GB2461947A - Lingerie having pockets with restricted openings - Google Patents

Abstract

Lingerie 10 having one or more pockets 11, for the accommodation of crystals, in which the pocket 11 has an elasticated opening 19, and wherein, in a relaxed state, the width of the opening 19 is less than the largest cross-section of the crystal to be placed therein, whilst in an extended state the aperture 19 is sufficiently large to allow for the crystal to be removed. The pocket 11 comprises a first material which forms the body of the garment and a second material 13 attached by stitching 18. The pocket has edges 14, 15, 16, 17. Stitching is applied around most of the pocket 11, except for the aperture 19. Crystal pockets can thus be placed within a lingerie garment for the safe, discreet and comfortable support of crystals used for their therapeutic properties. The crystals can be specifically positioned, along a particular bone, adjacent to an organ or along/about a sensory part or blood vessel.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO LINGERIE

Field of Invention

The present invention relates to undergarments and lingerie. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to the wearing of crystals close to the human body for the development of spiritual and physical wellbeing.

Background to the Invention

For thousands of years both men and women have sought to adorn themselves with jewellery, typically taking the form of rings, necklaces, earrings and ear studs. Stones and crystals, in particular, have been worn about the neck, using string, braiding, leather thongs and the like to retain the stone or crystal. It has been believed by some that one's 1 5 wellbeing can be improved or maintained by the appropriate wearing of stones or crystals about one's body. It is widely known that certain people become interested in stones and crystals; some people find themselves drawn to certain individual pieces due either to their colour or other inherent/apparent beauty, and others select particular crystals for their specific healing ability. It is also widely experienced by many that their wellbeing is maintained or improved when one or more stones or crystals are kept about such persons, or in close proximity to, their body. One or more stones or crystals to be referred hereinafter as crystals).

In present times, the term Chakra -a Sanskrit word for wheel or vortex -has been used in relation to the definitions of energy centres of the human body, in particular in relation to where two or more channels of subtle energy meet there is a vortex; a chakra. Crystal Therapists work with the understanding that there are seven main chakras of the body and recommend benefiting from the therapeutic aspects of crystals by carrying them with you and placing them at specific chakra points on the body.

Typically, crystals used to improve health and wellbeing are conveniently kept about a person. Crystals come in all shapes and si2es from large ornamental pieces to tiny crystal chips strung together to make bracelets offering many delivery methods for the use or application of Crystal Healing. However, each delivery method also presents with its own issues and limitations.

There are many theories about how crystals "work" in Crystal Therapy. The most popular theory is that the crystals provide a piezoelectric charge which can act to regulate and bring order and equilibrium to an imbalanced state. It is widely appreciated that the presence of crystals can have an effect upon the behaviour of an individual. Indeed, there have been a number of theoretical analyses concerning the pie2oelectric nature of bone. Crystal Jewellery, combined with metals including silver is not a sound delivery method in terms of using crystals for health and wellbeing purposes; drilling holes can affect the energetic properties of the crystal and surrounding the crystal in silver for jewellery can ground' the crystal energy.

Crystals can be placed throughout the home, on the headboard of a bed, under the pillow, under the bed. This delivery method makes it hard to carry out one's normal daily life and retain contact with specific crystals throughout the whole day.

1 5 Other delivery methods include placing crystals in an outer garment pocket or a medicine pouch. These pouches can include a single crystal or provide a "medicine mix" in a pouch. They can be reasonably durable, though the materials will soil and typical materials such as velvet will wear off in use. Furthermore, whilst some may be decorative and versatile, they do not provide intimate/adjacent positioning nor can they be specifically positioned, along a particular bone, adjacent to an organ or along/about a sensory part or blood vessel.

Whilst tumbled crystals can, in one sense be easily carried about in day-to-day activities, it is believed by some that they should be as close to one's body as is possible; and therefore Crystal Healing books and practitioners advise users to tuck them into their underwear for maximum efficacy.

Just as there are problems with the efficacy of using crystals in metal jeweilery there are also problems inherent in tucking small polished stones into underwear. When between a brassiere or knickers and in direct contact with the skin their placement is insecure and they cannot be maintained in position, especially if one is taking part in a more physical activity. They can become uncomfortable and move into awkward or embarrassing places due to the freedom of the crystal to move annvhere within the garment and become highly visible. As will also be appreciated, for certain topical applications, the crystal must be maintained within a particular energy zone and this is also not always accurately possible when using this method. On removal of the garment they can fall easily, be lost or break.

