Oct. 17, 1944. A. N. SPANE 2,360,736 SEAMLESS DIPFED TATEX GIRDLE Filed June 26, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 1

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INVENTOR. 4 as aaa/a/.7/V5a1/V2 Z. 7 24 (2a4-w (locé,Aréaways 26-a-6 Oct. 17, 1944. A. N. SPANEL 2,360,736 SEAMLESS DIPPED LATEX GIRDLE Filed June 26, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 4

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E. INVENTOR. 4aaaa/a/7A/Saawaz. BY (6411, 9-96 ale. A TTORNEYS Oct. 17, 1944. A. N. SPANEL 2,360,736 SEAMLESS DIPPED LATEX GIRDLE Filed June 26, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 5

INVENTOR. Masaaaw MV Saawa Z. BY ATTORNEYS Patented Oct. 17, 1944 . 2,360,736

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,360,736 SEAMESS OPPEO LATEX GROLE Abraham N. Spánel, New York, N. Y. Application June 26, 1940, Serial No. 342,426 6 Claims. (C. 2-43) This invention relates to improvements in obviates or minimizes the defects of the girdles girdles or foundation garments and relates more at present in use, and at the same time it presents particularly to garments of the type which pro novel advantages in addition to being relatively duce a natural slimming effect on the Wearer. simple and inexpensive to manufacture and easy The problem of providing effective slimming gar to clean for immediate reuse. ments has existed from the dawn of history. In The supporting girdle in accordance with the the most primitive form, bandages were tightly present invention is preferably in the form of a wrapped around the Waist. This was displaced hollow latex sheath which is stretchable to en in turn by the stiffened corset worn both over close the lower torso of the wearer when pulled and under the clothes, culminating in the com over the body. When pulled into position on the plicated "stays' stiffened with whalebone and body, the loose, flabby, excess flesh or fat of the laced tightly to produce a small waist effect which Wearer is supported, constricted, pushed, or mold was current in the Victorian era. With such gar ed generally inwardly, thereby giving the wearer ments the figure was forced into the shape of the the smoothness of line and contour which is so corset which, while providing body support, was 5 much desired. This sheath is in fact so flexible relatively inflexible, cumbersome, unhygienic, and that, even by touch, it is not easily revealed that indeed, definitely injurious to the wearer through the user is wearing a figure-control garment. the displacement of body organs. With the turn Indeed, it is as though the wearer had an addi of the century, and the increasing participation tional skin of her own, firm and supporting in by women in business and active sports, such stiff character, yet non-revealing by its very nature. corsets were modified and ultimately completely The invention therefore provides a supporting discarded as a desirable garment for women. girdle, in which the material of the girdle is of For the past decade or so, the so-called 'girdle' sufficient thickness to constitute a firm support has come into use, which is generally made of for the flesh of the wearer. The invention fur elastic textile fabric or panels of diverse material, 25 ther provides improvements applicable to such Such as elastic fabric, textile fabrics, and the like. Supporting girdles as well as to other girdles. This garment was adapted to serve as a support One of these consists in forming the crotch of for the loose or excess flesh of the wearer, espe the garment, whether made of latex or of rubber, cially in the region of the lower part of the torso, with perforations, as well as forming the crotch and tended to improve body contour of the wearer 30 integrally with the walls of the girdle. The in by supporting these portions and usually without vention also provides a relatively long crotch stiffly boning or otherwise stiffening the girdle or which has valuable functions as hereinafter de foundation garment. One-piece girdles made of Scribed. The invention further resides in im stretchable knitted fabric, or elastic covered with provements in the reinforcement of the girdle; silk or cotton, are known as one-way or two-way 5 in the provision of garter supports; and in the stretch girdles, and are often woven on a circular functional utility of the girdle. knitting machine. While this type of girdle has In the preferred forms of the invention, the given considerable satisfaction in use, it, how girdle is made of so-called deposited liquid latex; ever, takes a relatively long time to wash and that is to say, a film which is produced in the especially to dry, so that the wearer is often re 40 shape of the article by dipping a form into liquid quired to Own at least two of these girdles in order latex; or the film is otherwise deposited directly to keep One in clean condition. Also they tend to leave welts, ridges, cross markings or other from liquid latex, as contrasted with ordinary markings on the skin corresponding to the ridges Crude rubber, which is produced by dehydrating and depressions in the textile fabric of which the liquid latex to form crude rubber; then masticat girdle is made. They are relatively expensive and ing the crude rubber, and thereafter forming the also tend to lose their shape and elasticity rather article therefrom. For purposes of clarity, the rapidly, especially if washed often. Girdles liquid latex film of rubber will be referred to here "built up' of panels of sheet