Lace-up, stay in place layered material for bodywear

Abstract

A unique crisscross, lace-up accessory designed to enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality of bodywear is disclosed. It features a combined material system that incorporates four elements that enable enhanced stability on the body. The four elements are: 1) flexible materials with mechanical stretch on all layers of the bodywear unit; 2) silicone or other adhesive material on the bottom layer that stabilizes the material on the body; 3) a closure mechanism such as, but not limited to, a tie, snap, eyelet, or Velcro®; and 4) an arch pad at the middle point of the bodywear unit to indicate placement of the bodywear unit and to provide for further functionality such as pressure points for acupressure of other therapeutic effects. The bodywear unit can be used on legs, arms, and / or torso. The bodywear unit combines style, comfort, and practicality, while maintaining design stability in one cohesive accessory.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63 / 711,143 filed on Oct. 23, 2024 and titled “LACE-UP STAY IN PLACE LAYERED MATERIAL FOR BODYWEAR” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all that is taught and disclosed therein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The crisscross lace-up gladiator-style material is a unique and stylish accessory designed to enhance the appearance of bodywear, particularly foot, leg, and arm wear. A new and improved bodywear material features a unique construction consisting of a two or three layer ribbon of material carefully crafted to combine functionality of improved shape retention on the body and trend setting aesthetics.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Women's shoes with material laced up in a crisscross fashion up the legs or other body parts are commonly referred to as gladiator style sandals or arm wraps, or lace-up sandals. These styles often feature straps that can be tied around the ankle or even higher up the leg or higher towards the knee and above, or other body parts such as an arm, creating a stylish and intricate crisscross look over the body part. However, this style of material lace-up on the body has problems. The desired end state is that the material always stays in place. The problem with the current prior art material is the lace material does not always stay in place and begins to fall and move around the body part, destroying the aesthetic appearance that is desired. The crisscross lace-up gladiator-style material accessories in the prior art present a design failure with the material falling out of the intended crisscross laced-up position, therefore bunching up around the ankle or other areas of the body. This disclosure provides a solution to this problem in the prior art.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The underside or bottom layer of the two or three layer ribbon of bodywear material that faces the skin is made of a flexible skin-safe adhesive material such as silicone or zinc oxide-based adhesive (athletic tape) that is currently available on the market. Also, the bodywear material in one embodiment may be presented without any adhesive or added sticky substance, but by a fabric alone. This fabric is typically a Lycra® or polyester type material with a certain degree of mechanical stretch.

[0005] Where applicable, the flexible underside skin-facing adhesive material layer of the bodywear material serves as the base, providing the structure and support needed to best secure the two or three layer bodywear unit to the body. The underside skin-facing adhesive material layer is designed to adhere to the surface of the skin, much like athletic tape or silicone skin pads, ensuring the unit stays in place during wear with minimal slipping or coming loose.

[0006] The flexible decorative material layer of the bodywear material of the bodywear unit is made from material such as Lycra® or spandex. This flexible decorative material layer is designed to be visually appealing, stylish, and trend setting. The flexible decorative material layer also allows for serving as a medium for advertisement of support for groups, teams, or ideas that are easily represented by a color, pattern, or lettering. In one embodiment, the flexible decorative material layer of the bodywear material may not be used with a silicone or adhesive tape base.

[0007] When assembling the bodywear unit, the two or three layers of material are fused using a glue / heat bonding process that involves a machine and / or sewn together by hand or by machine to create a seamless and durable unitary construction. The two or three layers of material stretch in unison with each other and are designed to stretch and not separate or hinder any movement, allowing the fused and / or sewn layers to stay together. The different materials of the bodywear unit do not need to have the exact stretch property as all materials are designed to meet the lowest stretch requirement of the bodywear unit. The flexibility of the flexible underside skin-facing adhesive material layer and the flexibility of the flexible decorative material layer allows the user of the bodywear unit to experience comfort and ease of wear while expressing a fashion preference or statement.