US-A-5,067,178 teaches of a pocket comprising a piece of material attached to a pair of underpants or other item of lingerie, which is elasticated at the top and has a wide aperture corresponding to the width of a condom. The dimensions of the pocket orifice are slightly wider than the width of a condom within its packaging, since the packaging must not be damaged in any way, by folding or otherwise. This disclosure is 1 0 inappropriate for the retention of solid objects such as crystals. The pockets are of little use when the wearer undertakes physical activities, especially when the opening of the pocket, which is horizontal in normal use, is inverted, since solid objects would fall out.

Indeed, after undressing and removal of the item of lingerie, the pocket of this disclosure would not prevent any crystal from falling out.

Object to the Invention The present invention seeks to provide a device for securing crystals to underclothing.

The present invention further seeks to provide lingerie operable to retain crystals, especially those crystals worn to improve the health and wellbeing of the wearer of such a garment.

The present invention also seeks to provide an economical way to manufacture an affordable/lingerie item, which can overcome the disadvantages of known methods of carrying crystals about. The present invention also seeks to provide a solution to the carrying of crystals discreetly.

Statement of Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a lingerie garment, wherein there are one or more pockets arranged about the garment, each pocket having an elasticated opening; wherein, in a relaxed state, the width of the opening is less than the largest cross-section of a crystal to be placed therein, yet can be opened up upon introduction or removal of a crystal or crystal from the pocket. The crystal can be retained irrespective of the angle of the opening to the vertical or the activities undertaken by the wearer of the garment.

Crystal pockets can be placed within a lingerie garment for the safe, discreet and comfortable support of crystals used for their therapeutic properties. The dimensions of the pockets are such that they ensure that, where necessary, the crystal does not slip or slide into inappropriate or uncomfortable positions. In contrast to the contents of other types of bra pocket (chicken fillets, padding, condoms) which are pliable, a crystal is rigid.

Different crystals can be of quite different shapes and dimensions. Accordingly, the present invention provides a pocket of such a construction such that a crystal can be inserted and removed therefrom, yet in use enables the garment to be worn without fear of the crystal being liable of falling or slipping out.

To ensure the crystal does not fall out easily during wear and to enable removal once 1 5 inserted, a specific method of constructing the pocket opening has been developed. The construction and dimension of the pocket opening determine the performance of the pocket, taking into account the fabric used and the pocket placement with respect to body contours and garment type.

Brief Description of the Figures

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the Figures as shown in the accompanying drawing sheets, wherein:-Figure 1 illustrate first embodiment of the invention; Figures Ia -Ic illustrate typical crystals; Figures Id, e detail placement of a crystal within a pocket; Figure 2a & B illustrate a second embodiment of the invention Figure 3 shows a pair of briefs in accordance with the invention; Figure 4 shows a further type of brief in accordance with the invention; Figure 5a shows a corset 50 in accordance with the invention; Figure Sb shows a pair of control shorts; Figures 6a -6f show aspects of bras in accordance with the invention; and, Figures 7a -7d show a collection of pocket styles in accordance with the present invention.

S

Detailed descrip don of the Preferred Embodiments There will now be described, by way of example only, the best mode contemplated by the inventor for carrying out the present invention. In the following description, numerous specific details are set out in order to provide a complete understanding to the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that the present invention may be put into practice with variations of the specific.

With reference to Figure 1, pair of briefs 10 is shown with a pocket II comprised of a first material, which first material is employed for the manufacture of the body of the actual garment, with a second material 13 being attached by stitching whereby to form a pocket between the two pieces of material. The shape of the pocket is a quadrilateral, with an upper edge 14, an inside edge 15, an outside edge 16 and a lower edge 17.

Stitching 18 is applled around most of the pocket, save for an aperture edge 19. The shape is merely by way of example; further shapes are possible as will be discussed below, in particular, with reference to a bra.

Figure Ia shows a first crystal that is suitable for placement \vitlnn a pocket in accordance with the invention; the crystal 100 having an axis A associated with a length of the crystal, with a widest cross-section of the crystal being shown at 101. Figure lb shows a second crystal 102 with the largest cross-section transverse to an axis having the longest dimension being indicated at 103. Figure lc shows a crystal of an irregular shape 104 with a cross-section indicated at 105. The crystals are generally sized such that the circumference as measured around the largest cross-section transverse to an axis having the longest dimension is at least 0.8cm; typically not greater than Scm. The longest axial length of the crystal can be around 8cm or more, but this might be too long for certain pockets.

