| JP2011184805 | PROTECTIVE GARMENT |
| JP02047301 | PATCH SHEET FOR GOLF WEAR |
| JP11323624 | CLOTHES |
| CLAIMS I claim: 1. A supplemental clothing article, for use in conjunction with, and underneath at least one primary garment that, when worn, exposes at least one region of a wearer's torso, comprising: at least one frontal coverage component sized and configured to cover at least a predefined portion of the at least one exposed torso region, without interfering with the at least one primary garment; and at least one releasable securing component operable to releasably secure said at least one frontal coverage component to at least one of: an undergarment worn by the wearer under the at least one primary garment; and a portion of the wearer's upper body, to thereby substantially retain said at least one frontal coverage component in a desired coverage position during activity by the wearer. 2. The supplemental clothing article of claim 1 , wherein said coverage component comprises a coverage region that is operable for being exposed through said predefined portion of the at least one exposed torso region when the supplemental clothing article is worn, and wherein said coverage region comprises at least one first predetermined design characteristic. 3. The supplemental clothing article of claim 2, wherein said coverage component further comprises a second coverage region, on a reverse side thereof, that is operable for being exposed through said predefined portion of the at least one exposed torso region when the supplemental clothing article is worn, and wherein said second coverage region comprises at least one second predetermined design characteristic, thus enabling the supplemental clothing article to be worn in a reversible manner. 4. The supplemental clothing article of claim 1 , wherein said at least one frontal coverage component and said at least one releasable securing component are composed of at least one disposable material. 5. The supplemental clothing article of claim 1 , wherein said at least one at least one releasable securing component comprises at least one of: hook and loop combination, releasable adhesive, loop and button closure, hook and clasp combination, locking button closure, and a tie-able element. 6. The supplemental clothing article of claim 1 , wherein said undergarment comprises a brassiere comprising a first and a second shoulder strap and a first and a second side region, and wherein said at least one at least one releasable securing component comprises a plurality of releasable and movable securing components, each said plural releasable and movable securing component being sized and configured to releasably and movably capture a corresponding one of said first and said second shoulder strap and said first and said second side region, to enable said supplemental clothing article to remain secured to, but move with, said undergarment, in response to motion of the wearer. 7. The supplemental clothing article of claim 1 , wherein said undergarment comprises a brassiere comprising a first and a second shoulder strap and a first and a second side region, and wherein said at least one at least one releasable securing component comprises: a first plurality of releasable and movable securing components, each said first plural releasable and movable securing component being sized and configured to releasably and movably capture a corresponding one of said first and said second shoulder strap, and said first and said second side region, to enable said supplemental clothing article to remain secured to, but move with, said undergarment, in response to motion of the wearer; and a second plurality of releasable securing components, each said second plural releasable securing component being sized and configured to releasably capture a corresponding one of said first and said second side region. 8. The supplemental clothing article of claim 1 , wherein said predefined portion of the at least one exposed torso region comprises a first exposure region in which there is a substantial likelihood of said undergarment being exposed to view on the frontal part of the wearer's torso region, and wherein said at least one frontal coverage component comprises a first coverage component sized and configured to cover at least a substantial portion of said first exposure region. 9. The supplemental clothing article of claim 8, wherein said predefined portion of the at least one exposed torso region further comprises a second exposure region, disposed above said first exposure region and below the wearer's neckline, and wherein said at least one frontal coverage component comprises a second coverage component, positioned above said first coverage component sized and configured to cover at least a substantial portion of said second exposure region. 10. The supplemental clothing article of claim 9, wherein said first and said second coverage components are separate clothing article elements that are attached to one another. 1 1. The supplemental clothing article of claim 9, wherein said first and said second coverage components comprise regions of a single clothing article element. 12. The supplemental clothing article of claim 8, wherein said predefined portion of the at least one exposed torso region further comprises a third exposure region, disposed below said first exposure region and above the wearer's waist, and wherein said at least one frontal coverage component comprises a third coverage component, positioned below said first coverage component sized and configured to cover at least a substantial portion of said third exposure region. 