[0008] The bodywear unit can be made with or without the silicone or adhesive tape backing by using a flexible decorative material layer with the mechanical stretch required to maintain the tension required for stability on the body.

[0009] In an embodiment there is a closure mechanism on the two ends of the bodywear unit, such as a tie, snap, eyelet, or a hook and loop fastener such as a Velcro® type closure mechanism that is used to secure the two ends of the bodywear unit together. The type of fastener for the two ends is determined by the type of materials most conducive to the type of fastener and is a matter of design choice.

[0010] In an embodiment there is an arch pad comprised of a silicone or a silicone-type material that is approximately one to three inches in length attached in the middle of the bodywear unit and serves as the area where the bodywear unit resides most comfortably under the arch of the foot or other anchor point of a body. This middle area of the bodywear unit can be of hypoallergenic and / or antibacterial material. This middle area can also serve as an anchor area for the arch of a shoe or sandal, or some other area of the shoe or sandal. This area can contain a product name and / or logo.

[0011] Other unique features of the bodywear unit may include but are not limited to the following.

[0012] Use of copper, silver, silicone, plastic, and / or magnet or other substances in the bodywear material for therapeutic use.

[0013] Use of copper, silver, silicone, plastic, or other substances in a crisscross, lace up manner.

[0014] Use of reflective or protective tape, paint, fabric, or substance in the bodywear material in a crisscross, lace up manner for safety and other attention creating intent.

[0015] Use of LED or LED-type lights in the bodywear material in a crisscross, lace up manner for safety and other attention creating intent. The LED or LED-type lights can be battery powered with button batteries contained in the bodywear unit.

[0016] Use of copper, silver, silicone, plastic, or magnetic properties in the arch pad for therapeutic use, acupressure, reflexology, or the like.

[0017] Overall, the bodywear unit is not only functional in better securing traditional lace-up bodywear, but the combination of the flexible underside skin-facing adhesive material layer, the flexible decorative material layer, the optional safety / attention layer, the arch pad, and the closure mechanism ensures that the bodywear unit improves practicality in wear while providing visually appealing design and styling options for accessorizing apparel.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C show the failures of the prior art lace-up, gladiator-style, lace bodywear.

[0019] FIG. 2A shows a short segment of the back and front sides of the bodywear in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 2B shows the two and / or three layered bodywear unit of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 3 shows the bodywear unit secured between the heel and ball of a shoe or a foot and wrapped around the leg of a user in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 4 shows the arch pad area in the middle of the bodywear unit in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 5 shows the bodywear unit secured to a middle finger and wrapped around an arm of a user in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 6 shows various closure mechanisms for the ends of the bodywear unit in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] To assist in the understanding of the present disclosure the following list of components and associated numbering found in the drawings is provided herein:TABLE OF COMPONENTSComponent#shoe 2prior art crisscross, lace-up, 4gladiator-style bodywearbodywear unit 6skin 8flexible underside skin-facing10adhesive material layerflexible decorative material layer12optional safety / attention layer14arch15foot16arch17arch pad18leg19arm20nodes22closure mechanism24bow24asnap24beyelet24cVelcro ® strips24dmiddle or another finger26hand28DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Referring now to the Figures, in which like reference numerals refer to structurally and / or functionally similar elements thereof, FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C show the failures of the prior art lace-up, gladiator-style, lace bodywear. Referring now to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, FIG. 1A shows the desired state of the crisscross, lace-up, gladiator-style, lace body wear on a shoe 2. However, without the improvements disclosed herein, the desired state begins to degrade to the undesirable state shown in FIG. 1B and ultimately into complete failure as shown in FIG. 1C. Current prior art products lack the improved features disclosed herein. As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, prior art crisscross, lace-up, gladiator-style bodywear 4 lacks the improved features disclosed herein, including: 1) material mechanical stretch; 2) use of silicone of other stabilizing material at the skin or clothing interface; 3) appropriate closure mechanisms for the material used; and 4) unique identifying arch pad area that provides orientation, stability, and other functions. Without these improvements, FIG. 1C is the resulting undesired state where the crisscross, lace-up style, gladiator-style is no longer evident.