rubber and textile after as "latex." The invention also contem fabrics, or elastic fabric and textile fabric, such plates that the outer surface of the girdle in as Satin and the like, Suffer from similar disad accordance with the invention shall be formed vantages and also tend to be pulled out of shape as a Smooth surface with substantially, no ob by continued use, until they rapidly lose their structions thereon, whereby there is a smooth desired slimming effect. sliding contact between the surface of this girdle The present invention provides a girdle which 55 overand theit, fabric garment that is worn immediately 2 2,360,736 In order that the invention may be more clearly stitute symmetrical side portions which connect understood, reference is now made to the accom. the aforesaid planular areas 4 and 5 together. panying drawings in which several embodiments These contoured areas and the portions of the of the invention are illustrated, it being under planular areas contiguous therewith constitute stood that these embodiments are shown by way the sides of the girdle covering the sides of the of illustration to indicate that the invention may wearer when in use, while the main central por be embodied in many different forms. tion of the planular area 4 constitutes the front Referring to the drawings: . of the girdle, and the planular area 5 constitutes Figure 1 represents a plan view looking down the back of the girdle. It will be noted from the on the front side of a girdle in accordance with O drawings that the girdle conforms to the contour the invention, the girdle not being in use but of the torso only to a certain limited extent at lying on a horizontal surface, such as a table; the symmetrical side portions thereof, constituted Fig. 2 is a cross section on the line 2-2 of by the contoured areas 2 and 3, but that the hol Figure 1, on an enlarged Scale; low sheath-like girdle is stretchable as a whole Fig. 3 is a cross section on the line 3-3 of 5 to enclose the body of the wearer thereof. Figure 1, on an enlarged scale; Referring to Fig. 10, which shows in cross Sec Fig. 4 is a rear view of the girdle shown in tion a girdle in use in position over the lower por Figure 1; tion of a torso, it will be noted that its substan Fig. 5 is a plan view similar to Figure 1, show tially flat front and back planular areas 4 and 5 ing a modification in which the so-called crotch 20 are stretched to a very substantial extent and is omitted, and in which garter members are constitute front and rear constricting members formed integral with the girdle; which exert the desired pressure upon the front Fig. 6 is a plan view showing a modification in and back portions of the wearer's body. The which garter members are formed integral with symmetrical side portions which include the con the girdle of the type shown in Figures 1 to 4; 25 toured areas 2 and 3 are stretched (but to a lesser Fig. 6a shows a detail of the garter of Fig. 6; extent) against the right and left sides of the Figs. 7 and 8 show girdles similar to that of body of the wearer. Figures 1 to 4, but provided with small perfora It will be noted from the above description tions; and the drawings, that the girdle may be said to Fig. 9 is a transverse cross section through the 30 be in the form of a flattened cone-like truncated median portions of any of the girdles herein body or sheath adapted to stretch in all direc shown, but on an enlarged scale, showing the tions, and to form a snugly fitting retaining skin cross-sectional shape of the girdle as it is when which is worn over the skin of the wearer, and in position upon the form on which it is made; is sufficiently pliable to permit of free movement Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic cross section taken 35 of the body. As may be seen by Fig. 10, the through a girdle and the lower part of the torso greatest stretch occurs Over the planular areas of the wearer, to illustrate the stresses set up in 4 and 5, respectively, rather than at the sym the use of the girdle; metrical side areas 2 and 3. These flat constrict Fig. 11 is an enlarged detail illustrating the in ing areas 4 and 5 tend to pull strongly inwardly tegral reinforcement at the top of the girdle in 40 in the direction of the arrows a, and because cross section; , of the all-way stretchable nature of the material, Fig. 12 illustrates on an enlarged scale the cross this pull, which is resisted at the sides and hips, section of a lower marginal edge reinforcement tends to be transmitted to the soft, flabby, fleshy and the cross section of the adjacent surfaces of portions of the body where it can exert the de the form upon which the reinforcement is gener 45 sired constricting or slimming effect. ated; The shape imparted to the girdle by the form Figs, 13, 14 and 15 illustrate in front, side cross On which it is made can be seen from Fig. 9 which section and rear elevations respectively, a pre illustrates the girdle in position before it has been ferred embodiment of the form used for making 50 stripped from the form. the girdle of Figures 1 to 4 by the dipping process; In accordance with the invention, I may pro Fig. 16 is a diagrammatic cross section on an vide a crotch portion of latex material. enlarged scale, taken through a portion of the Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the lower edge of perforated latex material of a girdle having a the girdle is provided with a connecting crotch roughened inside surface in contact with the skin