex, also sometimes referred to as elastane, or other type of compressive or shaping materials.

Referring also to FIG. 22A, in some embodiments, the first right side 418 of the first half panel 410 can be fixedly or removably attached to the interior of the outer layer 300 at the right side 370 of the outer layer 300. The first left side 416 of the first half panel 410 can be wrapped around and along with the interior of the front side 340 of the outer layer 300 and can be removably attached to the interior of the outer layer 300 at the left side 360 of the outer layer 300. On the other hand, the second right side 428 of the second half panel 420 can be fixedly or removably attached to the interior of the outer layer 300 at the right side 370 of the outer layer 300. The second left side 426 of the second half panel 420 can be wrapped around and along with the interior of the back side 350 of the outer layer 300 and can be removably attached to the interior of the outer layer 300 at the left side 360 of the outer layer 300. In the configuration as shown in FIG. 22A, the shapewear garment 30 can firmly support the stomach and the waist (front and back) areas of the wearer's body to provide the appearance of such areas a more slender figure.

Referring also to FIG. 22B, in some embodiments, the first half panel 410 can remain in the same attachment configurations as that in FIG. 22A that the first right side 418 of the first half panel 410 is attached to the interior of the outer layer 300 at the right side 370 of the outer layer 300 and the first left side 416 of the first half panel 410 is wrapped around and along with the interior of the front side 340 of the outer layer 300 and be removably attached to the interior of the outer layer 300 at the left side 360 of the outer layer 300. The second half panel 420 can also have similar attachment configurations as that of the first half panel 410 so that the second right side 428 of the second half panel 420 is fixedly or removably attached to the interior of the outer layer 300 at the right side 370 of the outer layer 300 while the second left side 426 of the second half panel 420 is wrapped around and along with the interior of the front side 340 of the outer layer 300 and be removably attached to the interior of the outer layer 300 at the left side 360 of the outer layer 300. In the configuration as shown in FIG. 22B, both the half panels 410, 420 are applied corresponding to the upper section 310 on the front side 340 of the outer layer 300 and the shapewear garment 10 can firmly support the stomach and the front side of the waist areas of the wearer's body to provide the appearance of such areas a more slender figure.

Referring also to FIG. 22C, in some embodiments, the first right side 418 of the first half panel 410 can be fixedly or removably attached to the interior of the outer layer 300 at the right side 370 of the outer layer 300 while the first left side 416 of the first half panel 410 is wrapped around and along with the interior of the back side 350 of the outer layer 300 and be removably attached to the interior of the outer layer 300 at the left side 360 of the outer layer 300. The second half panel 420 can have similar attachment configurations as that in FIG. 22A that the second right side 428 of the second half panel 420 can be fixedly or removably attached to the interior of the outer layer 300 at the right side 370 of the outer layer 300. The second left side 426 of the second half panel 420 can be wrapped around and along with the interior of the back side 350 of the outer layer 300 and can be removably attached to the interior of the outer layer 300 at the left side 360 of the outer layer 300. In the configuration as shown in FIG. 22C, both the half panels 410, 420 are applied corresponding to the upper section 310 on the back side 350 of the outer layer 300 and the shapewear garment 30 can firmly support the back side of the waist areas of the wearer's body to provide the appearance of such areas a more slender figure.

The attachment of the floating first left side 416 of the first half panel 410 to the outer layer 300 at the left side 360 of the outer layer 300 can be secured by, for example, buttons, sticky hook and loop fasteners, etc. The attachment of the floating second left side 426 of the second half panel 420 to the outer layer 300 at the left side 360 of the outer layer 300 can be secured by, for example, buttons, sticky hook and loop fasteners, etc. In some embodiments, the floating panels are attached via stitching or other secure technique. In other embodiments, the floating panel left and right sides are a single piece of fabric or multiple pieces of fabric.

It is understandable that the usage of left and right can be reversible without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the left side 416 of the first half panel 410 can optionally be fixedly attached to a side seam 380 of the outer layer 300 positioned at the left side 360 of the of the outer layer 300 and the first right side 418 of the first half panel 410 is floating or movable relatively to the first left side 416.

Other embodiments of the multi-fabric and/or shapewear garment include but not limited to the shapewear garment illustrated in FIGS. 23A-24C and the shapewear garment illustrated in FIGS. 25A-26C.

In some embodiments, a method of assembling, manufacturing and/or wearing the shapewear garment 10 is described herein. One of the left and right sides of the first half panel is attached to one of the left and right sides of the outer layer while the other side of the left and right sides of the first half panel is attached to the other side of the left and right sides of the outer layer. Similarly, one of the left and right sides of the second half panel is attached to one of the left and right sides of the outer layer while the other side of the left and right sides of the second half panel is attached to the other side of the left and right sides of the outer layer. If the wearer desires to shape both the front and back side of the waist, one of the first half panel and second half panel corresponds to the front side of the outer layer while the other one of the first half panel and second half panel corresponds to the back side of the outer layer. If the wearer desires to focus on shaping the front side of the waist, both of the first half panel and second half panel correspond to the front side of the outer layer. If the wearer desires to focus on shaping the back side of the waist, both of the first half panel and second half panel correspond to the back side of the outer layer.

In some embodiments, the construction of the layers and/or sections of fabric can be adhered together in any fashion. In the present embodiments, the layers are sewn with a spine stitch. In other embodiments, the layers can be sewn with a flat lock, two needle cover stitch, clean finished, bonded, ultrasonically sewn, etc. In some embodiments, the materials comprise one or more of cotton, sleek yarn, wool, polyester, viscose, and linen. In some embodiments, the body portion of the garment comprises one of tactel, nylon and/or nylon tactel, and one of Lycra, Spandex Lycra and/or Elasthanne. In some embodiments, the body portion of the garment comprises the combination of about 76% of one of tactel, nylon and/or nylon tactel, and about 24% of one of Lycra, Spandex Lycra and/or Elasthanne. In some embodiments, the body portion of the garment comprises the combination of about 50-85% of one of tactel, nylon and/or nylon tactel, and about 15-50% of one of Lycra, Spandex Lycra and/or Elasthanne. In some embodiments, the body portion of the garment comprises the combination of about 65-80% of one of tactel, nylon, nylon tactel and/or other shaping or compressive material, and about 20-35% of one of Lycra, Spandex Lycra, Elasthanne and/or other shaping or compressive material. In some embodiments, other percentages are used. In some embodiments, the inner lining comprises the combination of nylon/nylon and Spandex/Elasthanne. In some embodiments, the inner lining comprises the combination of about 82% nylon/nylon and about 18% Spandex/Elasthanne. In some embodiments, the inner lining comprises the combination of about 65-95% nylon/nylon and about 5-35% Spandex/Elasthanne. In some embodiments, the inner lining comprises the combination of about 75-85% nylon/nylon and/or other shaping or compressive material, and about 15-25% Spandex/Elasthanne and/or other shaping or compressive material. In some embodiments, other percentages are used.

Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in the foregoing exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of example, and that numerous changes in the details of implementation of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

SHAPEWEAR GARMENT WITH FLOATING AND/OR MOVABLE SHAPING INNER PANEL(S)

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