[0027] FIG. 2A shows a short segment of the back and front sides of the bodywear unit in an embodiment, and FIG. 2B shows the two and / or three layered bodywear unit. Referring now to FIG. 2A, a two-layered bodywear unit 6 is shown having a flexible underside skin-facing adhesive material layer 10 that contacts the skin 8 and a flexible decorative material layer 12. FIG. 2B shows a three-layered bodywear unit 6 having: 1) flexible underside skin-facing adhesive material layer 10; 2) flexible decorative material layer 12; and 3) an optional safety / attention layer 14 attached to the flexible decorative material layer 12. Depending on the type of material with the appropriate mechanical stretch flexible decorative material layer 12 may be used without the flexible underside skin-facing adhesive material layer 10. The different materials of the bodywear unit, including the flexible underside skin-facing adhesive material layer 10, the flexible decorative material layer 12, and the optional safety / attention layer 14 do not need to have the exact stretch property as all materials are designed to meet the lowest stretch requirement of the bodywear unit.

[0028] When assembling the bodywear unit 6, the two or three layers of flexible underside skin-facing adhesive material layer 10, flexible decorative material layer 12, and optional safety / attention layer 14 are fused, printed, glued and / or sewn together to create a seamless and durable unitary construction. The process of assembling the bodywear unit 6 are combined to ensure strength and seamlessness. Specifically, during assembly, multiple layers of fabric or material (two or three) are used to enhance durability and functionality. These layers are combined into one cohesive unit by four primary methods.

[0029] (1) Fusion. Fusing materials together using heat and / or adhesive involves applying heat and pressure, with or without adhesive to bond the layers permanently. This may be done by hand or by machines known in the art.

[0030] (2) Printing. Silicone or other substances can be printed onto material. This is typically done by machines known in the art.

[0031] (3) Gluing. Gluing materials together with a strong adhesive suitable for textiles and other materials creates a bonded layer. This may be done by hand or by machines known in the art.

[0032] (4) Sewing. Various methods of sewing may also be employed. Layers are stitched together for a secure bond. This may be done by hand or by machines known in the art.

[0033] These techniques produce a cohesive and durable unit that results in a unitary construction such that the bodywear unit 6 functions as a single, integrated piece rather than multiple separate parts. The cohesive sum of the individual parts of the bodywear unit 6 significantly contributes to the functionality of the bodywear unit 6 to retain the position placed by the wearer on the body. This construction ensures stability and position on the body, ease of wear, comfort, flexibility and durability.

[0034] FIG. 3 shows the bodywear unit secured between the heel and ball of a shoe or a foot and wrapped around the leg of a user in an embodiment. Referring now to FIG. 3, bodywear unit 6 on the left is shown wrapped up the leg 19 and has an arch pad 18 that is attached to a middle portion of the bodywear unit 6 that is centered under the arch 15 of the foot 16. Bodywear unit 6 on the right is shown wrapped up the leg 19 and has an arch pad 18 that is attached to a middle portion of the bodywear unit 6 and centered under the arch 17 of the shoe 2. Arch pad 18 is a silicone or other material pad integral within an approximate one to three-inch area central to bodywear unit 6 and attached to either the flexible underside skin-facing adhesive material layer 10 or the flexible decorative material layer 12 as a design choice and serves as an orienting and anchoring point for initial placement of bodywear unit 6 on the body, which in this case is either the arch 15 of the foot 16 or the arch 17 of the shoe 2. Arch pad 18 may have a hypoallergenic and / or an antibacterial material attached by sewing or glue / heat bonding to the arch pad 18.