portion consisting of a U-shaped member 6, com of the Wearer; prised by a front wall , rear wall 8, and con toured area 9 of curved formation as shown more Figs. 17 and 18 are front and rear elevations particularly in Fig. 3. This crotch extends from respectively, showing forms for the manufacture the lower portion of the front planular area 4 of latex girdles with integral garter members and rear planular area S, and is preferably inte made in the dipping process; and 60 gral therewith, and forms a continuation of the Figs. 19 and 20 are views similar to Figs. 17 Surfaces of Said planular areas. On either side and 18 but illustrating a modified form for pro of the Crotch, the lower border of the girdle has ducing latex girdles with integral garter members. two curvilinear marginal portions D and f (Fig. Referring to Figure 1, the supporting girdle or 1) shaped to permit freedom of movement of the form-fitting garment in accordance with the in 65 front portions of the legs of the wearer. The rear vention comprises a sheath-like member , hav planular area terminates in skirt portions 12 and ing oppositely disposed contoured areas 2 and 3 extending laterally from the rear wall 8 of the 3 of limited width extending longitudinally of the crotch to the lower ends of the side portions 2, 3; sheath-like member (see Fig. 2) and longitu these skirt portions f2, 3 at the back of the girdle dinally extending planular areas 4 and 5 of con 70 extend below the curvilinear marginal portions siderably greater width than said contoured areas 0, on the front of the garment, so that these and longitudinally contiguous thereWith. skirt portions 2, 3 constitute constricting wall Referring more particularly to Figs. 2 and 9, it portion members which encase, support and con will be noted that the contoured areas 2 and 3 strict the buttocks of the wearer. Attention is are of curved shape in cross section, and con s particularly drawn to the fact that, owing to the 2,360,736 3 provision of an excess of material produced by be made in the same way. It will be noted that the contoured portion 9 of the crotch, a relatively all the reinforcements of the girdle hereinafter long crotch is provided. This in turn permits the described are located on the outside of the girdle, constrictive skirt portions 2 and 3 of the back which is of particular importance in connection of the garment to fit considerably further down, With the supporting and constrictive girdle of the around and under the lower portions of the present invention, inasmuch as the reinforce buttocks, and act as a supporting or constrictive ments do not press into the skin of the wearer retainer wall for these portions. This could not to produce ridges or welts thereon, nor do they be accomplished, if the corresponding portion of a chafe or irritate the skin. The top reinforcement girdle had a shorter crotch, without making the O not Only Serves to hold the garment in position garment uncomfortable to wear. There is also a but also protects it against tearing at the margin sufficiency of material in the crotch, and especi in the same manner as the reinforcements 8 at ally in the provision of the excess material in the the lower portion of the garment. The girdle ill form of the curved front portion 7, to permit of lustrated in Figs. 1 to 4 may obviously form part comfort in using the garment in the performance 15 of a foundation garment provided with a brassière of bodily functions, without removing the girdle, in Well-known manner; furthermore, the expres as the crotch can readily be stretched and thus Sion "girdle,' as herein referred to, is intended pulled out of its normal position for these pur to include any such garment as a corset, panty poses. This excess of material, forming a long girdle, foundation garment, or the like. crotch in relation to the periphery of the rear 20 In the form of the invention illustrated in Fig. margin of the girdle, also has another very definite 5, the crotch is omitted and the lower rear por function, since in this stated relation, it enables tion 9 of the garment is in the form of a skirt the user to pull the girdle up to a maximum high extending Somewhat below the lower front mar point on the body, hitherto not generally possible, gin of the garment. This modification is formed The front wall of the crotch is considerably 25 with garter strap members here shown in the longer than the rear Wall 8 which connects with form of integral tabs or ribbons 20, 2 at the the skirt portions 2 and 3 of the back. The back and front thereof for the attachment of formation of the crotch and the excess material Suitable garters. These garter strap members contained therein permits of the insertion of a 20, 2 are adapted to be gripped by suitable metal sanitary napkin and does away with the necessity 30 members, to which the garters are attached in for a sanitary belt, while the material of the well known manner. crotch makes the wearing of a sanitary protective Figure 6 illustrates a further modification in apron unneceSSary. which the girdle is substantially similar to that Wentilating perforations 4 may be provided in illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3, but there are the crotch which extend upward beyond the areas 35 attached to the lower marginal portions of the of the crotch into both the front and back of the girdle the garter members 22 and 22a. These garment. These perforations may be arranged in garter members 22, 22a, consisting of ribbon rows, and a