Bodysuit

Abstract

A bodysuit has a top portion and a bottom portion. A transition area is made up of a bottom extent of the top portion and a top extent of the bottom portion. The top portion has a top portion outer surface, and the bottom portion has a bottom portion outer surface. The top portion outer surface has a different appearance than the bottom portion outer surface. The transition area is positioned so that when the bodysuit is worn under a bottom outer garment, the top portion is not undesirably visible through a bottom outer garment and the bottom portion is not undesirably visible above a top extent of the bottom outer garment.

Description

PRIORITY

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of domestic priority based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63 / 751,198 filed on Jan. 29, 2025, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] In the field of women's apparel, there are often tradeoffs between style, function, and comfort. A woman that opts for stylistic apparel is sometimes forced to sacrifice on function or comfort, and vice versa.

[0003] An example of a piece of women's apparel that often trades comfort for style is a bodysuit. A bodysuit is a typically one-piece, form-fitting garment that covers the torso region and the crotch area of a wearer. The bodysuit offers the wearer flexibility in its use. While it can be worn as an activewear garment or an undergarment, it also can be worn as an outfit top when accompanied by pants, a skirt, shorts, or the like. When being worn as a top, the bodysuit offers the advantage of not becoming untucked from the pants, skirt, or shorts while being worn, and it reduces bulkiness that can result from tucking a shirt or blouse top into pants, a skirt, or shorts. In addition, a bodysuit can reduce the visibility of seams or panty lines thereby providing a desirable streamlined look.

[0004] However, conventional bodysuits suffer from the disadvantage of being a single color and / or material. This means that the top portion of the bodysuit is the same as the bottom portion. Accordingly, a bodysuit that includes a fashionable design, such as a decorative print and / or a colored fabric, will have the fashionable design present on both the top portion and the bottom portion of the bodysuit. When the bottom portion of the bodysuit is worn under pants, a skirt, or shorts, the fashionable design can be visible through the pants, skirt, or shorts, especially when the fashionable design is bold and / or when the pants or skirt are made of lightly colored and / or sheer or thin material. To avoid the fashion faux pas of a bodysuit showing through the pants, skirt, or shorts, a wearer's options for pants, skirts, and shorts are often limited to dark colors and / or thick fabrics.

[0005] Various attempts have been made to solve the problem of the visible bodysuit, but with less than desirable results. For example, some women will wear a separate bottom undergarment, such as nude or naturally toned underwear or shapewear, over the bodysuit and under the pants or skirt. However, in addition to requiring an additional item to be donned, this adds additional bulk and potentially additional visible lines and thus defeats some of the purposes of wearing the bodysuit in the first place. The extra garment can also be less comfortable than wearing the bodysuit alone. Another attempt to hide the visibility of the bodysuit through the pants, skirt, or shorts is by wearing a bodysuit with a thong cut made up of a string or narrow piece of material that is positionable between the cheeks of the buttocks in order to reduce the amount of material that is available to be seen. However, while some material is hidden, a significant portion remains potentially visible, and the portion that is visible can sometimes reveal, perhaps to an unwanted gaze, that a thong is being worn. Additionally, many women do not find thongs comfortable, particularly in a bodysuit where movement of the upper body can cause upward lift on the thong.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an improved bodysuit. There is a further need for a bodysuit that can be worn as a top with reduced likelihood of being visible through a bottom outer garment. There is a further need for a bodysuit made up of a top portion and a bottom portion with the bottom portion being designed to be less visible than the top portion.SUMMARY

[0007] The present invention satisfies one or more of these needs. In one aspect of the invention, an improved bodysuit is provided.

[0008] In another aspect of the invention, a bodysuit is provided that can be worn as an outfit top with a bottom outer garment and with reduced likelihood of the bodysuit being visible through the bottom outer garment.

[0009] In another aspect of the invention, a bodysuit is provided that is made up of a top portion and a bottom portion with the bottom portion being designed to be less visible than the top portion.

[0010] In another aspect of the invention, a bodysuit is provided that is made up of a top portion and a bottom portion with the bottom portion being different than the top portion.

[0011] In another aspect of the invention, a bodysuit is provided that is made up of a top portion and a bottom portion with the bottom portion being different than the top portion, wherein the bottom portion and the top portion differ in appearance.

[0012] In another aspect of the invention, a bodysuit is provided that is made up of a top portion and a bottom portion with the bottom portion being different than the top portion, wherein the bottom portion and the top portion differ in material.

[0013] In another aspect of the invention, a bodysuit is provided that is a multi-piece bodysuit having a top portion and the bottom portion that are initially separate pieces.

[0014] In another aspect of the invention, a bodysuit is provided that is a multi-piece bodysuit having a top portion and the bottom portion that are initially separate pieces, wherein the top piece and bottom piece are integrally connected to form a single garment.

[0015] In another aspect of the invention, a bodysuit is provided that is made up of a top portion and a bottom portion, wherein the top portion and the bottom portion are joined by a seam.

[0016] In another aspect of the invention, a bodysuit is provided that is made up of a top portion and a bottom portion, wherein the top portion and the bottom portion are joined by a seam that extends entirely around or 360 degrees around the bodysuit.

[0017] In another aspect of the invention, a bodysuit is provided that is made up of a top portion comprising a first material and a bottom portion comprising a second material, wherein the top portion and the bottom portion are joined by a seam.

[0018] In another aspect of the invention, a bodysuit is provided that is made up of a top portion comprising a first fabric and a bottom portion comprising a second fabric, wherein the top portion and the bottom portion are joined by a seam, and wherein the seam is designed and positioned to be hidden by a bottom outer garment.

