US20180103692A1

US20180103692A1 - Non-Toxic Garments and Methods of Making Same

Info

Publication number: US20180103692A1
Application number: US15/111,646
Authority: US
Inventors: Kelly L Dowdle
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-03-09
Filing date: 2016-03-09
Publication date: 2018-04-19
Also published as: WO2017155527A1

Abstract

Non-toxic garments providing natural support and lift without metal inserts constructed from non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and chemical free fabrics.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of foundation garments and other garments which come in contact with the skin. More specifically, the present invention pertains to a variety of garments made from natural, non-toxic fibers.

BACKGROUND

Natural, organic fabrics, produced without chemical assistance or additives, are the best fabrics for our children, families and overall health. However, you might have had difficulty finding support garments and undergarments made from such fabrics in the past.
Many people wear natural fabrics primarily for ecological reasons, but we know there also are verified health reasons for placing only natural fibers against your skin. The inherent characteristics of natural fibers offer advantages in breathability, temperature regulation, durability, water absorption, antimicrobial properties, and more, versus synthetic fabrics.
Synthetic fabrics disrupt the normal function of the body due to their low breathability, hygroscopy (water absorption), and thermal regulation. This in turn can lead to overheating (even heat stroke in a high-temperature climate), or getting too cold, which can lead to getting sick. They also can create a “greenhouse” effect, which disrupts the normal reaction of your skin to create a barrier and encourages a favorable condition for bacteria growth, thereby causing or worsening skin disorders and the course of allergic reactions.
There is a need in the art for a non-toxic garments, especially undergarments, providing natural support and lift without metal inserts constructed from non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and chemical free fabrics wherein the fabrics are chosen from the group consisting of organic cotton, neoprene, lycra, lace, silk, and bamboo.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The non-toxic garments of the present invention provide a solution to that which is lacking in the prior art. The non-toxic support garment is contemplated as being constructed of non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and chemical free fabrics wherein the fabrics are chosen from the group consisting of organic cotton, linen, silk, and bamboo. The non-toxic garment further includes medical grade silicone which provides breast enhancement such as lift, boost, and support to the wearer without requiring surgery or painful metal frames. All components of the non-toxic garments are skin safe, eco-friendly, organic materials without harsh chemicals.
In the past, medical grade silicone was used internally as breast implant. However, the present invention provides a safe and natural means of using medical grade silicone externally to give the user's breasts the lift, enhancement and boost desired without any surgery due to its high elastic stretch, durable, low durometer, and high elastomer characteristics. In addition to including all non-synthetic, organic fibers, the non-toxic garments do not contain underwire, hooks, or clasps made or metal or plastic.
The non-synthetic, organic fibers contain zero formaldehyde or harsh chemicals having contact with the skin which have recently been reported to increase risk of breast fibrous and cancer. Underwire has been recently known to play a contributing factor to breast cancer. The non-toxic garments will reduce and/or eliminate skin allergies, allergic reactions to metal or formaldehyde, and general skin reactions to toxic materials. Skin allergies often result from synthetic fiber that is used in 99.9% of undergarments on the market. The non-toxic garments of the present invention are made from breathable material that will allow the breasts and skin to breathe which is extremely important for not just breast but overall health. A maternity line of garments will be the completely skirt-safe, baby-safe and non-toxic to the breasts.
Certified organic cotton is grown without the use of harmful pesticides, herbicides, or artificial fertilizers. It also is free of formaldehyde finishes. Cotton's soft texture and breathable nature make it very wearable and nice pleasant feeling against the skin. Additionally, the arrangement of the cellulose gives cotton a good degree of strength, durability, and absorbency. People with allergies and chemical sensitivity especially benefit because conventional cotton may retain harmful toxic residues.
Linen is a material made from the fibers of the flax plant. Some even believe that no other type of material can be more comfortable and more satisfying than linen. It is highly absorbent such that it can absorb and lose water rapidly, quickly removing perspiration from the skin. It is a good conductor of heat meaning in winter it keeps the heat in, but in summer it feels cool to the touch and creates a feeling of coolness and comfort. Long term care is extremely easy because linen resists dirt and stains, has no lint or pilling tendency, and can be dry cleaned, machine washed or steamed. Withstands high temperatures and yields minimal initial shrinkage. Gets softer the more it is washed, and doesn't fade. In some instances, linen may endure up to 20 years of use.
Linen contains natural antiseptic that prevents bacterial growth and helps kill microbes thereby preventing fungal diseases, inflammation, and infection of damaged skin. In addition it has the ability to somewhat protect against a chemically aggressive environment, noise, dust, radiation, gamma rays, and electromagnetic waves. Psychotherapists even believe that linen fibers have an ability to protect a person from depression, nervous and psychotic breakdowns by creating a feeling of calm, concentration and depth of thought. Linen will be used in non-toxic undergarments.
Silk is a natural protein fiber obtained from cocoons made by the larvae of silkworms. The desirable iridescent appearance comes from the fibers' triangular prism-like structure, which allows silk cloth to refract incoming light at different angles. Besides its luxurious softness and lustrous beauty, there are various other benefits of silk that other fabrics, whether natural or man-made, simply cannot match. Despite misconceptions about its delicacy, it is relatively robust and strong such that the smooth surface resists soiling and odors, is wrinkle and tear resistant, and dries quickly. Silk is even the most hypoallergenic of all fabrics because of its natural protein structure. As an all-climate fabric, silk is warm and cozy in winter, without being bulky underneath, and comfortably cool in warmer temps. It is also highly absorbent and can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling damp, so it absorbs perspiration while letting skin breathe.
Despite popular misconceptions, some processed fibers are just as non-toxic and safe as natural fabric. Conscientious fiber-producing companies are creating new fibers that not only possess important health attributes comparable to natural fibers, but also are manufactured using the principles of sustainable management and high environmental standards.
One example of a processed fabric is bamboo. Bamboo is a natural, renewable resource that grows very quickly with very little water, doesn't require fertilizers or pesticides, adds more oxygen to the atmosphere than trees, and has a complex root system that helps fight erosion. Bamboo fabric is made from the cellulose extracted from the bamboo plant, and can be made into easy-care, buttery-soft, machine-washable fabrics. Bamboo is a marvelous fabric to wear because it is comfortable and breathable, wicks moisture at twice the rate of conventional cotton, and dries quickly. Like several 100% natural fabrics, bamboo is hypoallergenic and has antimicrobial protection designed to inhibit the growth of the bacteria and fungi that cause odor, helping to protect you from perspiration, staining, and keeping your clothing looking great longer. Best of all, bamboo clothing keeps its natural antimicrobial benefits even after repeated washing. In addition, bamboo is softer than cotton with a texture and sheen similar to silk, yet it is washable and can be worn all year round since it keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter.
An object of the present invention provides a non-toxic garment using a medical grade silicone as the main component that lifts, enhances, and supports breasts without the surgical consequences and is free of harsh chemicals.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a non-toxic garment wherein the non-toxic garment is a garment type selected from the group consisting of foundation garments, support garments, undergarments, sports bras, lingerie, nursing bras, maternity bras, post-surgery garments, and swim suit garments.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a non-toxic garment wherein the non-toxic garment is constructed from a fabric that is eco-friendly.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a non-toxic garment wherein the natural fabric is selected from the group comprising organic cotton, linen, silk and bamboo.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a non-toxic garment wherein the fabric is free of pesticides, fertilizers and chemical treatments.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a non-toxic garment wherein the non-toxic garment is further comprised of breast cups having a medical grade silicone for breast support.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a non-toxic garment wherein the non-toxic garment is further comprised of at least one double organic elastic strap.
It is further an object of the present invention to provide a non-toxic garment Wherein the at least one double elastic strap includes at least one natural wood adjustment slider.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a non-toxic garment wherein the non-toxic garment is comprised of a right cup piece, a left cup piece, a center front piece, a right back, frame, a left back frame and a closure.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a non-toxic garment wherein the closure is heavy duty Velcro or natural wood such as bamboo.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a non-toxic garment which is strapless.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a non-toxic garment wherein the non-toxic garment is strapless and further includes air bags connected to a removable pump feature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a depicts a front view of the non-toxic support garment of the present invention. FIG. 1b depicts a rear view of the non-toxic support garment as shown in FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 2a depicts a front view of the non-toxic support garment of the present invention in an alternative embodiment. FIG. 2b depicts the rear view of the non-toxic support garment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 2a . FIG. 2c depicts the frame piece of the non-toxic support garment as shown in FIG. 2 a.

