United States patent number:1004581

Current U.S. Class: 450/125



CORSET. To all whom it may concern:  Be it known that I, CHARLES WINFRED. LINSCOTT, a citizen of the United States of America, and resident of Jackson, in the county of Jackson and State of Michigan, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Corsets, of which the following is a specification.  This invention relates to improvements in corsets of that class having in connection with the corset proper, means for constricting and supporting the abdomen, and the object of the improvement is to provide a corset with an abdominal constricting and supporting device, the tension of which may be adjustably varied, and in connection with which means are provided for uncoupling the members of the device independently of the adjustable feature, the purpose being to facilitate the removal and replacement of the tension without altering its adjustment. Thus, temporary relief from the confines of the constricting and supporting device may be gained, as occasion may require, without unclasping the corset proper.  The object of the invention is accomplished by the construction illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a front elevation of a corset embodying the invention; Fig. 2 is a detail view showing the tab ends and clasp member; and Fig. 3 is a section of Fig. 2 on the line x--x thereof:  Similar numerals of reference indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views, arid referring. now to the same:--A is a corset of the usual type composed of two sides B and C, respectively, adapted to be secured together along their front edges by clasps D. Each side has one or more gores E intervening between its front edge and its outer part m the region of the hip. <P>The adjustable constricting and supporting device comprises two tabs F and G, respectively. Each tab is secured at its outer margin to the outer part of the corresponding side B--C in the region of the hip by a line of stitches as shown at <I>h</I>. The tab F has secured at its inner margin a clasp member I which consists of a metallic plate J, a portion of which extends beyond the marginal edge of the tab and has a slot K therein. A tape or strap L is looped through the rear part of the plate and extends to the opposite margin of the tab where it is secured to the corset side with the tab and reinforces the latter. A row of eyelets M serves to secure the plate and tab together. A second clasp member N is provided which has a metal hook O adapted to engage in the slot K of the former clasp member and thus secure the two clasp members together.</P> <P>The member N has at its margin, opposite the hook, a row of eyelets, P, suitable to receive the lacing string Q, and has also a top covering R of cloth to match the tabs.</P> <P>The tab G has secured at its inner margin a metallic plate S, and a reinforcing strap T, which is looped through an opening V in the plate is secured together with the tab to the corresponding side of the corset as in the former instance. The row of eyelets V hold the plate S and tab G together and are adapted also to receive the lacing string Q.</P> <P>Each of the tabs has attached at its lower edge a strap W of the usual type for supporting hose, but these may be omitted if so desired.</P> <P>In the operation of this invention the tab G is connected with the clasp member N by passing the lacing string Q in any suitable fashion through the eyelets V of the former and P of the latter, and the string is drawn sufficiently tight as to affect the desired amount of constriction, and the string is then tied. The advantage of uncoupling the tabs by means of the clasp device is apparent in view of the fact that re-lacing, or a readjustment of the lacing becomes unnecessary when a temporary release from the tension of the tabs is desired. It is only necessary to uncouple the clasp members, and this in no way affects the adjustment of the lacing string, and when the clasp members are again coupled the tension of the tabs is the same as before.</P> <P>The tabs are so formed as to produce a flattening effect upon the abdomen, and this effect may be made greater or less as desired by adjusting the lacing string. </P> <P>when a corset embodying this invention is properly fitted and the lacing string adjusted so as to effect the required tension of the tabs, temporary relief may be had from the confining pressure of the corset, when the clasp members are uncoupled, without unclasping the sides of the corset proper. </P> <P>Having described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:--</P> <P>In an article of the class described, a, corset proper; two tabs, one secured at its outer edge to one side of the corset proper and the other likewise secured to the opposite side thereof; each of said tabs having at its inner edge a metallic reinforcement; a strap reinforcement for each. tab having connection at one side of the tab with the metal reinforcement thereof and secured at the opposite side with the tab to the corset side; and a clasp having laced connection with one tab and hooked connection with the other.</P> <P>In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses. </P> <P STYLE="text-align:right;">CHARLES WINFRED LINSCOTT. </P> <P>Witnesses: <BR>  C. D. DAWSON, <BR>  MABEL C. SCOTT.</P>