[0019] In another aspect of the invention, a bodysuit is provided that is a multi-piece bodysuit having a top portion and the bottom portion that are initially separate pieces, wherein the top piece and bottom piece are integrally connected to form a single garment, and wherein the integral connection is made by one or more of sewing, adhesive, fusing, stitching, knitting, bonding, and the like.

[0020] In another aspect of the invention, a bodysuit is provided that is a multi-piece bodysuit having a top portion and the bottom portion that are initially separate pieces, wherein the top piece and bottom piece are integrally connected to form a single garment, and wherein the integral connection is made by sewing a seam joining the upper extent of the bottom piece with the lower extent of the top piece and with the seam becoming a transition line for the bodysuit.

[0021] In another aspect of the invention, a bodysuit is provided that is a multi-piece bodysuit having a top portion and the bottom portion that are initially separate pieces, wherein the top piece and bottom piece are integrally connected to form a single garment, wherein the integral connection is made by sewing a seam joining the upper extent of the bottom piece with the lower extent of the top piece and with the seam becoming a transition line for the bodysuit, and wherein the seam is positioned on the bodysuit so that it is in proximity to, just below, or below the top extent of a bottom outer garment.

[0022] In another aspect of the invention, a bodysuit is provided that is a multi-piece bodysuit having a top portion and the bottom portion that are initially separate pieces, wherein the top piece and bottom piece are integrally connected to form a single garment, wherein the integral connection is made by sewing a seam joining the upper extent of the bottom piece with the lower extent of the top piece and with the seam becoming a transition line for the bodysuit, and wherein the seam is positioned on the bodysuit so that the transition line is positioned at or near the hip region of the bodysuit.

[0023] In another aspect of the invention, a bodysuit is provided that is a multi-piece bodysuit having a top portion and the bottom portion that are initially separate pieces, wherein the top piece and bottom piece are integrally connected to form a single garment, wherein the integral connection is made by sewing a seam joining the upper extent of the bottom piece with the lower extent of the top piece and with the seam becoming a transition line for the bodysuit, and wherein the seam is positioned on the bodysuit so that the transition line is positioned within 0.5 inches and 2.5 inches of the hip region or between the waist region and the hip region.

[0024] In another aspect of the invention, a bodysuit is provided that is a multi-piece bodysuit having a top portion and the bottom portion that are initially separate pieces, wherein the top piece and bottom piece are integrally connected to form a single garment, wherein the integral connection is made by sewing a seam joining the upper extent of the bottom piece with the lower extent of the top piece and with the seam becoming a transition line for the bodysuit, and wherein the seam is positioned on the bodysuit so that the transition line is positioned at least 0.5 inches, or at least 1 inch, or from about 0.5 inches to about 2.5 inches below the waist region.

[0025] In another aspect of the invention, a bodysuit is provided that is a multi-piece bodysuit having a top portion and the bottom portion that are initially separate pieces, wherein the bottom portion comprises a crotch member detachment system that allows the bodysuit to be detached and reattached at or near the crotch area.

[0026] In another aspect of the invention, a bodysuit is provided that is a multi-piece bodysuit having a top portion and the bottom portion that are initially separate pieces, wherein the top piece and bottom piece are integrally connected to form a single garment, wherein the integral connection is made by sewing a seam joining the upper extent of the bottom piece with the lower extent of the top piece and with the seam becoming a transition line for the bodysuit, wherein the seam is positioned on the bodysuit so that the transition line is positioned at or near the hip region of the bodysuit, and wherein the bottom portion comprises a crotch member detachment system that allows the bodysuit to be detached and reattached at the crotch area.

[0027] In another aspect of the invention, a method of wearing a bodysuit comprises providing a bodysuit as described herein and wearing the body suit as a top piece in an outfit under a bottom outer garment as described herein.

[0028] In another aspect of the invention, a bodysuit comprises a top portion comprising a body of material defining an at least partially tubular portion adapted to surround at least a portion of a torso of a wearer and one or more top openings through which an upper body part of the wearer can extend; and a bottom portion comprising a body of material defining a pair of leg openings, a crotch member between the pair of leg openings, and a tubular band portion above the pair of leg openings and the crotch member, wherein a transition area comprises a bottom extent of the top portion and a top extent of the bottom portion, wherein the top portion has a top portion outer surface and the bottom portion has a bottom portion outer surface, and wherein the top portion outer surface has a different appearance than the bottom portion outer surface, and wherein the transition area is positioned so that when the bodysuit is worn under a bottom outer garment, the top portion is not undesirably visible through a bottom outer garment and the bottom portion is not undesirably visible above a top extent of the bottom outer garment.

[0029] In another aspect of the invention, a bodysuit comprises a top portion comprising a body of material defining an at least partially tubular portion adapted to surround at least a portion of a torso of a wearer and one or more top openings through which an upper body part of the wearer can extend; and a bottom portion comprising a body of material defining a pair of leg openings, a crotch member between the pair of leg openings, and a tubular band portion above the pair of leg openings and the crotch member, wherein a transition area comprises a bottom extent of the top portion and a top extent of the bottom portion, wherein the top portion has a top portion outer surface and the bottom portion has a bottom portion outer surface, and wherein the top portion outer surface has a different appearance than the bottom portion outer surface, and wherein the transition area is positioned so that when the bodysuit is worn under a bottom outer garment, the top portion is not undesirably visible through a bottom outer garment and the bottom portion is not undesirably visible above a top extent of the bottom outer garment, wherein the transition area is positioned above the lowest portion of a hip region of the bodysuit.