13. The supplemental clothing article of claim 12, wherein said first 5 and said third coverage components are separate clothing article elements that are attached to one another. 14. The supplemental clothing article of claim 12, wherein said first and said third coverage components comprise regions of a single clothing I0 article element. 15. The supplemental clothing article of claim 8, wherein said predefined portion of the at least one exposed torso region further comprises a second exposure region, disposed above said first exposure region and 15 below the wearer's neckline, and a third exposure region, disposed below said first exposure region and above the wearer's waist, and wherein said at least one frontal coverage component comprises: a second coverage component, positioned above said first coverage component sized and configured to cover at least a 0 substantial portion of said second exposure region; and a third coverage component, positioned below said first coverage component sized and configured to cover at least a substantial portion of said third exposure region 16. The supplemental clothing article of claim 15, wherein at least two of said first, second, and third coverage components are separate clothing article elements that are attached to one another. 7. The supplemental clothing article of claim 15, wherein said first, second coverage components comprise regions of a single clothing article element. 18. The supplemental clothing article of claim 1 , wherein said at least one releasable securing component comprises at least one of: a first elongated securing element comprising: a first end attached to a left upper region of said at least one coverage component, and a second end attached to a right upper region of said at least one coverage component, said first elongated securing element being positioned, sized, and configured to releasably loop around the back of the wearer's neck to thereby assist in movably securing said at least one coverage component; and a second elongated securing element comprising: a first end attached to a left region of said at least one coverage component, and a second end attached to a right region of said at least one coverage component, said second elongated securing element being positioned, sized, and configured to releasably loop around the back of the wearer's torso to thereby assist in movably securing said at least one coverage component. 19. The supplemental clothing article of claim 18, wherein at least one of said first and said second elongated securing elements is composed of an elastic material. 20. The supplemental clothing article of claim 18, wherein at least one of said first and said second elongated securing elements comprise a releasable opening component operable to enable the wearer to readily secure and unsecure a corresponding at least one of said first and said second elongated securing elements. 21. The supplemental clothing article of claim 9, wherein said first, and said second coverage components are each composed of a different material having different characteristics. 22. The supplemental clothing article of claim 12, wherein said first, and said third coverage components are each composed of a different material having different characteristics. 23. The supplemental clothing article of claim 15, wherein at least two of said first, second, and third coverage components are each composed of a different material having different characteristics. |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to clothing articles, and more particularly to a clothing article for a person's frontal upper body area, that supplements at least one primary clothing article worn on the upper body, while at the same time increasing the comfort of the wearer.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Many articles of clothing, and especially clothing made for women, such as dresses and tops (sweaters, jackets, etc.), have open areas, in at least their frontal portions, that provide different (and sometimes user- adjustable) levels of exposure of the wearer's frontal body area. Most often, the frontal open region is generally triangular in nature, extending from the wearer's neck and/or upper shoulders area, at its widest point, and then tapering down toward the waist area (typically ending proximally to the wearer's mid-chest area, or the area below the chest, but sometimes ending higher or lower).
Unless the wearer wishes to present themselves especially provocatively, for most day-to-day wearing needs (e.g., when dressing for work, and/or for professional or family functions), any primary clothing article with an open frontal region that descends below the upper chest area, is typically worn with another, complementary, smaller upper body clothing article, that is capable of at least partially covering the wearer's frontal body area that would otherwise be exposed through the open frontal area of the outer, primary clothing article. This complementary clothing article may be a form-fitting top, such as a t-shirt or blouse, or an undergarment, such as a slip, or a leotard, or it may even be scarf (such as a silk or similarly configured neck scarf). For occasions for which a more "provocative" look is desired, the supplemental clothing article may be a bustier, or a decorated brassiere sized and configured to being worn in a manner which exposes it.
