GB2458675A

GB2458675A - Underwire end cover and repair device

Info

Publication number: GB2458675A
Application number: GB0805565A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Dutton Scott
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-03-27
Filing date: 2008-03-27
Publication date: 2009-09-30
Also published as: GB0805565D0

Abstract

A device for an underwire, in use, surrounds the end tip of the underwire but is not attached to the underwire. A textured outer surface of the device, in use, keeps the device in position in an underwire sleeve. The device can be used at manufacture or to fix an item of clothing where the underwire has broken through the end of a fabric sleeve where it belongs.

Description

UNDERWIRE SUPPORT END PROTECTOR STAY AND REPAIR FOR UNDERWIRE

SUPPORTED GARMENTS.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention is that of an underwire which is fitted into garments requiring support or lift of type, the underwire is that support or lift and the said invention is that of a support protector end stay and repair for the underwire type garments.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The underwire is generally used in clothing to give support and lift in some cases to the wearer. Generally being u in its appearance and shape, being flat on its side but round in its shape, the underwire being made from either plastic or metal. The metal underwire has its ends dipped to soften them, but this has proved since its inception to be inadequate due to its manageability to push its way through the fabric sleeves surrounding the said underwire.

In its doing so the garment becomes useless to the wearer as the support being its intention is no longer in place. Being removed due to its annoyance or indeed potential hazard now posed. The underwire is encapsulated in a number of sleeves which are sewn into the garment to conceal the underwire. The ends of the garment and sleeves are then sewn over to prevent the underwire coming free from its surrounding. There are different types of underwire and the invention is to be used on any type of underwire regardless of material make-up garment or size. The common misconception made regarding the breakdown of the underwire is that it occurs through use in the washing machine, this is not the case as with most washing machines the clothing therein spends most of the cycle attached to the rotating drum, only occasionally does it fall from side to side, and when this is the case it is at very slow speeds. It is indeed the case that through general movement and further exercise that the underwire eventually finds its way through the fabric. This is more so the case in larger breasted woman, due to the obvious extra movement from size and motion.

It should also be noted that a further misconception is that an underwire is uncomfortable to the wearer; this should not be the case. If a garment is fitted correctly the underwire will sit neatly under the breast running from underarm to breast bone. An ill fitting garment causes the uncomfortable-ness often described by others. One can only assume that the person or persons complaining about the underwire are indeed wearing ill-fitting garments.

Therefore the underwire which has widespread usage continues to be the chosen product in such garments, even though it has certain disadvantages, mainly piercing through the fabric of its housing.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

It is the object of the invention to give additional movement when fitted to the underwire and in doing so the underwire no longer sits in the fabric sleeves at its ends; instead it will sit inside the end support stay given by the invention, once fitted it will remain in position inside the fabric sleeves of the garment.

The invention will then take the place of the sleeve end, which has been the constant disadvantage of the structure. The invention is bigger than that of the underwire in its outward size, so as to allow it to sit over the end of the underwire, but small enough to allow for it to be built in to the current garment/s without any changes being made to the garment. With its outward design and texture the invention will remain in its position, permanently fixed.

The underwire can now move more freely inside the garment housing giving more movement to the wearer, which also reduces the pressure previously experienced on the underwire itself.

The object of the invention is to also reduce and or elevate the current discomfort felt by the wearer, as the invention has a softer end than that of the current underwire. It is also the object of the invention to be fitted as an aftermarket repair to the garment if indeed not already in place within the garment at manufacturer. Allowing the present wearer the opportunity to keep using the garment in its designed state.

The invention has a unique design which allows it to enter the hole in the garment made by the underwire. With the underwire poking through the garment the invention would simply sit over the end of the underwire to then be pushed back into the sleeve of the garment, once back in its original housing the underwire now encompassed by the invention will remain in place and now benefit from the invention as described above.

The invention has been tested to ensure it can withstand the pressure thereby put upon itself with the underwire in place, and being worn by the wearer through excessive exercise and movement. Being correct in its thickness and length; ensuring that the underwire is also unable to puncture the inventions end.

The invention is designed as a support to the current underwire whilst acting as a protector to the garment housing or sleeve and also as a repair to the garment should one not be already in place, also acting as a stay for the underwire held therein.

The invention differs from many previous applications in that it offers all of the aforementioned aspects without the current underwire design so commonly used and favoured by manufacture's today having to be discarded.

Applications such as:-PATENT NOS: -[U55749767 ARCEO] -[US5730641 BROWN] - [US4306565 ROWELL] -[KR20050044735 BATCHA/FALLA] -[W02007035781 HORTA/KOPF] -[US2008057829 LITTELL] -[GB2366574A PRICE] -[US2004132379 HORTA/THAKUR/ROIZER] -[US5830040 MORGAN/HORTA] -[US4133316 SCHWARTZ] - [US3799175 ROWELL] The above prior applications for patent all base themselves on the current structure and makeup of the garment to be altered in some way for the design to first be fitted and hence be able to work. Certain applications suggest totally new underwire structures, and there are applications not mentioned herein that change the makeup of the garment altogether.

We have found no application that allows the invention to be placed within the current garment and no changes needing to be made, also there are no applications which in any way suggest that the invention can be fitted by the wearer after point of purchase, and in the highlighted cases whereby the underwire pushes through the fabric of the garment.

The invention is designed to be used both in the initial stages of manufacturer so as to stop the current issue from arising, whereby the underwire pushes through the garment fabric, creating a hole. And also to be used by the current wearer allowing them to carry out a repair on the garment by fitting the invention themselves, thereby giving the wearer all of the above benefits described in and about the invention.