[0030] In another aspect of the invention, a bodysuit comprises a top portion comprising a body of material defining an at least partially tubular portion adapted to surround at least a portion of a torso of a wearer and one or more top openings through which an upper body part of the wearer can extend; and a bottom portion comprising a body of material defining a pair of leg openings, a crotch member between the pair of leg openings, and a tubular band portion above the pair of leg openings and the crotch member, wherein a transition area comprises a bottom extent of the top portion and a top extent of the bottom portion, wherein the top portion has a top portion outer surface and the bottom portion has a bottom portion outer surface, and wherein the top portion outer surface has a different appearance than the bottom portion outer surface, and wherein the transition area is positioned so that when the bodysuit is worn under a bottom outer garment, the top portion is not undesirably visible through a bottom outer garment and the bottom portion is not undesirably visible above a top extent of the bottom outer garment, wherein the transition area is positioned below the lowest portion of a waist region of the bodysuit.

[0031] In another aspect of the invention, a bodysuit comprises a top portion comprising a body of material defining an at least partially tubular portion adapted to surround at least a portion of a torso of a wearer and one or more top openings through which an upper body part of the wearer can extend; and a bottom portion comprising a body of material defining a pair of leg openings, a crotch member between the pair of leg openings, and a tubular band portion above the pair of leg openings and the crotch member, wherein a transition area comprises a bottom extent of the top portion and a top extent of the bottom portion, wherein the top portion has a top portion outer surface and the bottom portion has a bottom portion outer surface, and wherein the top portion outer surface has a different appearance than the bottom portion outer surface, and wherein the transition area is positioned so that when the bodysuit is worn under a bottom outer garment, the top portion is not undesirably visible through a bottom outer garment and the bottom portion is not undesirably visible above a top extent of the bottom outer garment, wherein the transition area is positioned between the lowest portion of a hip region of the bodysuit and the lowest portion of a waist region of the bodysuit.

[0032] In another aspect of the invention, a bodysuit comprises a top portion comprising a body of material defining an at least partially tubular portion adapted to surround at least a portion of a torso of a wearer and one or more top openings through which an upper body part of the wearer can extend; and a bottom portion comprising a body of material defining a pair of leg openings, a crotch member between the pair of leg openings, and a tubular band portion above the pair of leg openings and the crotch member, wherein a transition area comprises a bottom extent of the top portion and a top extent of the bottom portion, wherein the top portion has a top portion outer surface and the bottom portion has a bottom portion outer surface, and wherein the top portion outer surface has a different appearance than the bottom portion outer surface, and wherein the transition area is positioned so that when the bodysuit is worn under a bottom outer garment, the top portion is not undesirably visible through a bottom outer garment and the bottom portion is not undesirably visible above a top extent of the bottom outer garment, wherein the transition area is positioned from about 1 inch below the hips to about 1 inch below the waist when worn.

[0033] In another aspect of the invention, a bodysuit system comprises a top portion comprising a body of material defining an at least partially tubular portion adapted to surround at least a portion of a torso of a wearer and one or more top openings through which an upper body part of the wearer can extend; a first bottom portion comprising a body of material defining a pair of leg openings, a crotch member between the pair of leg openings, and a tubular band portion above the pair of leg openings and the crotch member, a second bottom portion comprising a body of material defining a pair of leg openings, a crotch member between the pair of leg openings, and a tubular band portion above the pair of leg openings and the crotch member, and a connection mechanism adapted to allow the first bottom portion to be connected to and disconnectable from the top portion and the second bottom portion to be connected to and disconnectable from the top portion, wherein a transition area comprises a bottom extent of the top portion and a top extent of the first bottom portion when the first bottom portion is connected to the top portion or the second bottom portion when the second bottom portion is connected to the top portion, and wherein the top portion has a top portion outer surface, the first bottom portion has a first bottom portion outer surface, the second bottom portion has a second bottom portion outer surface, and wherein the first bottom portion outer surface has a different appearance than the second bottom portion outer surface.

[0034] In another aspect of the invention, a method of wearing a bodysuit comprises providing a bodysuit comprising: a top portion comprising a body of material defining an at least partially tubular portion adapted to surround at least a portion of the torso of a wearer and one or more top openings through which an upper body part of the wearer can extend; and a bottom portion comprising a body of material defining a pair of leg openings, a crotch member between the pair of leg openings, and a tubular band portion above the pair of leg openings and the crotch member, and wherein a transition area comprises a bottom extent of the top portion and a top extent of the bottom portion, and wherein the top portion has a top portion outer surface and the bottom portion has a bottom portion outer surface, and wherein the top portion outer surface has a different appearance than the bottom portion outer surface; donning the bodysuit; and donning a bottom outer garment so that the transition area is positioned in proximity to or below the upper extent of the bottom outer garment and so that bottom portion of the bodysuit is under the bottom outer garment, wherein the bottom portion outer surface is selected so that the bottom portion outer surface is less visible through the bottom outer garment than if the bottom portion outer surface had the appearance of the top portion outer surface.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] These features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings which illustrate exemplary features of the invention. However, it is to be understood that each of the features can be used in the invention in general, not merely in the context of the particular drawings, and the invention includes any combination of these features, where:

[0036] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a version of a bodysuit of the invention;

[0037] FIG. 2 is a schematic rear view of the bodysuit of FIG. 1;