larger number is preferably provided like extensions of the latex material of the girdle, at the point where these perforations extend to are integral with the walls of the girdle, extend the planular areas 4, 5 as shown at fs (Figs. 1 40 therefrom in curve-like manner on the left and and 4). The top marginal edges 6 and 7 are right of each ribbon and have their surfaces curved from the lateral edges 2 and 3 inwardly, preferably continuous with those of the walls of the purpose of this curvature being to help pre the girdle. Curved corners 23 are provided at vent rolling of the girdle from the top down the points where the garter members extend from ward. It will also be observed that the front top 45 the margins of the girdle proper. The aforesaid edge f7 is somewhat lower than the top edge 6 ribbon-like garter members 22, 22a may also be of the back. The purpose of this is to allow reinforced at their edges, the reinforcements con , somewhat more material in the back edge for stituting a continuation of the marginal rein stretching, in order to facilitate the putting on forcements of the lower portion of the girdle as of the girdle, the rear part of which must pass 50 illustrated in Fig. 12. Any suitable means may over the buttocks when being pulled on and off. be employed to attach the gripping part of the All the marginal edges of the girdle are prefer garters to these stretchable ribbon-like portions. ably reinforced, and in the embodiments herein Fig. 6d shows a manner of attachment in which shown and illustrated, these reinforcements are a gripping member 68 is attached to the garment. integrally formed with the body of the girdle. 55 The girdles shown in Figs. 7 and 8, have very Referring to Fig. 11, the upper margin of the gar Small openings 40, perforated through the ma ment is formed with a reinforcement 6-7 in terial of the girdles. Such girdles are especially the form of a reinforced area or member which is adapted for use under conditions where excess somewhat pear-shaped in cross section. This re perspiration is apt to be generated, e. g., for inforcement has the general character and is 60 Sports or for summer wear. These perforations made in the same manner as described and ill 40 may extend either over the entire back and lustrated in my prior U. S. Patent No. 2,086,481. front area of the girdle, or may be omitted from The reinforcement at the top of the girdle is certain portions, e. g., the contoured side por preferably considerably stronger than the rein tions 2, 3 and crotch of the garment, as shown forcements 8 at the marginal edges of the lower 65 in Fig. 7. In general, the perforated area con portion of the garment, in view of the fact that forms in contour to the outline of the girdle itself. the main pull in putting the garment on and The last row 4 of the perforations at the lower taking it off, is at the top of the garment. The part of the girdle are separated from the lower reinforcement at the top also serves to help marginal edge of the girdle by a marginal por prevent the top from rolling down in use. The 70 tion 42, while a marginal portion 43 separates reinforcing edges at the lower portion of the the perforated center portion of the girdle from garment and around the crotch are illustrated in the larger perforations f5 in the crotch portion 6. cross section in Fig. 12, and are preferably similar The skirt portions of the girdle which cover the to those described and illustrated in my prior - buttocks are also provided with contoured fields U. S. Patents Nos. 2,015,632 and 2,086,481 and may 75 of perforations which in the examples shown in 4. 2,360,786 Figs. 7 and 8 conform in shape with the curved in U. S. Patent No. 2,015,648 or by the acid edges 8 of the lower portion of the girdle. These coagulation method or through the use of pre perforations 40 may be described as pin-point vulcanized liquid latex, etc., etc. perforations, and in practice each hole may be The form for making the supporting girdle as of a diameter of between 4 and 20 thousandths 5 shown in Figs. 1 to 4 is illustrated in Figs, 13, of an inch. They are preferably Sufficiently 14 and 15. The form 50 is provided with hook Small that, as a practical proposition, the Wearer like form Supporting members 5 projecting cannot push a finger nail through the perfora from the top of the form. Fig. 13 illustrates tions in the act of pulling of the girdle onto the that face of the form upon which is generated body. Also perforations of sizes within this range 10 the front of the girdle. It will be noted that are inherently too Small to admit or cause forma bOSSes constituting slightly elevated surfaces 52, tion of welt.S on the skin of the constricted flesh. 