The above-described practice of wearing separate complementary clothing articles under primary upper body clothing articles, has been the only solution for those wishing to wear primary clothing articles with significant open frontal regions, whether to ensure that the wearer presents a "professional", or an otherwise appropriate-for-the-occasion "look". However, this approach suffers from at least the following significant disadvantages:
(1 ) In many cases, the complementary clothing article creates discomfort for the wearer, especially during warmer weather, as it introduces an additional clothing layer. Furthermore, as the vast majority of women wear an upper body undergarment (e.g., a brassiere), the complementary clothing article must be worn over it, resulting in the wearer having to contend with three layers of clothing on their upper body. This is even a more significant issue for women in certain professions (healthcare workers, scientists, etc.), who must often wear an additional clothing layer over the primary clothing article, such as a doctor's coat, or a lab coat; (2) While many men wear plain white T-shirts under their work-shirts as undergarments, many women's tops, that are commonly used as complementary clothing articles, such as T-shirts or blouses, are not really meant to be used worn under another primary clothing article on a day-to-day basis - this is especially true of premium items that may have fragile embellishments that may get rubbed off or damaged, or that may be made from expensive sheer fabric that would also be damaged or permanently stained in certain areas by the wearer's sweat. At the same time, from a personal style and fashion standpoint, wearing a plain simple T- shirt as an undergarment, while at least partially addressing this issue, may not be a good solution because such a plain item may damage or ruin the look of an otherwise stylish and expensive outfit;
(3) For certain types of primary clothing articles, such as dresses (especially wrap-closure styles, etc.), the use of most types of typical complementary clothing articles (e.g., T-shirts, bustiers, leotards, etc.), is simply inappropriate - for example, in some cases, wearing a conventional complementary clothing article under the primary garment, would interfere with the style and/or "look" of the primary garment, by distorting the garment's fit (e.g., by "bunching up" or sliding around under the primary garment), or by calling unwanted attention to itself by contrasting its plain appearance with an otherwise expensive outfit. For other types of primary clothing articles, such as dresses with open backs, and/or with exposed shoulders, none of the currently available complementary clothing articles may be used at all;
(4) The use of any currently available complementary garment also has an inherent disadvantage, in that deciding to wear any specific article is a commitment not only to its appearance, but also to its configuration and coverage of the open frontal region of the primary garment. This means that if the wearer wore a high neckline top under her jacket to work, and later in the evening wishes to dress more casually when going out with friends for drinks, she has a choice of either removing the top (which may not be an option depending on the configuration of the upper garment, and/or of the wearer's build), or having to bring an alternate top complementary garment with her to work, and changing before heading out - incurring the inconvenience of having to carry to work and store an additional garment, and incurring the risk of the garment being lost, stolen, or damaged;
(5) It is a well known medical fact that, as most women go through different portions of their monthly cycle, the size of their chest area fluctuates (swells and then returns to the previous size), in some cases significantly so. Moreover, such fluctuations often occur event within the span of each day for a certain period of time. For many women this is quite problematic, both with respect to primary garments that comprise substantially fixed (in terms of their size and position) open frontal regions, and for garments with adjustable open frontal regions (such as button -up or zip-up jackets, wrap-closure style dresses, etc.). For example, a primary garment may ordinarily fit the wearer without the need for a complementary clothing article to cover a portion of the open frontal region, and thus enable the wearer to enjoy the primary clothing article without the inconvenience of being forced to wear the complementary clothing article underneath. However, during certain times of the month, the increase in chest area size may require the use of such an undergarment, sometimes unexpectedly so, thus forcing the person to carry such a complementary clothing article, or to store it at work; and
Certain women, who may normally be comfortable wearing their primary clothing articles (e.g., dresses, jackets, etc.) with a relatively open frontal region, without also wearing a complementary garment underneath, very likely would not own a selection of complementary clothing articles that would be appropriate for use with their primary garments. However, this may prove problematic when attending certain events (such as religious services, funerals, etc.), or when traveling in certain portions of the world, in which a fairly high minimum "standard of modesty", even for foreigners, is mandated by law (and in some cases by criminal statutes). Accordingly, such women would be forced to adjust their wardrobes by adding very seldomly worn items thereto, and would also need to remember to wear, or to bring with them, the complementary clothing article for such occasions. The above list of disadvantages of the currently available solutions for addressing undesirably large open frontal areas of primary clothing articles, is not meant to be exhaustive, but simply representative of the most common issues associated with wearing conventional clothing articles as undergarments under the primary garments.