[0038] FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of another version of a bodysuit of the invention;

[0039] FIG. 4 is a schematic front view of another version of a bodysuit of the invention;

[0040] FIG. 5 is a schematic rear view of the bodysuit of FIG. 4;

[0041] FIG. 6 is a schematic front view of another version of a bodysuit of the invention;

[0042] FIG. 7 is a schematic front view of another version of a bodysuit of the invention is a disconnected configuration;

[0043] FIG. 8 is a schematic front view of the bodysuit of FIG. 6 in a connected configuration;

[0044] FIG. 9 is a schematic front view of a version of a bodysuit system including a bodysuit of the invention; and

[0045] FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of another version of a bodysuit system inclusing a bodysuit of the invention.DESCRIPTION

[0046] The present invention relates to women's apparel. In particular, the invention relates to a bodysuit. Although the invention is illustrated and described in the context of being useful for a bodysuit intended to be worn with a lower outer garment, the present invention can be used in other ways, as would be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, the present invention should not be limited just to the examples and embodiments described herein.

[0047] FIG. 1 shows a bodysuit 100 in accordance with one version of the invention. The bodysuit 100 is made up a body of material 105 that includes a top portion 110 and a bottom portion 115 that is integral with and / or permanently connected to the top portion 110. By bodysuit it is meant a garment or article of clothing that is adapted to be worn by a wearer, such as a woman, in a manner in which the top portion covers at least a portion of the torso of the wearer and / or other parts of the wearer's upper body and the bottom portion covers at least a portion of the crotch area and / or buttocks area of the wearer's body. The bottom portion 115 of the bodysuit 100 includes a body of material comprising a pair of leg openings 120 through which a wearer's legs may be inserted when the bodysuit 100 is being worn. Between the pair of leg openings 120 is a crotch member 125 that passes between the wearer's legs when worn. The crotch member 125 serves the dual purpose of both covering at least a portion of the wearer's private areas and anchoring the bodysuit 100 against upward movement when worn. Above the crotch member 125 and the leg openings 120 is a tubular band portion 130 of the bottom part 115 that is adapted to encircle and be worn around the wearer's hips, waist, or other parts of the torso. The top portion 110 of the bodysuit 100 includes a body of material comprising an at least partially tubular torso portion 135 that is adapted to surround at least a portion of the wearer's torso including the waist and chest of the wearer. The top portion 110 of the bodysuit 100 includes one or more top openings 140 through which an upper body part or member of the wearer, such as one or more arms, a neck, and / or a portion of the torso, can extend. For example, in the version of FIG. 1, the top portion 110 includes a pair of arm openings 145 and a neck opening 150, allowing the top portion 110 of the bodysuit 100 to be worn like a shirt on the wearer, albeit a shirt that is anchored by the bottom portion 115. In the particular version of FIG. 1, the arm openings 145 are at the outer extent of a pair of sleeves 155 of the bodysuit 100. In the version of FIG. 1, the sleeves 155 are short sleeves. Alternatively, the arm openings 145 can be at the outer extent of long or intermediate length sleeves 155 or can be at or near the tubular torso portion 135 in a sleeveless or tank top version of the bodysuit 100. The neck opening 150 can be any of variety of styles, such as crew neck, a v-neck, a turtleneck, a scoop neck, a square neck, a sweetheart neck, a boat neck, a cowl neck, a halter neck, a keyhole neck, a collar neck, a one-shoulder neck, an off-the shoulder neck, and asymmetrical neck, or the like. In another version, the neck opening 150 can be replaced by a chest opening with straps that extend over one or more shoulders of the wearer, with a halter strap that extends around the neck, or that maintains its position without straps. Alternatively, the top portion 110 can include any combination of these features or any other features, such as breast supports, padding, or compression systems, known in women's garment tops, so long as the top portion 110 is connected to the bottom portion 115 in a manner where the bottom portion 115 prevents the top portion 110 from moving upward and / or where the top portion 110 prevents the bottom portion 115 from moving downward. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the bodysuit 100 of FIG. 1.

[0048] The bodysuit 100 of the invention can be worn by a woman or other individual in any of a variety of manners. For example, the bodysuit 100 can be worn as a single garment, such as for active, athletic, and / or workout apparel, or can be worn with additional garments, such as an undergarment for one or more articles of clothing. In one particular manner of use the bodysuit 100 of the invention is designed to be worn in combination with a bottom outer garment. The bottom outer garment can be any garment intended to cover at least a portion of the legs of the wearer and into which a top garment can be tucked. For example, the bottom outer garment can be pants, trousers, slacks, shorts, a skirt, a skort, leggings, culottes, gauchos, clamdiggers, jeans, overalls, and / or the like. By outer it is not necessarily meant that the bottom outer garment is the outermost garment being worn but merely that the bottom outer garment is worn outside at least a portion of the bodysuit 100. When the bodysuit 100 is worn with a bottom outer garment, the top portion 110 of the bodysuit 100 can serve as an outfit top. By outfit top it is meant that the top portion 110 can be worn like a shirt or blouse where it forms at least a portion of the outfit or ensemble that is being worn. When being worn as an outfit top, the top portion 110 can be the outermost top garment or can be worn under a jacket, sweater, scarf, other shirt or blouse, cardigan, coat, and / or the like.