With reference to Figure Id, the pocket II is opened by way of the stretching one or both of the first II and second 13 materials about the aperture edge 19, whereby to increase the size of the inside circumference of the pocket aperture to at least correspond with the circumference of the greatest cross-section along the axis A of the crystal.

Convenientiy, both materials can be elastically stretched, although this may not be the case, particularly with certain types of silk as may be used for the construction of the item of lingerie. Figure Ic shows how a crystal will be positioned once placed inside; by virtue of the elastic nature of the aperture, the aperture cannot easily allow passage of the crystal out from the pocket, notwithstanding the distance D between the aperture and the crystal in position.

It has been found that by having an aperture which can be elastically stretched to accommodate a crystal, yet remain smooth and wrinkle-free for comfort and aesthetics before placement of a crystal and not define any prominence save for an inevitable 1 0 silhouette, dependent upon the size of a crystal placed in a pocket, a simple to produce crystal pocket has been provided. It is of note that for an overall shape to a pocket, for example a square or triangle, the aperture need not necessarily correspond to the length of an edge length of the pocket. Rather the size of the aperture is determined by its ability to resthentiy provide a maximum internal circumference to allow passage of a 1 5 crystal upon placement into and removal from the pocket, when urged by intentional manipulation of the crystal. Indeed, in order to remove a crystal from a pocket, then it needs to be removed from the pocket in a fashion not too dissimilar to that of shelling of peas through the lip of a pod. For example, since there can be two contrasting surfaces used in the construction of the pockets for placement within a bra to provide stabthty, movement, comfort and fit, there are two construction methods required to construct a pocket opening that is both secure and usable.

Convenientiy, in use, the rest position of the crystal is separated from the aperture by a throat region, where the relative elasticity ensures that there is an outiine shape that defines the llmits of the pocket, being of a particular material fastened to a backing material, conveniently comprising the actual lingerie fabric or one of the fabrics comprising the basic item of lingerie. With reference to the Figures, for each pocket shown, there are further, dashed lines to define the extent of fastening by stitching, stud fasteners and the like and a continuous line to define an elastic aperture, through which the crystal or crystals are placed. The elasticity of the aperture may arise from the elasticity of either or both the material of the pocket or the base material. The elasticity may arise due to the presence of a specific elastic element inserted within a seam associated with the pocket aperture.

A denier fabric is commonly used in the manufacturing of lingerie. However, it has been found that a 100% polamicIe (Nylon (TM)) denier fabric is particularly suitable to create the pockets because of its specific movement or stabiised qualities, low weight, lack of visibility and comfort. The term "denier", as is known, refers to a knitted fabric that has an open knit, although a two warp knit nylon denier fabric can be employed since the yarn used for both deniers is a multifilament yarn that makes it softer to the touch and since the two knit stitches are used which vary the overall performance qualities of each fabric.

An open knit stitch has movement in the warp (top to bottom) and movement in the weft (left to right). A fabric having a stabilised knit stitch means that whilst being stabilised in both directions, slight movement in the weft is permissible although movement is locked in the warp. The pocket openings need to be constructed in such a way that allows the crystal or crystals to be inserted into the pocket easily, to be held 1 5 securely without the possibility of falling or slipping out, and capable of being easily removed from the pocket.

In order to accommodate crystals of a circumference (as measured around the largest cross-section transverse to an axis having the longest dimension) of at least 1.5 cm; typically not greater than 2.3cm, then the measurement of the pocket opening must be no smaller than 0.75 cm or no larger than 1.5 cm. It has been found that the angle of the opening is also specific to ensure the pocket opening is no bigger than the specified dimensions. It has also been found that the pocket opening appears too small but needs to be of this dimension to ensure that the crystal does not fall or slip out. A combination of relatively rigid and pliable properties for the fabric surfaces allow crystals to be inserted into the pocket but then also held securely within the pocket. It has been found that it is not essential to have the aperture uppermost; by virtue of having elastic elements and a relaxed internal circumference of the opening being less than a circumference of the crystal, then the crystal will remain where positioned, even if the aperture is or becomes inverted. Those skilled in the art will be able to understand the concept provided by the present invention and that variations of the specific given here will be allowable.

It has been found that two distinct types of pocket construction can be enabled, dependent upon the position of the pocket and the nature of the base lingerie material.

There can be a rigid front opening or an elasticated front opening, although both types of pocket openings need to be constructed using a combination of rigid and pliable surfaces.