[0035] FIG. 4 shows the arch pad area in the middle of the bodywear unit in an embodiment. Arch pad 18 in one embodiment may have one or more nodes 22 having copper, silver, silicone, plastic, and / or magnetic elements or other elements built into arch pad 18 for therapeutic effects. Nodes 22 on arch pad 18 may also be positioned to align with approximate areas of identified pressure points for acupressure of other therapeutic effects when the arch pad 18 is worn against the arch of the foot bodywear unit. Arch pad 18 in one embodiment may have an optional safety / attention layer 14 consisting of reflective tape, paint, or other material for added safety for walkers, runners, or bikers at night that is visible when the foot is extended backwards in walking, running, or biking.

[0036] FIG. 5 shows the bodywear unit secured to a middle finger and wrapped around an arm of a user in an embodiment. Referring now to FIG. 5, the bodywear unit 6 may be secured to a middle finger 26 or another finger, or the palm of the hand 28 and wrapped up around the arm 20 or other areas of the torso.

[0037] FIG. 6 shows various closure mechanisms for the ends of the bodywear unit in an embodiment. Referring now to FIG. 6, at each end of bodywear unit 6 a closure mechanism 24 may be used to secure the first end and the second end of the bodywear unit 6 together. Closure mechanism 24 may be a tie of some sort such as a bow 24a attached to each end of the bodywear unit 6, a snap 24b where the stud is attached to one end of the bodywear unit 6 and the socket is attached to the other end of the bodywear unit 6, an eyelet 24c where the hook is attached to one end of the bodywear unit 6 and the round is attached to the other end of the bodywear unit6, or a hook and loop fastener 24d such as Velcro® strips or the like, where the hook strip is attached to one end of the bodywear unit 6 and the loop strip is attached to the other end of the bodywear unit 6.

[0038] Having described the present invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that many and widely differing embodiments and applications will suggest themselves without departing from the scope disclosed herein.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0026]Referring now to the Figures, in which like reference numerals refer to structurally and / or functionally similar elements thereof, FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C show the failures of the prior art lace-up, gladiator-style, lace bodywear. Referring now to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, FIG. 1A shows the desired state of the crisscross, lace-up, gladiator-style, lace body wear on a shoe 2. However, without the improvements disclosed herein, the desired state begins to degrade to the undesirable state shown in FIG. 1B and ultimately into complete failure as shown in FIG. 1C. Current prior art products lack the improved features disclosed herein. As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, prior art crisscross, lace-up, gladiator-style bodywear 4 lacks the improved features disclosed herein, including: 1) material mechanical stretch; 2) use of silicone of other stabilizing material at the skin or clothing interface; 3) appropriate closure mechanisms for the material used; and 4) unique identifying arch pad ar...

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63 / 711,143 filed on Oct. 23, 2024 and titled “LACE-UP STAY IN PLACE LAYERED MATERIAL FOR BODYWEAR” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all that is taught and disclosed therein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The crisscross lace-up gladiator-style material is a unique and stylish accessory designed to enhance the appearance of bodywear, particularly foot, leg, and arm wear. A new and improved bodywear material features a unique construction consisting of a two or three layer ribbon of material carefully crafted to combine functionality of improved shape retention on the body and trend setting aesthetics.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Women's shoes with material laced up in a crisscross fashion up the legs or other body parts are commonly referred to as gladiator style sandals or arm wraps, or lace-up sandals. These styles often feature straps that can be tied around the ankle or even higher up the leg or higher towards the knee and above, or other body parts such as an arm, creating a stylish and intricate crisscross look over the body part. However, this style of material lace-up on the body has problems. The desired end state is that the material always stays in place. The problem with the current prior art material is the lace material does not always stay in place and begins to fall and move around the body part, destroying the aesthetic appearance that is desired. The crisscross lace-up gladiator-style material accessories in the prior art present a design failure with the material falling out of the intended crisscross laced-up position, therefore bunching up around the ankle or other areas of the body. This disclosure provides a solution to this problem in the prior art.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The underside or bottom layer of the two or three layer ribbon of bodywear material that faces the skin is made of a flexible skin-safe adhesive material such as silicone or zinc oxide-based adhesive (athletic tape) that is currently available on the market. Also, the bodywear material in one embodiment may be presented without any adhesive or added sticky substance, but by a fabric alone. This fabric is typically a Lycra® or polyester type material with a certain degree of mechanical stretch.