[0049] The bodysuit 100 of the version of FIG. 1 is designed to be worn with a bottom outer garment in an advantageous manner. In this version, the top portion 110, or the portion that is to be worn above the top extent of the bottom outer garment, and the bottom portion 115, or the portion that is to be worn underneath and below the top extent of the bottom outer garment, are different. A transition area 160 separates the top portion 110 from the bottom portion 115. The transition area 160 includes a region of the top portion 110 and / or the bottom portion 115 that forms a connection, overlap, and / or the like of the top portion 110 and the bottom portion 115. The transition area 160 can include a transition line 165. The transition line 165 is the portion of the transition area 160 that forms a distinct visible, tactile, material, and / or the like separation of top portion 110 from the bottom portion 115 on the exterior of the bodysuit 100 or when the bodysuit 100 is viewed from the outside and when the bodysuit 100 is being worn. For example, the transition line 165 can extend at least partially around the circumference of the body of material 105 of the bodysuit 100 in a generally horizontal orientation so that the body of material 105 is divided into the top portion 110 and the bottom portion 115 at the transition line 165. In one version, the transition line 165 extends entirely, or about 360 degrees, around the circumference of the body of material 105. The transition area 160 thus comprises a bottom extent 170 of the top portion 110, such as the bottom or bottom region of the torso portion 135, and a top extent 175 of the bottom portion 115, such as a top or top region of the tubular band portion 130 of the bottom portion 115.

[0050] As mentioned above, in the version of the bodysuit 100 in FIG. 1, the top portion 110 and the bottom portion 115 are different. By different it is meant that the top portion 110 and the bottom portion 115 differ from one another in a manner other than shape. For example, in one version, the top portion 110 and the bottom portion 115 differ from one another in appearance. In this version, the top portion 110 has a top portion outer surface 180, and the bottom portion 115 has a bottom portion outer surface 185. The top portion outer surface 180 gives off a different appearance than the bottom surface outer surface 185.

[0051] In one version, the top portion outer surface 180 and the bottom portion outer surface 185 of the body of material 105 of the bodysuit 100 are designed to give off different appearances so that the bodysuit 100 can be worn with a bottom outer garment in an advantageous manner. For example, the top portion outer surface 180 can have the appearance of a fashionable design. The fashionable design can be any solid, print, color, and / or combination of colors that can make the top portion 110 of the bodysuit 100 desirable to be worn as an outfit top. In this version, the bottom portion outer surface 185 is less visible and / or noticeable than the top portion outer surface 180. More particularly, with this version, the appearance of the bottom portion outer surface 185 is selected so that it is less visible through a bottom outer garment than if the bottom portion outer surface 185 had the appearance of the top portion outer surface 180. Accordingly, with this version of the bodysuit 100, a wearer can wear the bodysuit 100 as an outfit top with less risk of the bodysuit 100 being visible through a bottom outer garment.

[0052] The appearance of the bottom portion outer surface 185 can be provided with reduced visibility or noticeability in any of a variety of ways. For example, the bottom portion outer surface 185 can have the appearance of a solid neutral tone, such as a flesh tone, that is selected to allow the bodysuit 100 to be worn with any color of a bottom outer garment. Depending on the color of a person's skin, the flesh tone may be a lighter skin tone, medium, or dark. In another version, the bottom portion outer surface 185 can have a color that generally matches the color of a particular bottom outer garment to be worn. In another version, the bottom portion outer surface 185 is a muted version of the top portion outer surface 180 and / or is similar in color to the top portion outer surface 180 but with a print or design feature that is present on the top portion outer surface 180 being removed from the bottom portion outer surface 185.

[0053] The top portion 110 and the bottom portion 115 of the bodysuit 100 of the version of FIG. 1 can be the same material or different materials or combinations of materials. For example, in one version, the body of material 105 of the bodysuit 100 can be a single piece of the same material with the top portion 110 printed with a different design or color than the bottom portion 115. In this version, the transition area 160 can be merely the transition from the one design or color to the other. The transition area 160 in this version can include a distinct transition line 165 or can be a smoother transition.

[0054] FIG. 3 illustrates another version of a bodysuit 100 according to the invention. The bodysuit 100 of FIG. 3 is a multi-piece bodysuit 300. The multi-piece bodysuit 300 of FIG. 3 is a particular version of the bodysuit 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2 and is shown in a preassembled form. In the version of FIG. 3, the top portion 110 of the bodysuit 100 and the bottom portion 115 are initially separate pieces, with the top portion 110 being on a top piece 305 formed from a top piece material 310 and the bottom portion 115 being on a bottom piece 315 formed from a bottom piece of material 320. During manufacture, the top piece 305 is permanently connected to the bottom piece 315 so that the two pieces form an integrally connected single garment. The connection of top piece 305 to the bottom piece 315 can be by any conventional method, such as by one or more of sewing, adhesive, fusing, stitching, knitting, bonding, and the like. In one particular version, the connection is made by sewing a seam joining the upper extent of the bottom piece 315 with the lower extent of the top piece 305 and with the seam becoming the transition line 165 for the bodysuit 100.

[0055] In the version of FIG. 3, the top piece material 310 and the bottom piece material 320 can be the same material or can be different material. For example, in one version the top piece material 310 and the bottom piece material 320 can be the same material with the top piece material 310 having an outer surface 180 dyed or printed with a first color or design and with the bottom piece material 320 having an outer surface 185 dyed or printed with a second color or design that is different than the first color or design. In another version, the top piece 305 can be made of a first material, and the bottom piece 315 can be made of a second material that is different than the first material. By different material it is meant that the material of the bottom piece 315 is compositionally different than the top piece 305 or is compositionally similar but of different thickness, stretchiness, and / or construction. In all cases, the material can be a single material or a combination of materials or layers of materials. Examples of materials that can be used for the top piece material 310 and / or the bottom piece material 320 include but are not limited to one or more of cotton, cotton blends, organic cotton, organic cotton blends, nylon (polyamide), nylon blends, recycled nylon, spandex (lycra / elastance), spandex blends, recycled spandex, recycled spandex blends, polyester, microfiber, Tencel, mesh, power mesh, moisture-wicking fabrics, antimicrobial fabrics, odor-resistant fabrics, bamboo, bamboo viscose, and the like.

