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CorsetRelated Patent Categories: Foundation Garments, For Lower Torso Including Thighs, E.g., Corset, GirdlesCorset description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070077859, Corset. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND [0001] According to some sources, corsets have been worn by men and women since as far back as the 1500s. The earliest renditions of the corset were made of metal, and served a variety of functions. For example, corsets are thought to have been worn as a type of armor. They were also used as a means of improving posture in the wearer. [0002] Another, and perhaps the most common, use of the corset is to slim the body of the wearer, and conform it to a certain figure type (e.g. a smaller waist, and an exaggerated bust and hips). Corsets are typically worn beneath clothing, although more modern lingerie-grade corsets are designed as outerwear. [0003] The traditional corset is made of a flexible, non-elastic material, such as cloth or leather surrounding a series of ribs, or boning--which serves to stiffen the corset, and give it its shape. The boning is inserted into channels in the cloth or leather, and is typically made of materials such as spring or spiral steel, rigid plastic, wood and even (historically) whalebone. The corset is secured to its user by lacing--which is usually located at the back. Tightening or loosening the lacing produces corresponding changes in the firmness of the corset. [0004] The present state of corset technology is beset by a number of problems and limitations. For example, the more traditional style of corset (e.g. the Victorian style corset) is not well-suited for use with today's formal gowns. In particular, these corsets can smooth out uneven flesh around the abdomen, and can lift the bustline. However, the boning in such corsets is so bulky that it is often visible underneath the wearer's outer clothing. Moreover, the use of rigid materials such as hard plastics and metals for boning makes the corset so restrictive in movement, that it is almost intolerable to wear for long periods of time. [0005] More modern corsets are designed primarily as a type of lingerie, and therefore have more flexibility in terms of mobility. However, these lingerie-grade corsets are limited in other respects. For example, these corsets are often too short, and as such, show a visible "corset line." Additionally, lingerie-grade corsets are not easily customized to the size of the wearer. Specifically, these corsets are typically fastened via hooks and eyes--similar to modern bras--which generally only have three positions. Using hooks and eyes as fastening mechanisms also impairs the corset's ability to actually decrease the size of the wearer (as a tight enough fit is difficult to attain). Thus, the lingerie-grade corset can perhaps smooth out its wearer's torso, but it cannot reduce the wearer's measurements. [0006] Moreover, lingerie-grade corsets typically have decorative lace or bows that make them impractical for use under clothing--especially form fitting doting such as a formal gown. They also typically include a bra cup in the structure of the garment--which creates difficulties in terms of retail sales. Specifically, retail stores would need to keep large quantities of the corsets in stock to account for both the different body sizes and the different bra sizes of their customers. [0007] All of the foregoing problems, as well as others, are solved by the present invention. SUMMARY [0008] The present invention is a corset comprising an inner lining and an outer lining coupled together, and forming a cavity therebetween. Inside the cavity are one or more flexible boning strips positioned in a substantially longitudinal orientation. In one embodiment, the flexible boning strips are secured to the inner and outer linings by stitching. The corset also includes a corset securing mechanism, whereby the edges of the corset are brought together to secure the corset around the body of the wearer. [0009] In one embodiment, the boning strips are plastic strips. In yet another embodiment, the inner and outer lining are a single piece of material. The corset can be made of various materials. In one embodiment, the inner and outer linings are spandex. In one embodiment, the securing mechanism is a series of grommets and a corresponding lace. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of a laced corset according to one embodiment of the present invention. [0011] FIG. 2 shows a break-away front view of an unlaced corset, showing the internal boning, according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0012] In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. These drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope. [0013] In FIG. 1, is seen a front perspective view of a laced corset 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. This corset 10 includes an outer corset lining 12, and an inner corset lining 14. Extending substantially along the length of the corset 10, and positioned in the cavity between the inner lining 14 and outer lining 12, is boning 16. [0014] The inner lining 14 and outer lining 12 in this embodiment are made of spandex or spandex blends (e.g. Lycra.RTM. available from Invista, located in Wichita, Kans.). However, it is noted that other types of elastic materials could be used as the inner or outer linings 14, 12, provided they are consistent with the flexibility/invisibility objectives of the corset as discussed above. [0015] The boning 16 in the present embodiment comprises a series of flat, flexible plastic strips. In this embodiment, the boning strips 16 are approximately 1/2 inch wide, and are thin enough to allow them to bend with the movement of the user. In one embodiment, the boning strips 16 are spaced approximately 3/4 inches apart, and run substantially from the top edge 24 of the corset 10 to the bottom edge 22. This embodiment also has two solid cloth strips 18 (as seen in FIG. 2) that have boning strips 16 incorporated therein. [0016] It is noted that the term boning "strips" 16 is not intended to limit the present invention to the use of rectangular strips. Rather, any shape that would provide adequate longitudinal support, while at the same time remaining flexible, is contemplated under the present invention. For example, the boning strips 16 could be narrow, but relatively thicker plastic strands--provided they accomplished the objectives of 1) being rigid enough hold the corset's 10 shape; 2) being flexible enough to allow the user to bend at the waist, sit down, etc. comfortably; and 3) being substantially invisible under the wearer's clothing. [0017] It is also noted that, in the present embodiment, the boning strips 16 are made of plastic. However, the strips 16 could also be made of other materials including, but not limited to, cardboard, hard rubber, or even rigid fabrics, or any others that are consistent with the flexibility/invisibility objectives of the corset as discussed above. [0018] Other features of the present embodiment include a series of grommets 20 set in a cloth strip 19 on the edge of the corset 10. These grommets 20 are the holes through which the corset lacing 30 (FIG. 2) is strung. In the present embodiment, boning strips 16 are also secured into cloth strips 19 to provide additional support. [0019] One advantage to the present embodiment is that the boning 16 is sewn directly to the inner lining 14 and outer lining 12. For example, in the present embodiment, a longitudinal stitch 31 runs approximately down the center of the boning 16, thus securing it in its position relative to the other boning strips 16--which likewise have securing stitching (not shown). This allows the boning 16 to remain flexible, while still imparting structural stability to the corset 10. [0020] In a similar manner, the boning strips 16 in the solid cloth sections 18 can be secured by stitching 26 and 28. Continue reading about Corset... Full patent description for Corset Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Corset patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Corset or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Tensioning device for clothing straps Next Patent Application: Post-cesarean section scar management undergarment Industry Class: Foundation garments ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Corset patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.14863 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Computers: Graphics , I/O , Processors , Dyn. Storage , Static Storage , Printers 174 |
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