This invention relates to stretch marks caused during pregnancy, more particularly, to an undergarment that may be worn around the abdomen and other areas of a pregnant woman that reinforces the elastic fibers of the skin around the expanding abdomen.
Many women develop stretch marks on their abdomens, chests, legs, buttocks and other areas during pregnancy. Stretch marks are caused by the growth of the baby and rapid expansion of the skin around these areas. Factors that contribute to stretch marks include the age of the woman, the size of the baby, being pregnant with multiple babies and weight gained during pregnancy. Stretch marks are caused by tears or breakage of elastic fibers within the dermis. This commonly occurs as a chain reaction, wherein one elastic fiber rips causing nearby elastic fibers to rip. These multiple rips occur in a line which is visible from the exterior of the skin as a stretch mark. The quality of elastic fibers in a women's skin may be influenced by a women's age. For example, an eighteen year old girl will be more susceptible to stretch marks as she will have fewer already stretched the fibers in her skin to near the breaking point. This is because she has just gone through growth spurts as a result of puberty and the skin has not had time to reinforce itself. However, slightly older women will have more time for the fibers to repair themselves after puberty and will therefore be less susceptible to stretch marks because their skin is reinforced. Many women have significantly more elastic fibers in their skin due to genetic factors. This is why some women get little or no stretch marks during pregnancy while others get severe stretch marks with the same size baby and same weight gain.
Currently, many pregnant women apply lotions and topical ointments to their skin as a preventative measure against stretch marks. However, lotions and topical ointments do not actually address the cause of stretch marks because they provide no reinforcement to prevent the skin's elastic fibers from ripping. Furthermore, many of these lotions and topical ointments contain Vitamin-E, which research has shown to be linked to birth defects. Also, creams and lotions only moisten the outer epidermis and do not reach or support the dermis where the stretch marks occur. Other panty hose garments or body shaping garments claim to reduce stretch marks. However, garments such as these only apply pressure on the skin and do not reinforce the elastic fibers found in the dermis.
Therefore, a need exists for a device for reinforcing the skin of pregnant women, thereby preventing the ripping of elastic fibers in the skin and the resulting stretch marks.
The relevant prior art includes the following references:
The primary object of the present invention is to provide a stretch mark prevention undergarment that prevents the formation of stretch marks by reinforcing the elastic fibers of the skin.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a stretch mark prevention undergarment that is breathable and comfortable to wear.
An even further object of the present invention is to provide a stretch mark prevention undergarment that will prevent stretch marks from forming on the abdomen and lower torso of a wearer.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a stretch mark prevention undergarment that will prevent stretch marks from forming on the breasts of a wearer.
An even further object of the present invention is to provide a stretch mark prevention undergarment that will prevent stretch marks from forming on the buttocks and pelvis area of a wearer.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a stretch mark prevention undergarment that will prevent stretch marks from forming on upper leg and thigh of a wearer.
The present invention fulfills the above and other objects by providing an undergarment worn around a woman's belly for preventing stretch marks. The undergarment has an outer layer made of smooth, stretchable, non-adherent and breathable material, such as Lycra, spandex, etc., and an inner layer of webbed material made of a stretchable non-slip material, such as silicone, rubber, etc. The non-slip material maintains a constant adherent traction with the skin, thereby reinforcing the skin from the outside to prevent the skin from stretching apart. The webbed “fishnet” design allows the skin to breath through the outer layer of the garment. Alternative embodiments of the undergarment include panties, briefs, bands, leggings, corsets, bras or combinations thereof to help prevent stretch marks and provide support.
The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention should become even more readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings wherein there is shown and described illustrative embodiments of the invention.
In the following detailed description, reference will be made to the attached drawings in which:
For purposes of describing the preferred embodiment, the terminology used in reference to the numbered accessories in the drawings is as follows:
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It is to be understood that while a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and drawings.
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