Where the construction is such that there is a rigid front opening, then tape made in the same denier fabric as the rest of the pocket is applied with, conveniently, a two needle stitch to create a rigid front opening. Whilst the pocket can appear to be too rigid to 1 0 envelope a crystal typically used, manipulation of the fabric at the back of the pocket, which is not so restricted and can provide a natural movement, enables a crystal to be squeezed through the pocket opening. This makes it possible for a crystal to sit comfortably once in the pocket but not allow the crystal to fall out. It has been found that the rigid front pocket opening pocket style can be preferred for most types of bra cup and wing pocket, brief hip and buttock cleavage pockets.

Where the construction is such that there is an elasticated front opening construction, such as is the case with the bra centre pocket. On all bras, the centre front bridge must be stabilised since it is the anchor of the bra, which gives a wearer the best fit and wire position around the bust. Therefore, since the back of the bra centre front pocket is required to be rigid, the inner pocket layer must be elasticated and gathered. By gathering the fabric, wearer comfort is not compromised and can ensure that the crystal cannot be forced out of the pocket.

An elasticated front pocket opening construction is employed where there is a bra centre front pocket that has a rigid opening made from a non-stabiised denier and is cut from a fiat pattern piece because both the inner and outer walls of the pocket have sufficient movement to accept the crystal. Crystal pockets that have an elasticated opening are constructed with an outer wall of the pocket made from a non-stabiised fabric and an inner wall of the pocket being made from the stabilised denier. The non-stabiised outer wall must be gathered to give additional movement that provides the necessary capacity to allow room for the crystal.

With reference to Figure 2a, there is shown a second embodiment of the invention, wherein a pair of ladies briefs 20, shown as viewed from the front, comprises a central panel 22 from which extend respective generally vertical seams 23, 24. The pair of briefs is provided with a number of pockets 27, 28. The number of pockets is shown as being only two at the front, but this is merely illustrative; there may be several pockets arranged to correspond or generally align with body contours and internal circulatory routes and organs. Figure 2b shows a rear view of the second embodiment, wherein a single pocket 29 is disposed at the base of the spine/ buttock crease.

1 0 Figure 3 shows a larger pair of briefs 30, perhaps more suited for normal, everyday use.

Briefs 30 are provided with front pockets pairs 27, 28 and 37, 38, having a central pocket 39. The pockets can alternatively hang from the waist elastic and can be held securely by a decorative front seam. The base and one side of the pocket can be allowed to move more freely in order to sit most comfortably into the groin crease area when worn. The 1 5 pocket si2e or depth is determined by the level of the waist band and its proximity with the groin area. For example, is the style in question a low rise' or high waist' brief? The answer to this question will inevitably determine how many pockets can be provided and where they can be provided.

Figures 4a and 4b show a further type of brief 40, commonly referred to as a thong; again pockets 23, 24 are disposed at the front in a similar fashion to the pockets of Figure 2a & 2b. Pocket 29 is disposed in the centrally located, delta shaped portion of the rear of the brief, allowing a crystal to nestle within the buttock cleavage. It will be appreciated that whilst many pockets could be placed about the rear of the buttocks as opposed to or in addition to the buttock cleavage, a more visible brief pocket may not be desired. The buttock cleavage position has also been selected to optimise comfort.

Figure 5a shows a corset 50 in accordance with the invention, wherein the corset has lace-up fastening means 52 together with pockets 27, 28, 31, 32. Figure 5b shows a pair of control shorts 60, also provided with pockets 27, 28. As will be appreciated, when an item of underwear such as a bodice, corset, girdle and the like is fitted, then the garment will either be over elasticated, whereby to pull in soft tissue or may alternatively be laced-up or strapped in whereby the profile of the wearer is smooth. In such garments, pockets are placed to enable crystals adjacent or otherwise in convergence with circulatory routes and organs whilst adding minimally to the profile of the wearer.

Typically, for briefs and bras, the pockets can conveniently be placed on the outside of the garment. but it may be preferred, and indeed arguably necessary, for body control garment pockets to be arranged such that access to the aperture or opening of the pocket is possible from within the garment.