[0005] Where applicable, the flexible underside skin-facing adhesive material layer of the bodywear material serves as the base, providing the structure and support needed to best secure the two or three layer bodywear unit to the body. The underside skin-facing adhesive material layer is designed to adhere to the surface of the skin, much like athletic tape or silicone skin pads, ensuring the unit stays in place during wear with minimal slipping or coming loose.

[0006] The flexible decorative material layer of the bodywear material of the bodywear unit is made from material such as Lycra® or spandex. This flexible decorative material layer is designed to be visually appealing, stylish, and trend setting. The flexible decorative material layer also allows for serving as a medium for advertisement of support for groups, teams, or ideas that are easily represented by a color, pattern, or lettering. In one embodiment, the flexible decorative material layer of the bodywear material may not be used with a silicone or adhesive tape base.

[0007] When assembling the bodywear unit, the two or three layers of material are fused using a glue / heat bonding process that involves a machine and / or sewn together by hand or by machine to create a seamless and durable unitary construction. The two or three layers of material stretch in unison with each other and are designed to stretch and not separate or hinder any movement, allowing the fused and / or sewn layers to stay together. The different materials of the bodywear unit do not need to have the exact stretch property as all materials are designed to meet the lowest stretch requirement of the bodywear unit. The flexibility of the flexible underside skin-facing adhesive material layer and the flexibility of the flexible decorative material layer allows the user of the bodywear unit to experience comfort and ease of wear while expressing a fashion preference or statement.

[0008] The bodywear unit can be made with or without the silicone or adhesive tape backing by using a flexible decorative material layer with the mechanical stretch required to maintain the tension required for stability on the body.

[0009] In an embodiment there is a closure mechanism on the two ends of the bodywear unit, such as a tie, snap, eyelet, or a hook and loop fastener such as a Velcro® type closure mechanism that is used to secure the two ends of the bodywear unit together. The type of fastener for the two ends is determined by the type of materials most conducive to the type of fastener and is a matter of design choice.

[0010] In an embodiment there is an arch pad comprised of a silicone or a silicone-type material that is approximately one to three inches in length attached in the middle of the bodywear unit and serves as the area where the bodywear unit resides most comfortably under the arch of the foot or other anchor point of a body. This middle area of the bodywear unit can be of hypoallergenic and / or antibacterial material. This middle area can also serve as an anchor area for the arch of a shoe or sandal, or some other area of the shoe or sandal. This area can contain a product name and / or logo.

[0011] Other unique features of the bodywear unit may include but are not limited to the following.

[0012] Use of copper, silver, silicone, plastic, and / or magnet or other substances in the bodywear material for therapeutic use.

[0013] Use of copper, silver, silicone, plastic, or other substances in a crisscross, lace up manner.

[0014] Use of reflective or protective tape, paint, fabric, or substance in the bodywear material in a crisscross, lace up manner for safety and other attention creating intent.

[0015] Use of LED or LED-type lights in the bodywear material in a crisscross, lace up manner for safety and other attention creating intent. The LED or LED-type lights can be battery powered with button batteries contained in the bodywear unit.

[0016] Use of copper, silver, silicone, plastic, or magnetic properties in the arch pad for therapeutic use, acupressure, reflexology, or the like.

[0017] Overall, the bodywear unit is not only functional in better securing traditional lace-up bodywear, but the combination of the flexible underside skin-facing adhesive material layer, the flexible decorative material layer, the optional safety / attention layer, the arch pad, and the closure mechanism ensures that the bodywear unit improves practicality in wear while providing visually appealing design and styling options for accessorizing apparel.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C show the failures of the prior art lace-up, gladiator-style, lace bodywear.