Surprisingly, there have been few attempts to address the above problems, and even those attempts have had no measurable success in resolving the vast majority of the noted disadvantages. For example, a number of companies have released collections of brassieres, that are sized and configured for at least somewhat exposed wear. However, such products can hardly be used in most work, professional, and/or family environments. In another example, advancements in textile materials resulted in availability of thinner and more comfortable tops, but even such clothing articles only address one or two of the aforementioned disadvantages.
It would thus be desirable to provide a novel and versatile clothing article capable of supplementing a wide variety of garments, each comprising a fixed or an adjustable open frontal region, by at least partially covering that region, but without any of the drawbacks of the previously known solutions. It would also be desirable to provide a novel supplemental clothing article capable of being readily adjusted by the wearer. It would further be desirable to provide a novel supplemental clothing article, that is constructed, and configured to be disposable after utilization thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings, wherein like reference characters denote corresponding or similar elements throughout the various figures:
FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing front and side views of a person wearing an exemplary undergarment suitable for releasable attachment to various embodiments of the inventive supplemental clothing article with an undergarment interface of FIGs. 2-4, below;
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating front and side expanded views of an exemplary preferred embodiment of an inventive supplemental clothing article with an undergarment interface, configured for releasable connection to a person's undergarment;
FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating front and side views of a first exemplary embodiment of the inventive supplemental clothing article of FIG. 2;
FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating front and side views of a second exemplary embodiment of the inventive supplemental clothing article of FIG. 2;
FIG. 3C is a diagram illustrating front and side views of a third exemplary embodiment of the inventive supplemental clothing article of FIG. 2;
FIG. 3D is a diagram illustrating front and side views of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the inventive supplemental clothing article of FIG. 2; and FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram showing front and side views of an exemplary embodiment of the inventive supplemental clothing article of FIG. 3A being releasably attached to the wearer's undergarment, and worn under the wearer's outer garment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The various embodiments of the novel supplemental clothing article of the present invention advantageously address and resolve all of the disadvantages of the previously known and proposed solutions for addressing the presence of undesirably large open frontal areas of primary clothing articles.
Specifically, the present invention provides a supplemental clothing article for least one primary clothing article worn on a person's upper body, that preferably releasably interfaces with, and attaches to, a person's upper body undergarment, to provide frontal coverage to at least one portion of a person's front torso that would otherwise be exposed by the at least one primary clothing article, while at the same time increasing the comfort of the wearer.
Various exemplary embodiments of the inventive supplemental clothing article provide different wearer frontal coverage areas, different undergarment interfaces, and additional features, such as functional and/or decorative embellishments. In another embodiment of the present invention, the inventive supplemental clothing article is configured to be reversible, such that each of its frontal area covering surfaces may be configured to have different characteristics (i.e., color, material, presence of embellishment (and type thereof), etc.).
In an additional exemplary embodiment thereof, the inventive supplemental clothing article may be composed and configured as being disposable (i.e., enabling it to be inexpensively manufactured and discarded after use).
In yet another exemplary embodiment thereof, the inventive supplemental clothing article may be configured for use without being releasably attached to an undergarment, for example functioning utilizing its own attachment elements, or by interfacing with (and releasably attaching to) at least one primary clothing article, or through a combination of both approaches.
Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the invention, for which reference should be made to the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The present invention addresses the flaws and disadvantages of previously known solutions for addressing undesirably large open frontal areas of primary clothing articles, by providing a novel and versatile inventive clothing article capable of supplementing a wide variety of garments, each comprising a fixed or an adjustable open frontal region, by at least partially covering the portion of the wearer's upper front torso that would otherwise be exposed within that region.