52, project abruptly outward from the main form Thus, there is eliminated the possibility of acci generating surface 50. These bosses, which de dental tearing which might occur were the per fine the reinforced marginal edges of both the forations large enough to admit a finger nail. lower front portion of the girdle and the front In Fig. 8, minute perforations 40 are employed face of the Crotch 7, are provided with substan similar to those shown in Fig. 7, but the crotch tially perpendicular walls 56 joining the surfaces itself carries a field of small perforations 44 52 with the surface 50 of the form. As will be which correspond in position with the marginal Seen from Figs. 12 and 14 the contoured wall contour of the crotch. These small perforations 20 portion 56 is provided with a sharp outside cor or pin-point openings are analogous, to a certain ner or edge 57 at its junction with the elevated extent, with the pores of the skin, and permit surface of the boSS 52; also there is a sharp, sub of a certain amount of breathing of the skin stantially right angle, inside corner 58 provided through the girdle. These Small perforations where the Wall 56 projects outward from the are preferably spaced about A inch away from 25 main surface of the form 50. Fig. 15 shows the one another, although of course they may be rear generating surface of the form 50, provided either closer together or farther apart. All per with bosses 53, 53, projecting abruptly outwards forating is preferably done by a perforating ma therefrom, for defining the rear skirt and crotch chine after the girdle has been deposited and portions. As will be noted from Fig. 14, the removed from the form and preferably after it 30 contoured Walls 59 form a continuation of the has been vulcanized. walls 56 and project abruptly outwards in like One of the advantages of employing latex ma manner terminating in a sharp outer edge 60. terial in forming the walls of the girdle, is that The functional purpose of the above described this material does not greatly interfere with the construction for forming the reinforced edges paSSage of Sensations to the body; therefore the 35 of the type shown in Fig. 12 is clearly set forth Wearer is conscious of the sensations of touch in my U. S. Patents Nos. 2,015,632 and 2,086,481 and other Sensations through the walls of the and therefore will not be dealt with here. girdle. Such sensations cannot generally be Referring once more to Figs. 13, 14 and 15, it transmitted through the walls of the material will be noted that the lower portion of the main in the so-called elastic textile girdles or heavy 40 garment generating surfaces of the form 50 ter rubber girdles used for constricting the body. minate abruptly in the sharp contoured line The girdles according to the invention here edges 54 and 55 which join one another at the shown are one-piece garments having an all-way sides of the form. These abrupt edges serve to Stretch, in contrast with prior one-piece or com form the reinforced upper marginal edges of the posite girdles having one-way or two-way stretch. 45 girdle, as shown in Fig. 11. The method by The girdle is seamless and has a continuous inner which this type of reinforced edge is formed, surface which is contiguous to the skin of the is fully described in my U. S. Patents Nos. Wearer So that in use a unitary surface is always 2,015,632 and 2,086;481. presented against the body with no ridges or Figs. 17-20 show modified front and back por Seams Sticking into the skin. The appendant 50 tions of the forms upon which a garter support portions of the girdle, e. g., the crotch, garter ing girdle may be formed as shown in Fig. 6. tabs, etc., are preferably integral with and form Since the lower part of the forms, upon which continuous Surfaces with the surfaces of the the upper portion of the garment is generated, girdle, while the reinforcing at the top and bot are all identical with that of the form of Figs. ton edges is such as to form a beveled continua 55 13, 14 and 15, and since the only difference be tion of the outer surface and does not form ob tween the forms pertains to a modification of jectionable ridges which would be uncomfortable the upper bosses, these alone will be described. and even visible through the wearer's clothing. As will be seen in Fig. 17, the front generating According to the invention the preferred forms Surface of the form 6 f is provided at its upper shown herein are made of liquid latex, a water 60 portion with two elevated and contoured boss dispersion of rubber or the like, that is to say, members 62, 62, which closely resemble those the article is made of liquid latex deposited on of Fig. 13, except that the bosses 62 have elon a form, e. g., by dipping the form into liquid gated, ribbon-like channels 63 extending up latex under proper conditions to deposit a suit Wards therein, which constitute an integral con able film thereon. This deposited film is then 65 tinuation of the garment generating surface 6 dried on the form, and again dipped into the and which Serve to form the garter tabs 22a of liquid latex, and so on successively, until the Fig. 6. The tabs 22, integral with the rear skirt desired thickness, as hereinafter described, has portion of the girdle, are formed by similar up been built up. There may be incorporated in Wardly projecting channels 65, 65, Fig. 18, cut the liquid latex suitable vulcanizing materials; 70 through the elevated surface of the boss members thus the article after being formed may be vul 66. Due to the limited depth of the members canized, e. g., by dipping the forms in a heated 66, as contrasted with the relative length of the fluid or by subjecting the forms to the action tab 22 of Fig. 6, it is necessary either to extend of Steam. The dipping may be accomplished by the bosses upwards in the form of lugs as shown any known method, e. g., the method described 5 in Figs. 17 and 18, or to carry the ribbon-like 2,360,736 5 channels, for the tabs 22, up around over and about /1000 to 80/1000 of one inch. So long as downward (Figs. 20 and 19). That is to say, in the thickness of the latex walls of the girdle lies order to form a long enough skirt-portion tab Substantially within these ranges, the girdle it 22 without resorting to extending lugs, each tab