[0056] FIGS. 4 and 5 show front and rear views, respectively, of another version of a bodysuit 100 of the invention. The version of FIGS. 4 and 5 is similar to the version of FIGS. 1 and 2. In the version of FIGS. 4 and 5, the bodysuit 100 is shown as having a different style or system of bottom portion 115 than in the full bottom style version of FIGS. 1 and 2. More specifically, the version of FIGS. 4 and 5 has a thong cut 400 style. The thong cut 400 style includes a crotch member 125 that is in the form of a thong member 405 comprising a thin piece of material or string that is adapted to be positioned between the buttock cheeks of the wearer in the rear so as to be at least partially hidden from view. In other versions, the bottom portion 115 can have different styles from the ones shown in the version of FIGS. 1 and 2 or the version of FIGS. 4 and 5. For example, the bottom portion 115 can have a bikini cut style, boyshorts style, briefs style, hipster, cheeky, tanga, and / or the like. Also, in the version of FIGS. 4 and 5, the top portion 110 is shown with a different style than the top portion 110 of the version of FIGS. 1 and 2. More specifically, the sleeves 155 are shown as being longer than the sleeves of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0057] FIG. 6 shows another version of a bodysuit 100 of the invention. The bodysuit of the version of FIG. 6 is similar to the version of FIG. 1. The bodysuit 100 of FIG. 6 includes a crotch member detachment system 600 that allows the bodysuit 100 to be detached and reattached at or near the crotch area to allow for the wearer to be able to use the restroom without having to remove the bodysuit entirely. The crotch member detachment system 600 can comprise one or more snaps 605 as shown. Optionally, the crotch member detachment system 600 can be adjustable with a plurality of snap attachment positions so that the length and / or tightness of the bodysuit 100 can be adjusted by selection of the snap position. Alternatively, the crotch detachment system 600 can comprise a different type of mechanism, such as a hook-and-eye attachment, a button, a zipper, hook and loop fasteners, Velcro, a gusset, an elastic band, or the like. Alternatively, in another version, the crotch detachment system 600 can be replaced by a fabric cutout on the bottom that would be detachable on one side.

[0058] FIG. 6 also shows the bodysuit 100 positioned under a bottom outer garment 610, such as the pants shown. As can be seen, the transition area 160 and / or transition line 165, such as a seam, is positioned on the bodysuit 100 so that it is in proximity, just below, or below the top extent 615 of the bottom outer garment 610. Accordingly, in the version shown, the transition area 160 and / or transition line 165 is positioned at, near, or below the hip region 620 of the bodysuit 100 and / or below the waist region 625 of the bodysuit 100 in order to be at or below the top extent of most bottom outer garments 610. The hip region 620 of the body suit is the portion of the bodysuit 100 adapted to be positioned at or near a woman's hip region when worn, and the waist region 625 is the portion of the bodysuit 100 adapted to be positioned at or near a woman's waist region when worn. By woman's hips it is meant the fullest, widest part of the woman's lower body, including the buttocks, and by woman's hip region it is meant the region within 1 to 3 inches of the woman's hips. By woman's waist it is meant the narrowest part of the torso, typically at or above the navel and below the ribcage, and by woman's waist region it is meant the region within 1 to 3 inches of the woman's waist. The transition area 160 and / or transition line 165 of the bodysuit 100 is thus designed in one version so that it is sufficiently high that the top portion 110 is not positioned and / or undesirably visible through the bottom outer garment 610. Accordingly, in one version, the transition area 160 and / or transition line 165 is positioned above the lowest portion of the hip region, and / or at, near, or above the woman's hips. In one version, the transition area 160 and / or transition line 165 of the body suit 100 is designed so that it is sufficiently low that the bottom portion 115 and / or a transition line 165 is not positioned and / or undesirably visible above the top extent of the bottom outer garment 610. Accordingly, in this version, the transition area 160 and / or transition line of the bodysuit 100 is positioned below the waist, or below the lowest portion of the waist region. In one particularly useful version, the transition area 160 and / or transition line 165 of the bodysuit 100 is designed so that it is both sufficiently high that the top portion 110 is not positioned and / or undesirably visible through the bottom outer garment 610 and sufficiently low that the bottom portion 115 is not positioned and / or undesirably visible above the top extent of the bottom outer garment 610. Accordingly, in this version, the transition area 160 and / or transition line 165 is positioned between the lowest portion of the hip region and the waist, or between the lowest portion of the hip region and the lowest portion of the waist region, or within the hip region, or within 2.5 inches or 0.5 inches of the hip region 620, or within 3, 2.5, 1, or 0.5 inches of the hips, or from about 1 inch below the hips to about 1 inch below the waist. In another version, the transition area 160 and / or transition line 165 can be designed to be worn under a specific bottom outer garment 610 and / or to be available as an ensemble with a specific bottom outer garment 610. In this version, particularly for a high-waisted bottom outer garment 610, the transition area 160 and / or transition line 165 may be higher than the above ranges and still at or below the top extent 615 of the bottom outer garment 610.