In summary, various embodiments of the inventive supplemental clothing article are provided for use with at least one primary clothing article worn on a person's upper body (e.g., a dress, a jacket, a sweater, etc.), that preferably releasably interfaces with, and attaches to, a person's upper body undergarment (such as a brassiere, etc.), to provide frontal coverage to at least one portion of a person's front torso that would otherwise be exposed by the at least one primary clothing article, while at the same time increasing the comfort of the wearer. Advantageously, the types of exposure resulting from regular use of the at least one primary clothing article, that are addressed by the inventive supplemental clothing article, range from exposure that leaves at least one portion of the wearer's front torso completely uncovered, to exposure of at least one upper front torso portion that is at least partially covered by the undergarment (e.g., by the brassiere), to a combination of both.
Various exemplary embodiments of the inventive supplemental clothing article, described in greater detail below in connection with FIGs. 2 to 4, provide different wearer frontal coverage areas (i.e., configured for use with various types of primary clothing articles), different types, positions, and exemplary quantities of undergarment interfaces, and additional features, such as functional and/or decorative embellishments. In an additional exemplary embodiment thereof, the inventive supplemental clothing article may be composed and configured as being disposable (i.e., enabling it to be inexpensively manufactured and discarded after use). In yet another exemplary embodiment thereof (such as an alternate embodiment of the supplemental clothing article 300 of FIG. 3C, described in greater detail below), the inventive supplemental clothing article may be configured for use without being releasably attached to an undergarment, for example functioning utilizing its own attachment elements, or by interfacing with (and releasably attaching to) at least one primary clothing article, or through a combination of both approaches. Before describing the various embodiments of the inventive supplemental clothing article, it is helpful to provide a brief overview of the relevant regions of the wearer's torso and of an exemplary undergarment, that may be covered by, and/or that may interact with, different components and elements of the supplemental clothing article of the present invention. Referring now to FIG. 1 , an exemplary diagram shows front and side views of a wearer 10, wearing an exemplary undergarment 12 (shown as a brassiere by way of example) that is suitable for releasable attachment to various embodiments of the inventive supplemental clothing article by way of a corresponding undergarment interface (comprising one or more releasable interface elements), as described in greater detail below in connection with FIGs. 2 to 4. Various regions of the upper torso of the wearer 10 that are at least in part intended for coverage by the inventive supplemental clothing article, are indicated as R1 , R2, and R3. Region R1 corresponds to the upper front torso area (e.g., covering the upper chest region of the wearer 10, as shown in FIG. 1 , and by way of example, substantially covering the frontal portion of the undergarment 12). Region R2 corresponds to a middle to lower portion of the frontal torso area of the wearer 10, extending from the bottom boundary of region R1 to as far below as the waist of the wearer 10. Region R3, defined on both sides of the torso of the wearer 10, is representative of the extent of side torso coverage that may be required from the inventive supplemental clothing article (for example, in applications in which the at least one primary clothing article (not shown) is particularly revealing.
Optionally, an additional region R0 that may extend from the upper boundary of region R1 to as far as the neckline of the wearer 10, may require full or partial coverage in cases where a particularly large front upper torso coverage area is desirable (e.g., in applications with high modesty requirements, either purely by the wearer's choice, or, for example, when the inventive supplemental clothing articles are made available in Islamic countries or other parts of the world where a higher level of modesty is desirable or necessary).
Similarly, the undergarment 12, preferably includes areas A1 , A2 that represent regions thereof, that may be suitable for releasable connection with one or more interface components/elements of various embodiments of the inventive supplemental clothing article. Area A1 corresponds to undergarment 12 shoulder straps, while area A2 corresponds to undergarment 10 sides.
