Composite support system

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a composite support system comprising a body garment and a brassiere portion. The body garment has an upper edge along which is provided one, or more than one first fastener. The brassiere portion has at least a bra base, two breast supporting cups each with a lower edge, and one, or more than one second fastener along the lower edge of the breast supporting cups, along the bra base, or any combination thereof. The second fastener is complementary to the first fastener. The complementary joining of the one, or more than one first and second fasteners reversably attaches the lower edge of the breast supporting cups, the bra base, or a combination thereof, of the brassiere portion to the upper edge of the body garment.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a composite support system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a composite support system having improved versatility. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The undergarment industry has expended considerable energy in producing undergarments for women that shape and support the body. Of the types of support garments known in the art are brassieres, girdles, panty girdles and the like. In order to provide maximal support and shaping to the female body various composite undergarments have been developed. [0003] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,185,156 (Steinberger) discloses a combined midriff covering brassiere and lower torso covering corselet. The corselet is a girdle-type corselet and is detachably joined to the brassiere at the front by a zipper fastener while remaining unattached at the back. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 3,327,714 (Steinberger) teaches a combined brassiere and panty girdle or slip. The brassiere and panty girdle or ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] The present invention relates to a composite support system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a composite support system having improved versatility.

[0018] The body garment and brassiere portion of the present invention are advantageously constructed so that various sizes of each are compatible. For example, different sizes of brassiere portions may be releasably attached to a given size body garment; alternatively, different sizes of body garments may be releasably attached to a given size brassiere portion. Therefore, the composite support system of the present invention is versatile, in that it accommodates various body types. Additionally, the body garments and brassiere portions may be provided in a variety of colours, which allows mixing and matching of both sizes and colours.

[0019] The construction of the composite support structure, and the placement of the one, or more than one first and second fasteners, in the present invention prevents the accumulation of a bulk of fabric at the waist, as seen in several prior art garments. This increases the comfort level of the wearer and renders the garment invisible through the wearer's clothing. In addition, location of attachment of the brassiere portion to the body garment allows free movement of the wearer without undue distortion of the composite support structure or the body, which may prevent pinching, chaffing, rubbing, and / or general discomfort for the wearer.

Problems solved by technology

While the prior art garments have provided shaping of the body, the comfort of the garments are somewhat questionable.

In particular, those garments with overlapping of the brassiere and bottom portions at the waist cause a bulk of fabric that is both uncomfortable and visible through the wearer's clothing.

Also, the nature of the prior art garments is such that the garments are stiff and usually comprise stiffening structures such as reinforced stitching, bones, stays or the like.

The prior art garments diminish the free body movement of the wearer and reduce the wearer's comfort level.

Furthermore, such reinforcing structures may cause pinching, chaffing, rubbing, and / or general discomfort for the wearer.

However, '414 is formed as hosiery and does not provide significant support and shaping to the body.

As the undergarment of Balit is an integral garment, it does not allow for interchanging of brassiere and bottom support structure.

Therefore, such a garment cannot accommodate variations in body types.

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