[0059] FIGS. 7 and 8 show another version of a bodysuit 100 of the invention. The version of FIGS. 7 and 8 is a multi-piece bodysuit 300 similar to the version of FIG. 3, but with the version of FIGS. 7 and 8, the top piece 305 and the bottom piece 315 are not permanently connected. Instead, in the version of FIGS. 7 and 8 a connection mechanism 700 is provided that allows a wearer to selectively connect and disconnect a bottom piece 315 from a top piece 305. In the particular version shown, the connection mechanism 700 comprises one or more buttons 705 that are receiveable within one or more button holes 710. In the particular version shown, the buttons 705 are on the bottom piece 315 and the button holes are in the top piece 305, but these can be reversed. In another version, the buttons can be replaced by a different connection mechanism 700, such as snaps, buttons, a zipper, hook and loop fasteners, Velcro, and / or the like. FIG. 7 shows the top piece 305 and the bottom piece 315 in a disconnected configuration, and FIG. 8 shows the top piece 305 connected to the bottom piece 315 by the connection mechanism 700.

[0060] In another version in accordance with the bodysuit 100 of FIGS. 7 and 8, the bodysuit 100 can be part of a bodysuit system 900, such as the ones shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, made up of a plurality of bottom pieces 315 and / or a plurality of top pieces 305 in which the pieces are interchangeable. In the particular version shown in FIG. 9, the bodysuit system 900 can include a first bottom piece 315 that is a first color, such as a flesh tone, and a second bottom piece 315 that is a second color, such as white, and the wearer can select the bottom piece 315 that will be better concealed under a bottom outer garment that is to be worn. In the particular version of FIG. 10, a first bottom piece 315 has a first style, such as a full bottom style, and a second bottom piece 315 has a second style, such as a thong style. With this version, a wearer can select the style that best suits a bottom outer garment or that desired comfort level. In a similar manner, the bodysuit system 900 can include various different top pieces 305 that each can be connected to a selected bottom piece 315. In another version, the bodysuit system 900 comprises both a plurality of top pieces 305 and a plurality of bottom pieces 315.

[0061] The bodysuit 100 of the invention in any of the versions shown or described can optionally include additional features. For example, the fabric of the bottom portion 115 can be seamless on the edges in order to prevent pantylines from showing through the bottom outer garment. The top piece material 310 and / or the bottom piece material 320 can have other properties as well that are useful for undergarments, including being antimicrobial, moisture-wicking, antimicrobial, odor resistant, and / or the like.

[0062] The bodysuit 100 of the present invention enables wearers to wear any bodysuit they love on the top (including a variety of colors, necklines, sleeve lengths, patterns, etc.), with any bottom outer garment they love on the bottom, without fear of the bottom of the bodysuit showing through the bottom outer garment (whether the color / pattern or the edges / panty lines of the bodysuit). The bodysuit 100 fuses design and functionality with a bodysuit 100 that is comfortable and that can be worn with essentially anything, without fear of unwanted pantylines and / or see-through bottoms.

[0063] Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with regard to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible, and alterations, permutations and equivalents of the versions shown will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the specification and study of the drawings. For example, the cooperating components may be reversed or provided in additional or fewer number, and all directional limitations, such as up and down and the like, can be switched, reversed, or changed as long as doing so is not prohibited by the language herein with regard to a particular version of the invention. Like numerals represent like parts from figure to figure. When the same reference number has been used in multiple figures, the discussion associated with that reference number in one figure is intended to be applicable to the additional figure(s) in which it is used, so long as doing so is not prohibited by explicit language with reference to one of the figures. Also, the various features of the versions herein can be combined in various ways to provide additional versions of the present invention. Furthermore, certain terminology has been used for the purposes of descriptive clarity, and not to limit the present invention. Throughout this specification and any claims appended hereto, unless the context makes it clear otherwise, the term “comprise” and its variations such as “comprises” and “comprising” should be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, limitation, or step but not the exclusion of any other elements, limitations, or steps. Throughout this specification and any claims appended hereto, unless the context makes it clear otherwise, the term “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” should be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, limitation, or step and the exclusion of any other elements, limitations, or steps or the exclusion of any other essential elements, limitations, or steps, respectively. Throughout the specification, any discussion of a combination of elements, limitations, or steps should be understood to include (i) each element, limitation, or step of the combination alone, (ii) each element, limitation, or step of the combination with any one or more other element, limitation, or step of the combination, (iii) an inclusion of additional elements, limitations, or steps (i.e. the combination may comprise one or more additional elements, limitations, or steps), and / or (iv) an exclusion of additional elements, limitations, or steps or an exclusion of essential additional elements, limitations, or steps (i.e. the combination may consist of or consist essentially of the disclosed combination or parts of the combination). All numerical values, unless otherwise made clear in the disclosure or prosecution, include either the exact value or approximations in the vicinity of the stated numerical values, such as for example about + / − ten percent or as would be recognized by a person of ordinary skill in the art in the disclosed context. The same is true for the use of the terms such as about, substantially, and the like. Also, for any numerical ranges given, unless otherwise made clear in the disclosure, during prosecution, or by being explicitly set forth in a claim, the ranges include either the exact range or approximations in the vicinity of the values at one or both of the ends of the range. When multiple ranges are provided, the disclosed ranges are intended to include any combinations of ends of the ranges with one another and to include zero and infinity as possible ends of the ranges. Therefore, any appended or later filed claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein and should include all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A bodysuit comprising:a top portion comprising a body of material defining an at least partially tubular portion adapted to surround at least a portion of a torso of a wearer and one or more top openings through which an upper body part of the wearer can extend; anda bottom portion comprising a body of material defining a pair of leg openings, a crotch member between the pair of leg openings, and a tubular band portion above the pair of leg openings and the crotch member,wherein a transition area comprises a bottom extent of the top portion and a top extent of the bottom portion,wherein the top portion has a top portion outer surface and the bottom portion has a bottom portion outer surface, and wherein the top portion outer surface has a different appearance than the bottom portion outer surface, andwherein the transition area is positioned so that when the bodysuit is worn under a bottom outer garment, the top portion is not undesirably visible through a bottom outer garment and the bottom portion is not undesirably visible above a top extent of the bottom outer garment.