Self Will be strong enough to supportingly hold forming recess 65a which is a continuation of in the muscles and loose flesh of the body of the the garment generating surface 6a, extends up Wearer to the desired extent, and will be suf ward through the extent of the rear boss and ficiently flexible to be pulled on and off and to then Over across and down into the front bosses adapt itself to the movements of the body with 62a of Fig. 19. It is to be understood that if in Out inordinately resisting such movements. tegral reinforcements, such as that of Fig. 12, O Generally Speaking, the walls of the girdle of the are desired on all the lower marginal edges of invention are about twice as thick as the latex the girdle of Fig. 6, it is necessary that all i,he material used, say, for latex baby pants, where outwardly projecting wall portions of the bosses the purpose is not to constrict or support the be constructed in accordance with the descrip baby's flesh in any way, but merely to prevent tion thereof pertaining to Figs. 13-15, and as 5 moisture from the cloth diaper enclosed by the shown by Fig. 12. pants from Soaking through the latex film con The dipping process and the further steps in stituting the pants. A further advantage which the process of manufacture will be understood results from the use of a girdle, the walls of by those skilled in the art, and follows along the which have a thickness in the above neighbor general lines of the patents already listed above. 20 hood, is the fact that the tendency of body per The improved hollow liquid latex girdle pre Spiration and fat secretions to destroy the latex sents the advantage that because the latex ma material is resisted for all practical purposes. terial in the finished girdle absorbs a certain The seamless hollow, dipped, latex girdle of amount of moisture, the girdle does not become the invention possesses the characteristic of be inordinately hot to wear, owing to the fact that 25 ing stretchable in every direction in any given as a result of this mentioned absorption of body Square centimeter of area. This is very impor moisture. a measure of evaporation can take tant, because it lends to the girdle the novel place which keeps the girdle from becoming un property of being able to mold the body at any comfortable, notwithstanding the fact that it is given point in a more evenly distributed manner worn directly against the skin and in supporting 30 than any girdles now on the market, for these or constricting relation thereto. These water have only a one-way stretch or at most a two absorption and evaporation properties of latex, Way stretch, as a result of which their constrict which make for comfort in wearing the improved ing effect is not evenly distributed. This usually girdle, are not characteristic of girdles made of results in an awkward and uneven distribution of ordinarv masticated crude rubber, even assuming 35 the flesh, often producing discomfort to the for purposes of comparison that both girdles Wearer and thus defeating the purpose for which would have the same dry rubber content percen a girdle is worn. tage. A further advantage of the all-way stretch The tensile strength of the improved liquid ability of the material resides in the girdle's latex girdle in accordance with this invention, 40 adaptability to infinite variations in the shapes as compared with the tensile strength of a gir of the various wearers, thus enabling only a re dle made from ordinary masticated crude rubber, atively Small number of different size models to and of comparable thickness and dry rubber Con fit most of the sizes of the female body for tent, is much greater, so that a much firmer which there is a demand. This is in contract Constricting effect is obtained gauge for gauge With the usual type of girdle now on the market from the liquid latex girdle. As a result, the liq where, owing to the limited stretchability of uid latex girdle in accordance with the inven the elastic fabric or the like of which they are tion can be made considerably lighter in weight made, a large number of model sizes are neces and considerably more flexible than an ordinary Sary. Because of the all-way stretch charac crude rubber girdle doing the same work. 50 teristic of the present girdle, it has been found The ageing qualities of the improved liquid On careful experimentation, that one size, prop latex girdle are much superior and very marked erly proportioned, will fit three or four of the as compared with a girdle made of ordinary or usual different sizes of women, such as would masticated crude rubber of comparable thick require three or four different sizes of girdles ness and dry rubber content, particularly in the made of one-way or two-way stretch material. presence Of perspiration, and accompanying body This presents great advantages in merchandis fat which exudes to the surface of the skin, and ing, since it is not necessary for the retailer to at the body temperature of the Wearer. Fur carry So many sizes in stock. It is also a great thermore, by making the girdle of dipped liquid advantage in reducing the cost of manufacture, latex on a form, no seams are present, and the 60 since only a relatively few sizes need be manu absence of Such seams is very inportant in a factured. Furthermore, due to the all-way constricting garment of this kind, because such stretch of this material, as compared with the Seans tend to open up in the presence of per usual type of girdle having only a one-way or