[0019] FIG. 2A shows a short segment of the back and front sides of the bodywear in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 2B shows the two and / or three layered bodywear unit of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 3 shows the bodywear unit secured between the heel and ball of a shoe or a foot and wrapped around the leg of a user in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 4 shows the arch pad area in the middle of the bodywear unit in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 5 shows the bodywear unit secured to a middle finger and wrapped around an arm of a user in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 6 shows various closure mechanisms for the ends of the bodywear unit in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] To assist in the understanding of the present disclosure the following list of components and associated numbering found in the drawings is provided herein:TABLE OF COMPONENTSComponent#shoe 2prior art crisscross, lace-up, 4gladiator-style bodywearbodywear unit 6skin 8flexible underside skin-facing10adhesive material layerflexible decorative material layer12optional safety / attention layer14arch15foot16arch17arch pad18leg19arm20nodes22closure mechanism24bow24asnap24beyelet24cVelcro ® strips24dmiddle or another finger26hand28DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Referring now to the Figures, in which like reference numerals refer to structurally and / or functionally similar elements thereof, FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C show the failures of the prior art lace-up, gladiator-style, lace bodywear. Referring now to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, FIG. 1A shows the desired state of the crisscross, lace-up, gladiator-style, lace body wear on a shoe 2. However, without the improvements disclosed herein, the desired state begins to degrade to the undesirable state shown in FIG. 1B and ultimately into complete failure as shown in FIG. 1C. Current prior art products lack the improved features disclosed herein. As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, prior art crisscross, lace-up, gladiator-style bodywear 4 lacks the improved features disclosed herein, including: 1) material mechanical stretch; 2) use of silicone of other stabilizing material at the skin or clothing interface; 3) appropriate closure mechanisms for the material used; and 4) unique identifying arch pad area that provides orientation, stability, and other functions. Without these improvements, FIG. 1C is the resulting undesired state where the crisscross, lace-up style, gladiator-style is no longer evident.

[0027] FIG. 2A shows a short segment of the back and front sides of the bodywear unit in an embodiment, and FIG. 2B shows the two and / or three layered bodywear unit. Referring now to FIG. 2A, a two-layered bodywear unit 6 is shown having a flexible underside skin-facing adhesive material layer 10 that contacts the skin 8 and a flexible decorative material layer 12. FIG. 2B shows a three-layered bodywear unit 6 having: 1) flexible underside skin-facing adhesive material layer 10; 2) flexible decorative material layer 12; and 3) an optional safety / attention layer 14 attached to the flexible decorative material layer 12. Depending on the type of material with the appropriate mechanical stretch flexible decorative material layer 12 may be used without the flexible underside skin-facing adhesive material layer 10. The different materials of the bodywear unit, including the flexible underside skin-facing adhesive material layer 10, the flexible decorative material layer 12, and the optional safety / attention layer 14 do not need to have the exact stretch property as all materials are designed to meet the lowest stretch requirement of the bodywear unit.

[0028] When assembling the bodywear unit 6, the two or three layers of flexible underside skin-facing adhesive material layer 10, flexible decorative material layer 12, and optional safety / attention layer 14 are fused, printed, glued and / or sewn together to create a seamless and durable unitary construction. The process of assembling the bodywear unit 6 are combined to ensure strength and seamlessness. Specifically, during assembly, multiple layers of fabric or material (two or three) are used to enhance durability and functionality. These layers are combined into one cohesive unit by four primary methods.

[0029] (1) Fusion. Fusing materials together using heat and / or adhesive involves applying heat and pressure, with or without adhesive to bond the layers permanently. This may be done by hand or by machines known in the art.

[0030] (2) Printing. Silicone or other substances can be printed onto material. This is typically done by machines known in the art.

[0031] (3) Gluing. Gluing materials together with a strong adhesive suitable for textiles and other materials creates a bonded layer. This may be done by hand or by machines known in the art.

[0032] (4) Sewing. Various methods of sewing may also be employed. Layers are stitched together for a secure bond. This may be done by hand or by machines known in the art.