2. A bodysuit according to claim 1 wherein the transition area is positioned above the lowest portion of a hip region of the bodysuit.

3. A bodysuit according to claim 1 wherein the transition area is positioned below the lowest portion of a waist region of the bodysuit.

4. A bodysuit according to claim 1 wherein the transition area is positioned between the lowest portion of a hip region of the bodysuit and the lowest portion of a waist region of the bodysuit.

5. A bodysuit according to claim 1 wherein the transition area is positioned from about 1 inch below the hips to about 1 inch below the waist when worn.

6. A bodysuit according to claim 1 further comprising a bottom outer garment, wherein the transition area is positioned at or below a top extent of the bottom outer garment.

7. A bodysuit according to claim 1 wherein the transition area is a transition line.

8. A bodysuit according to claim 1 wherein the transition area is a transition line, and wherein the transition line is a seam.

9. A bodysuit according to claim 1 wherein the bottom portion is permanently connected to the top portion.

10. A bodysuit according to claim 1 wherein the bottom portion is connectable to and disconnectable from the top portion.

11. A bodysuit according to claim 1 wherein the top portion outer surface is a first color, and wherein the bottom portion outer surface is a second color different than the first color.

12. A bodysuit according to claim 1 wherein the top portion outer surface is a multi-color print, and wherein the bottom portion outer surface is a solid color.

13. A bodysuit according to claim 1 wherein the top portion outer surface comprises a first material, and wherein the bottom portion outer surface comprises a second material different than the first material.

14. A bodysuit according to claim 1 wherein the bottom portion comprises a crotch member detachment system that allows the bodysuit to be detached and reattached.

15. A bodysuit system comprising:a top portion comprising a body of material defining an at least partially tubular portion adapted to surround at least a portion of a torso of a wearer and one or more top openings through which an upper body part of the wearer can extend;a first bottom portion comprising a body of material defining a pair of leg openings, a crotch member between the pair of leg openings, and a tubular band portion above the pair of leg openings and the crotch member,a second bottom portion comprising a body of material defining a pair of leg openings, a crotch member between the pair of leg openings, and a tubular band portion above the pair of leg openings and the crotch member, anda connection mechanism adapted to allow the first bottom portion to be connected to and disconnectable from the top portion and the second bottom portion to be connected to and disconnectable from the top portion,wherein a transition area comprises a bottom extent of the top portion and a top extent of the first bottom portion when the first bottom portion is connected to the top portion or the second bottom portion when the second bottom portion is connected to the top portion, andwherein the top portion has a top portion outer surface, the first bottom portion has a first bottom portion outer surface, the second bottom portion has a second bottom portion outer surface, and wherein the first bottom portion outer surface has a different appearance than the second bottom portion outer surface.

16. A bodysuit system according to claim 15 wherein the top portion outer surface has a different appearance than the first bottom portion outer surface and the second bottom portion outer surface.

17. A bodysuit according to claim 15 wherein the bodysuit is adapted to be worn with the first bottom portion or the second body portion under a bottom outer garment, wherein the transition area is in proximity to or below the top extent of the bottom outer garment when worn, and wherein the first bottom portion outer surface or the second bottom portion outer surface has an appearance selected so that it is less visible through a bottom outer garment than if the first bottom portion outer surface or second bottom portion outer surface had the appearance of the top portion outer surface.

18. A method of wearing a bodysuit, the method comprising:providing a bodysuit comprising:a top portion comprising a body of material defining an at least partially tubular portion adapted to surround at least a portion of the torso of a wearer and one or more top openings through which an upper body part of the wearer can extend; anda bottom portion comprising a body of material defining a pair of leg openings, a crotch member between the pair of leg openings, and a tubular band portion above the pair of leg openings and the crotch member, andwherein a transition area comprises a bottom extent of the top portion and a top extent of the bottom portion, andwherein the top portion has a top portion outer surface and the bottom portion has a bottom portion outer surface, and wherein the top portion outer surface has a different appearance than the bottom portion outer surface;donning the bodysuit; anddonning a bottom outer garment so that the transition area is positioned in proximity to or below the upper extent of the bottom outer garment and so that bottom portion of the bodysuit is under the bottom outer garment,wherein the bottom portion outer surface is selected so that the bottom portion outer surface is less visible through the bottom outer garment than if the bottom portion outer surface had the appearance of the top portion outer surface.

19. A method according to claim 18 further comprising the step of connecting the bottom portion to the top portion.

20. A method according to claim 18 wherein the bottom portion is a first bottom portion and further comprising a second bottom portion and wherein the method comprises selecting the first bottom portion or the second bottom portion to connect to the top portion.

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