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  Garment spreaderUSPTO Application #: 20060277659Title: Garment spreader Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for securing garments in position on a wearer. The apparatus comprises a flexible material secured to the garment so as to provide forces of tension in opposition to the garment. Thus, the garment is secured in position on the wearer. The garment spreader may be of any semi-rigid material such as plastic, cardboard and felt. The garment spreader may be removably or integrally secured to the garment. Methods of use are also provided. (end of abstract)
Agent: Quarles & Brady LLP - Milwaukee, WI, US Inventor: Keith Michael Chen USPTO Applicaton #: 20060277659 - Class: 002230000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Apparel, Head Coverings, Skirts, Trousers Or Overalls, Suspender Attachments The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060277659. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority under 35 USC .sctn.119(e) to U.S. Provisional Appn. Ser. No. 60/682,586, filed May 18, 2005, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein. STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not Applicable. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0003] This document concerns an invention relating generally to an apparatus for clothing for the human body, and particularly to an apparatus for securing garments such as swimming suits, leotards and undergarments in the proper position on a wearer. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0004] Dancers, gymnasts, swimmers, housewives and business women are confronted with a common problem: how to keep their leotard, swimsuit and undergarments in the proper position. This stability is critical to the wearer's sense of security and modesty. There have been many attempts at providing devices that keep such garments in the proper position. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,347,657 discloses a bikini bottom section devoid of supporting strings or ribbons. The rear panel is supported by a hip-grasping arc of plastic, and the front panel is affixed by an adhesive strip. U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,482 provides a pubic-covering panel suspended on a wire frame. A linear extension of the frame arcs upwards into the buttocks cleavage of the wearer. It is held in place by spring tension. [0005] However, each of these and other devices have common disadvantages. For instance, garments using adhesives, springs and cords are often uncomfortable and unattractive. Further, such devices often do not securely position the garment to the wearer, requiring constant attention from the wearer to keep the garment in place. As modern garments are increasingly revealing, this is a problem for everyone from high school cheerleaders to Olympic swimmers. [0006] Therefore, a need exists for a simple yet comfortable apparatus that maintains the proper position of garments such as leotards, swimsuits and women's undergarments on the wearer. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] In a first embodiment, the present invention provides an apparatus for securing garments in position on a wearer. The apparatus comprises a flexible yet semi-rigid material secured to the garment so as to provide forces of tension in opposition to the garment. Thus, the garment is secured in position on the wearer. [0008] The garment spreader is preferably made of materials selected from semi-rigid plastic, cardboard, metal and felt. The garment spreader is intended for use with garments including swimsuits, leotards, cheerleading uniforms, undergarments and thongs. [0009] The garment spreader may be an integral part of the garment, i.e., fixedly secured to the garment itself, or the garment spreader may be removably secured to the garment. [0010] In a second embodiment, the present invention also provides a method of using an apparatus for securing garments in position on a wearer. The method comprises choosing a material flexible yet sturdy enough to provide a sufficient degree of forces of tension; securing the flexible material to a garment, and placing the garment on a wearer. [0011] In alternate embodiments the present invention provides an apparatus for securing garments in position on a wearer, wherein the apparatus comprises a rectangular cardboard member fixedly secured to a women's undergarment. In use, the apparatus provides opposing forces of tension to the undergarment so as to secure the garment in position when worn. [0012] The apparatus may also comprise a rectangular semi-rigid plastic member having rounded edges fixedly secured to a women's undergarment such as a thong or crotch-less panty. In alternate versions the apparatus may comprise a triangular or polygonal semi-rigid plastic member having rounded edges fixedly secured to a women's undergarment such as a thong or crotch-less panty. [0013] The invention described above solves the long-standing problem faced by women everywhere; how best to secure such garments as swimsuits, leotards, cheerleading uniforms, undergarments and thongs in position on the wearer in a comfortable and discreet manner. The garment spreader of the present invention is nearly invisible when worn by a user, and does not require any unsightly or, uncomfortable strings, adhesives, snaps and the like common in the prior art. [0014] The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description. In the following description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which show preferred embodiments of the invention. However, these embodiments do not represent the full scope of the invention. Reference should therefore be made to the claims at the end of this document for interpreting the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0015] FIG. 1 is a front left perspective view of the garment spreader of the present invention; [0016] FIG. 2 is a front view of the garment spreader of FIG. 1 inserted into a garment; [0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternate version of the garment spreader; [0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternate version of the garment spreader; and Continue reading... Full patent description for Garment spreader Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Garment spreader 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. 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