[0033] These techniques produce a cohesive and durable unit that results in a unitary construction such that the bodywear unit 6 functions as a single, integrated piece rather than multiple separate parts. The cohesive sum of the individual parts of the bodywear unit 6 significantly contributes to the functionality of the bodywear unit 6 to retain the position placed by the wearer on the body. This construction ensures stability and position on the body, ease of wear, comfort, flexibility and durability.

[0034] FIG. 3 shows the bodywear unit secured between the heel and ball of a shoe or a foot and wrapped around the leg of a user in an embodiment. Referring now to FIG. 3, bodywear unit 6 on the left is shown wrapped up the leg 19 and has an arch pad 18 that is attached to a middle portion of the bodywear unit 6 that is centered under the arch 15 of the foot 16. Bodywear unit 6 on the right is shown wrapped up the leg 19 and has an arch pad 18 that is attached to a middle portion of the bodywear unit 6 and centered under the arch 17 of the shoe 2. Arch pad 18 is a silicone or other material pad integral within an approximate one to three-inch area central to bodywear unit 6 and attached to either the flexible underside skin-facing adhesive material layer 10 or the flexible decorative material layer 12 as a design choice and serves as an orienting and anchoring point for initial placement of bodywear unit 6 on the body, which in this case is either the arch 15 of the foot 16 or the arch 17 of the shoe 2. Arch pad 18 may have a hypoallergenic and / or an antibacterial material attached by sewing or glue / heat bonding to the arch pad 18.

[0035] FIG. 4 shows the arch pad area in the middle of the bodywear unit in an embodiment. Arch pad 18 in one embodiment may have one or more nodes 22 having copper, silver, silicone, plastic, and / or magnetic elements or other elements built into arch pad 18 for therapeutic effects. Nodes 22 on arch pad 18 may also be positioned to align with approximate areas of identified pressure points for acupressure of other therapeutic effects when the arch pad 18 is worn against the arch of the foot bodywear unit. Arch pad 18 in one embodiment may have an optional safety / attention layer 14 consisting of reflective tape, paint, or other material for added safety for walkers, runners, or bikers at night that is visible when the foot is extended backwards in walking, running, or biking.

[0036] FIG. 5 shows the bodywear unit secured to a middle finger and wrapped around an arm of a user in an embodiment. Referring now to FIG. 5, the bodywear unit 6 may be secured to a middle finger 26 or another finger, or the palm of the hand 28 and wrapped up around the arm 20 or other areas of the torso.

[0037] FIG. 6 shows various closure mechanisms for the ends of the bodywear unit in an embodiment. Referring now to FIG. 6, at each end of bodywear unit 6 a closure mechanism 24 may be used to secure the first end and the second end of the bodywear unit 6 together. Closure mechanism 24 may be a tie of some sort such as a bow 24a attached to each end of the bodywear unit 6, a snap 24b where the stud is attached to one end of the bodywear unit 6 and the socket is attached to the other end of the bodywear unit 6, an eyelet 24c where the hook is attached to one end of the bodywear unit 6 and the round is attached to the other end of the bodywear unit6, or a hook and loop fastener 24d such as Velcro® strips or the like, where the hook strip is attached to one end of the bodywear unit 6 and the loop strip is attached to the other end of the bodywear unit 6.

[0038] Having described the present invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that many and widely differing embodiments and applications will suggest themselves without departing from the scope disclosed herein.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0026]Referring now to the Figures, in which like reference numerals refer to structurally and / or functionally similar elements thereof, FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C show the failures of the prior art lace-up, gladiator-style, lace bodywear. Referring now to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, FIG. 1A shows the desired state of the crisscross, lace-up, gladiator-style, lace body wear on a shoe 2. However, without the improvements disclosed herein, the desired state begins to degrade to the undesirable state shown in FIG. 1B and ultimately into complete failure as shown in FIG. 1C. Current prior art products lack the improved features disclosed herein. As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, prior art crisscross, lace-up, gladiator-style bodywear 4 lacks the improved features disclosed herein, including: 1) material mechanical stretch; 2) use of silicone of other stabilizing material at the skin or clothing interface; 3) appropriate closure mechanisms for the material used; and 4) unique identifying arch pad ar...