spiration. Moreover, it is generally necessary two-way stretch, which tends to force the body to reinforce such seams, which reinforcements in to take up the lines of the girdle rather than the turn may tend to press in on the skin, calising lines of the body, the girdle of the present inven chafing irritation, and markings thereon. tion does not hold out the promise of new lines The liquid latex material constituting the walls for the Wearer, a promise that cannot be depend of the girdle is considerably thicker than has ably fulfilled, but rather gives her her own lines been heretofore usually employed in the manu 70 "slimmed down' and properly firmed. facture of garments from liquid latex, e. g., baby Moreover, whereas conventional girdles are nants, bib; or sheets. The liquid latex employed worn mostly by women who are either fat, heavy, is preferably about 2/1000 of one inch thick, al or stout, the present girdle goes considerably though good results can be obtained with thick beyond the mere function of providing support nesses of latex material in the neighborhood of 5 for such persons; for in addition to this, it also 6 2,360,736 helps to firm a relatively lean body grown flabby. ened inner surface as shown in Fig. 16. Such through lack of exercise. At the same time it . girdles with the roughened inner surfaces are improves the posture of the wearer through the preferably formed by dipping the girdle on a firming action of the all-way stretch, latex ma 'form, the outer surface of which is sand-blasted, terial comprising the Walls of the girdle. - s and the perforations are made at a later stage Furthermore, in accordance with the invention, of the process of manufacture (after the girdle the hollow, dipped, liquid latex girdle presents has been stipped off the form) by means of a an extremely Smooth Outer surface which, when suitable perforating die. These advantages re the girdle is stretched over the body of the Wearer, Sulting from the use of a roughened inner sur provides a smoothness of surface which results in O face of the latex material, will be present irre a smooth sliding contact between this outer sur spective of whether the girdle is made seamless face of the girdle and the fabric garment that is or otherwise, he roughened inner surface of worn immediately over it. As a result, the gar the latex girdle also provides the advantage that ment worn above the girdle does not tend to 'ride it tends to prevent the girdle from "riding up' up' and over the girdle, as it can slide freely 5 on the skin of the Wearer. thereon. This smooth outer surface also gives It is further to be noted that the girdle in the girdle a very attractive appearance. accordance with the invention can be readily Moreover, according to the invention, the in washed after use, and dried by means of patting side surface of the latex walls of the girdle pref with a towel, so that it is very easy to keep the erably has a less smooth texture than the out girdle clean, and the drying takes place so rap side, which texture, being of a more "matted' idly that the girdle can be worn almost imme character, tends to produce a better feel to the diately after it has been dried off. This advan skin and better moisture absorbent qualities. tage is of considerable importance when con It is desired to produce a very decided differ trasted with the type of girdle now commonly ence of texture between the inside Strface of the in use, employing elastic or textile materials in girdle and the outer surface thereof, and the which considerable time is required for drying. invention also contemplates a girdle made from The nature of the latex film employed herein is liquid latex having a smooth outer surface and Such that it can be washed frequently, even in a roughened inner surface next to the skin. This hot water, without Substantially deteriorating its roughened inner surface of the girdle may be 30 desired properties. produced by roughening the surface of the form While the invention has been described herein on which the girdle is generated. The form may with reference to a number of preferred embodi be either sand-blasted, etched, or given a rough ments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in surface in any suitable manner; e. g., it might be the art that other modifications may be made made of unglazed porcelain. When wearing a 35 Without departing from the Spirit of the inven latex or rubber garment next to the skin, women tion or the scope of the appended claims. It will claim that such articles seem to be hot in the also be understood that the drawings appended summer and cold in the winter. Many of these hereto are for purposes of illustration only and complaints are born of sheer prejudice, in which that the dimensions therein shown are merely for the sense of touch seems to play a very impor 40 purposes of illustration, and not necessarily the tant part. Thus, a smooth surface Seems to give actual dimensions employed in practice. the impression on touch that the product will I claim: either be hot; or on a cold day, that it will be 1. An integral one-piece Supporting girdle cold to the wearer, a point on which Women. Seen formed of deposited latex sheet material of a to be very sensitive. Moreover, when made with 45 strength and shape throughout to apply con an inner surface that is roughened as described strictive force to the flesh around the lower torso above, the latex absorbs more body moisture be Of the wearer, the external Surfaces of Said