Device and method used to temporarily alter the fit or style of a garment

Abstract

A device and method used to temporarily alter the fit or style of a garment is provided. The device includes a rounded form constructed of a rigid material. The rounded form has a width, a length, a hollow center and an inner edge and an outer edge. The device also includes a continuous elastic band configured to allow the form to pass through it as it is wrapped multiple times securely around the garment fabric. The device provides two methods of application, both of which effectively cinch excess fabric and minimize the bulk by hiding the excess fabric under the garment and holding it flat and smooth. The device remains invisible under clothing and can easily be removed and reused without damage to the garment.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device used to temporarily alter the fit or style of a garment comprising:
 a rounded form comprised of a rigid material, wherein the rounded form has a width, a length, a hollow center portion, an inner edge, and an outer edge;   an elastic band comprised of a continuous band that has adequate elasticity such that the elastic band is configured to stretch around the rounded form as it is wrapped multiple times around the garment's fabric and hold the fabric securely around the rounded form;   around the rounded element; and,
 wherein a first mode of operation, the rounded form is configured to be placed against the outer fabric of the garment and secured there by the elastic band which is wrapped multiple times around the inner fabric of the garment, securely holding the rounded form in place, cinching the garment and creating a ruching or gathering at a single location of the device; and, 
 wherein a second mode of operation, the rounded form is placed against the outer fabric of the garment and the excess fabric of the garment is passed through the hollow center portion of the rounded form, then wrapped around the rounded form and secured with the elastic band resulting in a rosette on the outside of the garment. 
   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , where the rounded form will spread and hold the excess fabric flat to minimize bulk. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the rounded form has a hollow circular or decorative shape in the hollow center portion that is large enough for the excess fabric to pass through. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the size of the rounded form determines the amount of fabric to be cinched so that the user can reliably cinch a specified amount of fabric. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the rounded form is a circle, and the length and the width are equal allowing the user to cinch the garment an equal amount in all directions. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the rounded form is an oval or ellipse, and the length is greater than the width, allowing the user to cinch a varying width and length of the garment by rotating the rounded form as desired. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the rounded form structurally prevents the elastic band from slipping off the fabric even if tension is applied to the garment. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , where the device is hidden under the fabric. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the rounded element has a hollow circular or decorative shape in the center portion. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the outer edge comprises a rounded smooth edge configured to minimize damage to the garment. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the rounded form has a varying thickness, wherein the thickness at the outer perimeter edge is greatest. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the rigid non-metal material is lightweight such that drag is minimized on the garment. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the rounded form is one of: transparent, nude, or a color matching the garment such that the device is not visible through the fabric layer of the garment. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the rounded outer edge is free of ridges, sharp corners, or rough edges to minimize damage to the garment. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the length and the width are between 1 and 6 inches. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the length and the width are between 0.5 and 12 inches. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the rounded form includes text, graphics or sizing corresponding to the length and the width of the rounded form. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the rounded form is thin such that it minimizes bulk under the garment. 
     
     
         19 . A method comprising steps:
 a. providing a rounded form comprised of a rigid material, wherein the rounded form has a width, a length, a hollow center portion, an inner edge, and an outer edge;   b. providing an elastic band comprised of a continuous band;   c. providing a garment having fabric having an outer surface and an inner surface   d. placing the rounded form against the outer surface of the fabric; and,   e. wrapping the elastic band multiple times around the inner surface of the fabric such that the rounded form is completely encased in fabric cinching the garment and creating a ruching or gathering at a single location.   
     
     
         20 . A method comprising steps:
 f. providing a rounded form comprised of a rigid material, wherein the rounded form has a width, a length, a hollow center portion, an inner edge, and an outer edge;   g. providing an elastic band comprised of a continuous band;   h. providing a garment having fabric having an outer surface and an inner surface   i. placing the rounded form against the outer surface of the fabric;   j. passing the excess fabric of the garment through the hollow center portion;   k. wrapping the excess fabric around the rounded form   l. securing the excess fabric with the elastic band resulting in a rosette on the outside of the garment.