It should be noted that the various exemplary embodiments of the inventive supplemental clothing article are shown and described with reference to use in conjunction with an undergarment 12 shown as a brassiere by way of example only, and are not intended to be limited to utilization solely with brassieres having shoulder straps. In various embodiments of the present invention disclosing releasable connection to a brassiere undergarment, such releasable connections may also be made (with or without pre-configuration) to brassieres of different configurations (such as strapless brassieres), or to any suitable undergarment other than a brassiere, such as a bustier, a slip, a girdle, a leotard, etc., as a matter of design choice, convenience, or necessity, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
Referring also to FIG. 2, front and side expanded views are shown of an inventive supplemental clothing article 50 - an exemplary preferred embodiment of the present invention, intended for use by the wearer 10 of FIG. 1 . The supplemental clothing article 50 preferably includes at least a front chest area coverage component 52 comprising interface elements 54a, 54b that may be operable by the wearer 10 to releasably attach the article 50 to at least one of undergarment 12 areas A1 , A2 (depending on the elements 54a, 54b, and undergarment 12 configuration). Such releasable interface elements 54a, 54b may comprise hook and loop combinations, releasable adhesive, loop and button closures, hooks, clasps, ties, or one or more of any other suitable releasable attachment element capable of interfacing with A1 and/or A2 areas of the undergarment 12, in a sufficient manner to ensure that at least a portion of the coverage component 52 is releasably connected to at least a portion of the undergarment 12, such that it is substantially retained and maintained in a desired coverage position, and preferably such that it is "synchronized" to move along with movement of the undergarment 12 during movement of the wearer 10.
Preferably, the coverage component 52 is of sufficient size and shape to cover at least the region R1 of FIG. 1 , but optionally may extend toward the neckline of the wearer 10 to also encompass at least a portion of the region R0 (i.e., the height D1 of the component 52 may correspond to the height of the region R1 , and optionally also to at least a portion of the height of region R0). Optionally, the coverage component 52 may include an upper front area element 60, which may be an embellishment (e.g., a decorative collar, embroidery, etc.), a functional element (e.g., a v-neck region, a releasable closure collar, etc. ), or a combination of both.
In its alternate embodiment, where additional coverage of the middle and/or lower portion of the wearer 10 frontal torso is necessary, the supplemental clothing article 50 may include an additional coverage component 56 of a height D2, that corresponds to at least a portion of the height of region R2 of the wearer 10 front torso. While the coverage components 52, 56 may be configured as a single continuous component, they may also be configured as separate attached components that are composed either of the same, or of different materials. The extent to which the coverage element 52 (and 56) expend around the wearer 10 torso sides depends on the desired degree of coverage, by the supplemental clothing article 50, of region R3 of the wearer 10 torso. Optionally, one or both of the coverage components 52, 56 may include, on at least a portion thereof, one or more decorative elements (not shown), such as designs, different colors, or embellishments.
In addition, optionally, the coverage component 56 may comprise at least one supplemental retaining element 58a, 58b, positioned at its sides, operable to encircle the back of the torso of the wearer 10 to substantially retain the coverage component 56 in a desired coverage position, and prevent it from moving in an undesirable manner. The least one supplemental retaining element 58a, 58b may be one or more elastic straps (with or without releasable open/close elements), or equivalents thereof. Supplemental retaining elements 58a, 58b are particularly advantageous in embodiments of the supplemental clothing article 50 in which the coverage component 56 is of a very long length D2, or where coverage of a substantial portion of the wearer 10 torso region R3 is desired, such that supplemental retaining elements 58a, 58b assist in retaining the coverage component 56 in its intended position (for example supplementing the action of elements 54a, 54b).
It should be noted that in the various drawing figures and accompanying descriptions herein, various supplemental clothing article shapes, individual and relative sizes, shapes and designs of various elements, components and features, that may be provided in accordance with the present invention, are shown by way of example only, and shall not serve as a limitation on the type, size or configuration of shapes, elements, components and features are protected or protectable by the patent claims presented herewith.