FIG. 3a depicts a front view of the non-toxic support garment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 2a having a pump means. FIG. 3b depicts a rear view of the non-toxic support garment as shown in FIG. 3 a.

FIG. 4a depicts a front view of the non-toxic support garment of the present invention in an alternative embodiment. FIG. 4b depicts the rear view of the non-toxic support garment as shown in FIG. 4 a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides for a non-toxic garment having an improved design and construction for providing natural support and lift to the breast using medical grade silicone with non-synthetic fabrics throughout the entire bra, wherein the fabrics are eco-friendly, organic, and skin-safe. The user of the non-toxic support garment may be an individual having breasts of any size wherein an increase in size of the support garment does not decrease the level of natural support and lift of the breast as seen in the prior art. The non-toxic garment will be an improvement over the prior art without painful metal frames, plastic or metals. In alternative embodiments, the non-toxic garment will be available in different sizes, including but not limited to, a petite and curvy line to accommodate all women to promote natural curves and embrace the natural bust line.
With reference to FIG. 1a , shown is a front view of exemplary non-toxic garment 100. Non-toxic garment 100 is comprised of a right cup piece 101 and a left cup piece 102 wherein the right cup piece 101 and the left cup piece 102 are optionally secured to each other by center front piece 103 positioned there between. Turning to FIG. 1b , right cup piece 101 is further secured to right back frame 104 at the side of right cup piece 101 opposite center front piece 103. Left cup piece 102 is further secured to left back frame 105 at the side of left cut piece 102 opposite center piece 103. Non-toxic support garment 100 is further comprised of at least one double organic elastic strap 106 attached to at least one cup piece (101, 102) at a first end and to at least one back frame (104, 105) at a second end having at least one adjustment slider 108. Non-toxic garment 100 further includes a plurality of boning pieces 110. Left hack frame 105 and right back frame 104 may be secured to one another by way of a Closure, including but not limited to, heavy duty Velcro® 107. Right cut piece 101 and left cup piece 102 are further comprised of a medical grade silicone (not shown) positioned between two pieces of non-toxic fabric. In an alternative embodiment, the medical grade silicone may come in contact with the skin of the wearer in the absence of a second, inner cup fabric piece. Use of medical grade silicone with high elasticity and stretch creates boost and lift of the breast. Use of medical grade silicone in right back frame 104 and left back frame 105 prevents back fat and eliminates harsh lines cutting into the skin with the high stretch and elasticity that it provides.
With reference to FIG. 2a , shown is a front view of exemplary non-toxic garment 200. Non-toxic garment 200 is comprised of a right cup piece 201 and a left cup piece 202 wherein the right cut piece 201 and the left cup piece 202 are optionally secured to each other by center front piece 203 positioned there between. Turning to FIG. 2 b, right cup piece 201 is further secured to right back frame 204 at the side of right cup piece 201 opposite center front piece 203. Left cup piece 202 is further secured to left back frame 205 at the side of left cut piece 202 opposite center piece 203. Left back frame 205 and right back frame 204 may be secured to one another by way of a natural wood closure 212, including but not limited to, a bamboo. Optionally, organic elastic straps 211 may be attached to natural wood closure 212. Right cut piece 201 and left cup piece 202 are further comprised of a medical grade silicone inner cup (not shown) and air bag (not shown) secured within a double layer of non-toxic fabric. Right cup piece 201 further includes a removable pump feature 215, similar to a pump used in with conventional blood pressure cuff, connected to an air bag for providing further lifting of the breast when the air bag is inflated. FIG. 2c illustrates the front fabric frame piece 214. Optionally non-toxic garment 200 may include a plurality of boning pieces (not shown). In an alternative embodiment, the medical grade silicone may come in contact with the skin of the wearer in the absence of a second, inner cup fabric piece. Use of medical grade silicone with high elasticity and stretch creates boost and lift to the breast. Use of medical grade silicone in right back frame 204, left back frame 205 and front fabric frame piece 214 prevents back fat and eliminates harsh lines cutting into the skin with the high stretch and elasticity that it provides.
With regard to FIG. 3, shown is a front view of a prototype of non-toxic garment 300 by way of example only. Non-toxic garment 300 is comprised of a right cup piece 301 and a left cup piece 302 wherein the right cut piece 301 and the left cup piece 302 are optionally secured to each other by center front piece 303 positioned there between. Right cup piece 301 is further secured to right back frame 304 at the side of right cup piece 301 opposite center front piece 303. Left cup piece 302 is further secured to left back frame 305 at the side of left cut piece 302 opposite center piece 303. Non-toxic garment 300 is further comprised of at least one adjustment slider (not shown) positioned about at least two double elastic straps 311. Left back frame 305 and right back frame 304 may be secured to one another by way of a natural wood closure, including but not limited to, a bamboo closure 312. Optionally, organic elastic straps 211 may be attached to natural wood closure 212. Right cut piece 301 and left cup piece 302 are further comprised of a medical grade silicone (not shown) and air bag (not shown) secured within a double layer of non-toxic fabric. Right cup piece 301 further includes a removable pump feature 315 connected to air bag for providing further lifting of the breast when the air bag is inflated. Optionally non-toxic garment 300 may include a plurality of boning pieces (not shown).