sheet cause the absorbing surface in contact with the naterial being Snooth and the inside Surfaces body is greater in area than a corresponding thereof being of a slightly roughened matted smooth surface. Also there seems to be a direct 50 character for contact with the skin of the wearer. relationship between the condition of the Sur 2. An integral One-piece Supporting girdle face of the girdle in contact with the body and the formed of deposited latex sheet material of a surface tension of the body moisture, that acci Strength and shape throughout to apply con mulates between this surface and the skin, thus Strictive force to the flesh around the lower torso the amount of moisture absorbed is greater for 55 of the wearer, the internal surfaces of said sheet a given area in a given time if the inner latex material being of a matted character and such surface is roughened. as to provide in contact with the skin an inter Improved advantages are obtainable by the use connected cellular formation. of a girdle having the small perforations illus 3. As an article of manufacture, a one-piece trated in the embodiments of Figs. or 8, con 60 deposited latex supporting girdle formed of con bined with latex material having a roughened stricting walls, comprising a constricting front inner surface. A small portion of the wall of a portion and a constricting back portion each girdle made of this material is illustrated in Fig. formed as normally flat areas the sides of which 16. It is to be understood that any of the girdles Substantially conform to the outlines of the lower illustrated in the drawings may be made of this 65 female torso as viewed from the front or back, latex material, which provides for a very con and narrow areas extending along each side of siderable absorption of body moisture, due to an the girdle, said latter areas being formed with a unimpeded flow of noisture towards the small Smoothly curved outwardly convex substantially apertures 40, which flow is accelerated by the uniform cross section and Serving to integrally roughened inner surface 45, that may be de zo join the corresponding sides of said front and scribed as “connecting-cellular.' The best re back portions and Smoothly merging therewith, sults for absorption of and dissipation of body a readily stretchable narrow crotch area of the moisture are therefore to be found in the girdles deposited latex, extending as a continuous and of the type illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8, in con integral connection between the lower central bination with the latex material having a rough- 75 regions of Said front and back portions, the edges 2,360,786 7 of the front of said crotch area extending up of tension in the girdle areas from place to place. wardly and gradually outwardly to merge with 5. An integral one-piece supporting girdle and form the lower edges of the middle front por formed of deposited latex sheet material of a tion of the girdle from whence said edges continue strength and shape throughout to apply gener outwardly and downwardly to the region of said ally uniform constrictive force to the flesh around side areas of the girdle, thereby forming curvi the lower torso of the wearer, and a plurality of linear cut-out areas at each side of the lower garter tabs projecting downwardly from and middle front portion, the upper margins of Said integrally formed as a part of the same layer of cut-out areas Substantially conforming with the sheet material With the lower marginal edges, the line of juncture of the upper thighs and body 10 Side edges of Said tabs extending upwardly and of the wearer and said cut-out areas also increas gradually outwardly along Smooth curves merg ing the effective length of said stretchable crotch ing into said marginal edges at the areas of junc area, Said crotch area also being Shaped and of a ture of the tabs therewith, whereby the down length to extend down substantially below the Ward tensions applied to each tab will be widely lower margin of the back portion when the girdle 5 distributed over the lower marginal areas of the is in flat position. girdle without abrupt differences of tension in 4. An integral one-piece supporting girdle the girdle areas from place to place, said marginal formed of deposited latex sheet material of a edges and tab Side edges which merge therewith strength and shape throughout to apply con being formed with a reenforcement of substan Strictive force to the flesh around the lower torSO 20 tially uniform cross section comprising thicken of the wearer, and a plurality of garter tabs form ing of the latex at Said edges. ing integral continuations of the same layer of 6. An integral one-piece supporting girdle sheet material and projecting downwardly from formed of deposited latex of a strength and shape the lower marginal edges of the girdle, the side throughout to apply generally uniform constric edges of Said tabs extending upwardly and gradu 25 tive force to the flesh around the lower torSO of ally Outwardly along Smooth curves merging into the wearer, the front and back areas being formed said marginal edges at the areas of juncture of with “pin-point' perforations distributed there the tabs and the lower edges of the girdle, where over, and the inside Surfaces of the latex being by the downward tensions applied to each tab will of a slightly roughened matted character. be widely distributed over the lower marginal 30 'areas of the girdle without abrupt differences ABRAHAM. N. SPANEL,