Furthermore, it is readily contemplated that various embodiments of the inventive supplemental clothing article of FIGs. 2-4, may be produced from virtually any material, or combination of materials, suitable for use in garments, including, but not limited to: natural fabrics (e.g., cotton, wool, silk, linen, etc.), synthetic fabrics (nylon, rayon, polyester, spandex, viscose, etc.), blended fabrics (e.g., combining at least two of natural and/or synthetic fabrics), or other materials (e.g., leather, faux leather, metallic cloth, rubber, plastic, latex, paper, etc.), as a matter of design choice, convenience, or necessity, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Advantageously, the above-described materials, or combinations thereof, may be utilized in a wide variety of textures, constructions, and/or configurations, (such as jersey, knit, terry-cloth, webbing, perforated, breathable, lined, ribbed, stretchable, stain-proof, absorbent, etc.), as a matter of design choice, convenience, or necessity, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
Referring now to exemplary FIG. 3A, front and side expanded views of a first exemplary embodiment of the inventive supplemental clothing article 50 of FIG. 2, is shown as a supplemental clothing article 100, comprising a coverage component 104, corresponding to component 52 of FIG. 2, a coverage component 102 corresponding to component 56 of FIG. 2, releasable interface elements 106a, 106b, corresponding to elements 54a, 54b of FIG. 2, and supplemental retaining elements 108a, 108b, corresponding to elements 58a, 58b of FIG. 2. Referring also, by way of example to FIG. 4, front and side views are shown of the exemplary embodiment of the inventive supplemental clothing article 100 of FIG. 3A in typical exemplary use - e.g., being releasably attached to an undergarment 502 (corresponding to undergarment 12 of FIG. 1 ), and worn under a primary garment 500 worn by the wearer 10 of FIG. 1.
Referring now to FIG. 3B, front and side expanded views of a second exemplary embodiment of the inventive supplemental clothing article 50 of FIG. 2, is shown as a supplemental clothing article 200, comprising a coverage component 202, corresponding to component 52 of FIG. 2, releasable interface elements 206a, 206b operable to releasably attach to area A1 of the undergarment 12 (FIG. 1 ), optional additional releasable interface elements 206c, 206d, operable to releasably attach to area A2 of the undergarment (FIG.1 ), collectively corresponding to elements 54a, 54b of FIG. 2, and an optional frontal area element 208, corresponding to element 60 of FIG. 2, which further comprises, an optional v-neck cutout 210 by way of example only.
Referring now to FIG. 3C, front and side expanded views of a third exemplary embodiment of the inventive supplemental clothing article 50 of FIG. 2, is shown as a supplemental clothing article 300, comprising a coverage component 302, corresponding to components 52, 56 of FIG. 2, an optional set of releasable interface elements 306a, 306b operable to releasably attach to area A1 of the undergarment 12 (FIG. 1 ), an optional alternate, or additional, set of releasable interface elements 306c, 306d, operable to releasably attach to area A2 of the undergarment (FIG.1 ), collectively corresponding to elements 54a, 54b of FIG. 2, a frontal area
- I 8- element 308, corresponding to element 60 of FIG. 2, and supplemental retaining elements 312a, 312b, corresponding to elements 58a, 58b of FIG. 2. However, the supplemental clothing article 300 may also include a neck retaining element 310, similar in configuration to the supplemental retaining elements 312a, 312b, except that it is looped around the neck of the wearer 10, rather than around the middle or lower back thereof. The neck retaining element 310 may be particularly useful when none, or only a single set, of the optional releasable interface elements 306a, 306b, 306c, 306d are provided, and/or when the coverage component 302 is made of a particularly heavy or bulky materials. Moreover, in an alternate embodiment of the supplemental clothing article 300 configured for use by the wearer 10 by itself (i.e., without interfacing with the undergarment 12, such as when the undergarment 12 is not worn), the neck retaining element 310 becomes an essential element for stabilizing and retaining the upper portion of the coverage component 302.