Undergarments such as bras, camisoles and over-bust corsets provide further opportunities to enable pockets for crystals to be placed in garments, with no discomfort to the wearer. However, the pockets will be positioned in optimal positions with regard 1 0 to use and type of crystal or crystals. Referring now to Figure 6a, there is shown a centrally positioned front pocket 61 for a bra 60. The dimension of this pocket is determined by the styling, fit and construction of the bra but is further affected by the gathered use of the material of the pocket. This pocket is designed to hold a small crystal as the centre front dimensions of a bra are less flexible than other areas due to its important function of this part of the bra in the fit and bra performance. This pocket sits on the Central Meridian (important for therapeutic benefits of some crystals), is invisible to the eye, secure and offers decorative possibilities.

Figure 6b shows a pocket 62 within a side wing of a bra 60, the pocket having additional divisions 64 within the pocket, conveniently provided by additional lines of stitching 64.

This pocket is perhaps, the most rigid of the positions selected for use within a bra, as it is typically held securely between a wire of a bra cup and the side wing seam. The size and dimension of the pocket can very varied by moving the position of the side seam however it has been found that a restricted size helps to hold the crystal at the side of the body and does not allow it to move to a more uncomfortable position under the arm or towards the back of the garment. Figure 6c and 6d show alternative styles of pocket 63, 66, respectively, for positioning upon a side wing of a bra 60. Comfortable and hidden, this type of pocket also enables the crystals to be positioned at the side of the body.

Figure 6e shows a bottom-cup pocket 67 and a strap apex pocket 68. The cup pocket is arranged to hold a crystal or crystals beneath the bust and to ensure that it nestles into the breast tissue facilitating invisibility and comfort. This pocket placement enables crystals to be positioned at the side of the body within the area of the heart chakra. The pocket is suspended from the underarm elastic and is conveniently held securely around the cup by the wire casing. The dimension of the pocket is specific to this position and ensures that the crystal does not slip into unsightly or uncomfortable positions. Figure of shows a rear strap apex provided with a pocket 69.

Referring now to Figure 7, there is shown a collection of pocket styles. Figure 7a shows a triangular pocket 80; Figures 7 b & c show rectangular pockets 81, 82. Figure 7d is a still further rectangular pocket 83, with additional stitching 84 to enable specific placement of a crystal within a pocket. Stitching 18 is shown as before, with the aperture being indicated by line 19. The fitment of these pockets overcomes the disadvantages 1 0 that prior pockets have exhibited; the present invention provides pockets of such a design that securely retain dense objects such as crystals in a fashion that does not affect the use of the garment in that one does not need to, for example always remain in an upright position. The pockets are designed such that there is an aperture for each pocket wherein the relative elasticity of the materials enable the aperture to be elastically 1 5 enlarged to facilitate the placement and retention of a crystal or crystal having a cross-section in the range of 0.3 -0.05 cm2. Pockets can also be arranged such that the crystal or crystals are accessible only from the inside or outside of the garment.

Thus, in accordance with the invention, a number of different lingerie items can be manufactured which comprise simple pockets of a particular construction that enable crystals to be worn in the optimum position for comfort, invisibility and healing. The present inventions applicable to many items of lingerie, from bras and knickers to girdles, corsets, corselettes, camisoles, Basques, bloomers, suspender belts, and more!

Claims (11)

1. Claims 1) A lingerie garment comprising a pocket operable to retain a crystal, each crystal having a minimum circumference about one axis, wherein the pocket has an opening defined by an aperture, the aperture being dimensioned such that, in a relaxed state, the crystal cannot pass therethrough; yet, in an extended state, the aperture is sufficiently large to allow passage therethrough.
2. 2) A garment according to claim I wherein the pocket is created using at least a 1 0 fabric of the garment for the pocket.
3. 3) A garment according to claim I, wherein the pocket is comprised of two fabrics arranged in a coplanar fashion.
4. 4) A garment according to claim I to 3, wherein the pocket is defined by two co-planar fabrics; one material being elastic; the other being non-elastic.
5. 5) A garment according to claim I to 3, wherein the pocket is defined by two similar co-planar fabrics.
6. 6) A garment according to claim 3, wherein the aperture to the pocket is determined between adjacent first and second fabrics.
7. 7) A garment according to claim 4, wherein the non-elastic fabric is reinforced by a rigid material.
8. 8) A garment according to claim I or 2, wherein the aperture is defined in only one fabric of the pocket.
9. 9) A garment according to claim I or 2 wherein the, one or both of the fabrics defining the aperture is elasticised by supplemental elastic means.
10. 10) A garment according to claim I or 2, wherein the pocket is defined by a single, folded piece of fabric.
11. 11) A garment according to any of the preceding dnirns, wherein the fabric is a denier fnbriç