With regard to FIG. 4a , shown is a front view of exemplary non-toxic garment 400. Non-toxic garment 400 is comprised of a single piece front fabric frame 414 wherein an air bag 416 is enclosed and positioned at each cup within single front frame 414. Turning to FIG. 4b , single piece front fabric frame 414 is further secured to right back frame 404 at the side of single piece front frame 414 corresponding to the right cup. Left back frame 405 is secured to single piece front fabric frame 414 at the side of single piece front fabric frame corresponding to the left cup. Left back frame 405 and right hack frame 404 may be secured to one another by way of a closure, including but not limited to, heavy duty Velcro® 407. Single piece front fabric frame 414 is further comprised of a medical grade silicone cup 416 positioned within each cup portion and secured within a double layer of non-toxic fabric. Optionally non-toxic garment 400 may include a plurality of boning pieces (not shown).
In one embodiment, the present invention is a non-toxic garment. In a more preferred embodiment, the non-toxic garment is an undergarment.
In another embodiment, the non-toxic garment is constructed from a fabric that is eco-friendly.
It yet another embodiment, the non-toxic garment is constructed from natural fabrics.
In a further embodiment, the natural fabric is selected from the group comprising organic cotton, linen, silk, lycra, neoprene and bamboo.
In still another embodiment, the natural fabric is free of pesticides, fertilizers and chemical treatments.
In another embodiment, the non-toxic garment is further comprised of breast cups having medical grade silicone for breast support.
In yet another embodiment, the non-toxic garment is further comprised of at least one organic double elastic strap. The unique strap is elastic to create some release and not pull on the skin or irritate the shoulder area.
In a further embodiment, the at least one organic double elastic strap includes at least one natural wood adjustment slider.
In another embodiment, the non-toxic garment is comprised of a right cup piece, a left cup piece, a center front piece, a right back frame, a left back frame and a closure.
In still another embodiment, the closure is heavy duty Velcro or natural wood.
In yet another embodiment, the non-toxic garment is strapless. This embodiment is comprised of medical grade silicone and has a unique pump design featuring a “pump up” effect to give more of a lift and more support than already present from the medical grade silicone. In an alternative embodiment the strapless version will be capable of creating extra cleavage and boost.
In a further embodiment, the non-toxic support garment is strapless and further includes air bags connected to a removable pump feature. This feature is much like a blood pressure contraption that will have a built in air pocket that can be pressed to fill up pocket with air. This will be constructed out of non-synthetic fiber and material.
It is contemplated in another embodiment a method of constructing a non-toxic garment, the non-toxic garment comprised of a right cup piece, a left cup piece, a center front piece, a right back frame, a left back frame and a closure.
As used in this specification and in the appended claims, the singular forms include the plural forms. For example the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, the term “at least” preceding a series of elements is to be understood as referring to every element in the series. The inventions illustratively described her can suitably be practiced in the absence of any element or elements, limitation or limitations, not specifically disclosed herein. Thus, for example, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” etc. shall be read expansively and without limitation. Additionally, the terms and expressions employed herein have been used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the future shown and described or any portion thereof, and it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed. Thus, it should be understood that although the present invention has been specifically disclosed by preferred embodiments and optional features, modification and variation of the inventions herein disclosed can be resorted by those skilled in the art, and that such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of the inventions disclosed herein. The inventions have been described broadly and generically herein. Each of the narrower species and subgenera groupings falling within the scope of the generic disclosure also form part of these inventions. This incudes the generic description of each invention with a proviso or negative limitation removing any subject matter from the genus, regardless of whether or not the excised materials specifically resided therein. In addition, where features or aspects of an invention are described in of the Markush group, those schooled in the art will recognize that the invention is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group. It is also to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments will be apparent to those of in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or will be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Claims