Referring now to FIG. 3D, front and side expanded views of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the inventive supplemental clothing article 50 of FIG. 2, is shown as a supplemental clothing article 400, comprising a coverage component 402, corresponding to component 52 of FIG. 2, releasable interface elements 406a, 406b operable to releasably attach to area A1 of the undergarment 12 (FIG. 1 ), corresponding to elements 54a, 54b of FIG. 2, a frontal area element 408 comprising, by way of example, a v-neck region and corresponding to element 60 of FIG. 2, and supplemental retaining elements 410a, 410b, corresponding to elements 58a, 58b of FIG. 2.
It should also be noted, that as was previously indicated, at least a portion of the various above-described elements and components of each embodiment of the inventive supplemental clothing article in FIGs. 2-4, may vary in color and material composition, and may include one or more embellishments or other decorative features, as a matter of design choice, convenience, or necessity, without departing from the spirit of the present invention, such that the different embodiments of the inventive supplemental clothing article may be readily configured as attractive fashion accessories, in addition to their intended above-described uses.
Furthermore, by selecting and utilizing inexpensive materials (such as paper, paper-based cloth, or other form of inexpensive, preferably biodegradable cloth, etc.), in one embodiment of the present invention, one or more of the above-described embodiments of the supplemental clothing article 50 of FIG. 2 (such as articles 100, 200, 300 and/or 400), may be readily fabricated as disposable products that are easy to carry and use, and that may be discarded after a predetermined utilization period (for example after being worn for a day, or after being soiled, etc.). Naturally, embodiments of the supplemental clothing article 50 that minimize the presence of various components and elements, such as articles 200 and 400, would be particularly suitable for being configured in disposable versions thereof. By way of example, disposable versions of the inventive supplemental clothing article 50, would be quite advantageous if made available in or near transportation centers and/or hospitality areas in geographic regions with heightened modesty requirements for women, such that female travelers may readily use the inventive articles to supplement their existing wardrobes to comply with local customs, without requiring changing much of their clothing. Disposable versions of the inventive article 50, are also very useful for professionals who may wish to obtain stain and soiling protection even if they wear complementary clothing articles over their undergarments (e.g., t-shirts, blouses), for example during lunchtime (in such a case undergarment interfaces may not be included, or simply not used).
Therefore, the present invention advantageously provides a supplemental clothing article intended (but not required) to be at least partially worn by a person under a conventional primary article of clothing (e.g. , a dress, a jacket, etc.), and preferably (but not necessarily) over an undergarment (such as a brassiere), the inventive article being configured to releasably connect to the undergarment and to display a "frontal" component thereof, through any front opening in the primary clothing article, such that the undergarment and surrounding regions of at least the wearer's chest area, are thereby covered and concealed by the frontal component (which may be of one or more colors, and/or composed of one or more materials, and which may optionally include one or more decorative features).
Additionally, it should be noted that while various embodiments of the inventive clothing article 50 have been shown and described above as being configured and intended for use by women, the present invention may also be readily configured without undergarment interfaces for use by men (e.g., for wear under uniforms, under v-neck sweaters, under rugby shirts, etc).
Finally, in an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the various embodiments of inventive supplemental clothing article (such as supplemental clothing articles 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500, of FIGs. 2 to 5, respectively) may be readily configured to be reversible, such that each of its frontal area covering surfaces (i.e., the various coverage components 52, 54, 102, 104, 202, 302, 402, and 502, of FIGs. 2 - 4, respectively) may be configured to have different characteristics on each of its surfaces that may be exposed through the opening in the primary clothing article, as a matter of design choice, and without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, each of the front and back surfaces of each above-noted coverage component, may comprise similar or different characteristics -- i.e., each surface may be of a particular color, material, and may be unembellished, or may include one or more selected embellishments or other design elements). Accordingly, the wearer 10 may wear any such reversible inventive supplemental clothing article with one of the selected particular surfaces exposed, for purposes of a desired aesthetic appearance, or by way of necessity if one surface of the article becomes soiled or damaged.
Thus, while there have been shown and described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the devices and methods illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or method steps which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.