Claims

1. A bodywear unit comprising:a flexible underside skin-facing adhesive material layer;a flexible decorative material layer attached to the flexible underside skin-facing adhesive material layer; anda closure mechanism wherein a first part of the closure mechanism is attached to a first end of the bodywear unit and a second part of the closure mechanism is attached to a second end of the bodywear unit.

2. The bodywear unit according to claim 1 further comprising:an optional safety / attention layer attached to the flexible decorative material layer.

3. The bodywear unit according to claim 2 wherein the optional safety / attention layer is selected from the group consisting of a reflective tape, a protective tape, a paint, a fabric, and a LED type light.

4. The bodywear unit according to claim 2 wherein the optional safety / attention layer serves as a medium for advertising a group or a team.

5. The bodywear unit according to claim 1 further comprising:an arch pad centered in a middle portion of the bodywear unit.

6. The bodywear unit according to claim 5 wherein the arch pad has a hypoallergenic and / or an antibacterial material attached to the arch pad.

7. The bodywear unit according to claim 5 wherein the arch pad further comprises:at least one node built into the arch pad wherein the at least one node is positioned to align with approximate areas of identified pressure points for acupressure of other therapeutic effects.

8. The bodywear unit according to claim 5 wherein the arch pad further comprises:at least one node built into the arch pad wherein the at least one node has one or more elements that provide a therapeutic effect.

9. The bodywear unit according to claim 8 wherein the one or more elements are selected from the group consisting of a copper element, a silver element, a silicone element, a plastic element, and a magnetic element.

10. The bodywear unit according to claim 1 wherein the closure mechanism is selected from the group consisting of a bow, a snap, an eyelet, and a hook and loop fastener.

11. The bodywear unit according to claim 1 wherein the flexible underside skin-facing adhesive material layer and / or the flexible decorative material layer have a feature selected from the group consisting of copper, silver, silicone, plastic, and magnet.

12. A method for wearing a bodywear unit, the method comprising the steps of:(a) centering an arch pad of the bodywear unit under an arch of a foot;(b) crisscrossing the bodywear unit up a leg of the foot; and(c) securing a first end of the bodywear unit to a second end of the bodywear unit with a closure mechanism.

13. The method for wearing the bodywear unit according to claim 12 wherein step (a) further comprises:provisioning the arch pad with a hypoallergenic and / or an antibacterial material.

14. The method for wearing the bodywear unit for wearing a bodywear unit according to claim 12 wherein step (a) further comprises:provisioning the arch pad with at least one node wherein the at least one node has one or more elements that provide a therapeutic effect.

15. The method for wearing the bodywear unit according to claim 14 wherein the one or more elements are selected from the group consisting of a copper element, a silver element, a silicone element, a plastic element, and a magnetic element.

16. The method for wearing the bodywear unit according to claim 12 wherein the closure mechanism is selected from the group consisting of a bow, a snap, an eyelet, and a hook and loop fastener.

17. The method for wearing the bodywear unit according to claim 12 wherein step (a) is replaced by the following step (a):centering an arch pad of the bodywear unit under the arch of a shoe worn on a foot.

18. The method for wearing the bodywear unit according to claim 12 further comprising the step of:provisioning the bodywear unit with an optional safety / attention layer selected from the group consisting of a reflective tape, a protective tape, a paint, a fabric, and a LED type light.

19. A bodywear unit formed by fusing a flexible underside skin-facing adhesive material layer and a flexible decorative material layer together by applying heat and pressure to bond the flexible underside skin-facing adhesive material layer and the flexible decorative material layer together permanently.

20. The bodywear unit according to claim 19 wherein an optional safety / attention layer is also fused to the flexible decorative material layer.

21. The bodywear unit according to claim 19 wherein an adhesive is used in the fusing process.

22. The bodywear unit according to claim 19 wherein a stitching process is used instead of a fusing process to bond the flexible underside skin-facing adhesive material layer and the flexible decorative material layer together permanently.

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