We claim:

1. A non-toxic garment comprised of:

a right cup piece;

a left cup piece;

an optional center front piece;

a right back fabric frame;

a left back fabric frame; and

a closure.

2. The non-toxic garment of claim 1 wherein the non-toxic garment is constructed from a natural fabric that is eco-friendly.

3. The non-toxic garment of claim 2 wherein the natural fabric is selected from at least one member the group comprising organic cotton, linen, silk and bamboo.

4. The non-toxic garment of claim 2 wherein the fabric is free of pesticides, fertilizers and chemical treatments.

5. The non-toxic garment of claim 1 wherein the right cup piece and the left cup piece further include a medical grade silicone for breast support.

6. The non-toxic garment of claim 1 further comprised of at least one double organic elastic strap.

7. The non-toxic garment of claim 6 wherein the at least one double elastic strap includes at least one natural wood adjustment slider.

8. The non-toxic garment of claim 1 wherein the closure is heavy duty Velcro or natural wood such as bamboo.

9. The non-toxic garment of claim 1 wherein the garment is strapless.

10. The non-toxic garment of claim 9 further comprising air bags connected to a removable pump feature.

11. The non-toxic garment of claim 1 wherein the non-toxic garment is a garment type selected from the group consisting of foundation garments, support garments, sports bras, lingerie, nursing bras, maternity bras, post-surgery garments, and swim suit garments.

12. The non-toxic garment of claim 1 wherein the right back fabric frame and the left back fabric frame further include a medical grade silicone which reduces back fat and pinching of skin.