Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Brassiere
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119 of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/007,000, filed February 8, 2008, for which a petition to
convert from
provisional to non-provisional application was filed on January 16, 2009, and
priority
under 35 U.S.C. 119 to European Community Design Registrations 000984505-
0001
and 000984505-0001, registered August 8, 2008, which claim priority to U.S.
Provisional
Application No. 61/007,000, filed February 8, 2008. The entireties of U.S.
Provisional
Application No. 61/007,000 and European Community Design Registrations
000984505-
0001 and 000984505-0001 are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention is directed to brassieres. More particularly, this invention is
directed to brassieres that offer extra support for large women.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Brassieres, or bras, provide support and enhance the shape of the breasts.
Bras
and similar undergarments have long been known. While the details of
construction of
bras may vary, the basic structure is two cups which cover and hold the
breasts, two bra
bands, which are coupled to the sides of the cups and wrap around the wearer,
and a
closure, which attaches the two bands to each other in the middle of the back
along the
spine. Many bras also have shoulder straps, under wires, a center gore, and a
frame.
There are several problems with the construction of the basic bra, especially
for
larger sized wearers. Often, the weight of the breasts causes the shoulder
strap to move
forward, which pulls the bra band up higher on the back of the wearer than
intended.
This may be uncomfortable for the wearer, may cause the breasts to sit lower
than
desired, and may prevent much of the support that the bra was intended to
provide.
Another problem caused by the basic construction is that the bra band applies
so
much pressure on the area under the wearer's arm that flesh and fat are
displaced and
bulge out from the band. This can be uncomfortable for the wearer and the
effects can
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often be seen through clothing, provide an undesirable look and feeling of
embarrassment
for the wearer.
Thus, there is a need in the art for a bra, especially for larger women, that
provides adequate support, stays in place, and is comfortable for the wearer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is related to brassieres having an inner bra band and an
outer bra band.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the accompanying drawings that form a part of the specification and are to
be
read in conjunction therewith, the present invention is illustrated by way of
example and
not limitation, with like reference numerals referring to like elements,
wherein:
Figures 1(a) - 1(cc) illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
Figures 2(a) - 2(q) illustrate another exemplary embodiment of the invention.
Figures 3(a) - 3(w) illustrate a strapless embodiment of the invention.
Figures 4(a) - 4(f) are sketches illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the
invention.
Figures 5(a) - 5(111) are sketches illustrating a strapless embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a bra that provides support and comfort to wearers,
especially larger wearers. While bras can be worn by either males or females,
and by
either children or adults, they are generally worn by adult females. Thus, in
the following
description, the terms "women," "woman," "her," and "she" may be used to
describe the
wearer of the bra. This is meant for simplicity and clarity and is not
intended to exclude
men, girls, or boys, or to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
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As used herein, the term "cups" refers to the two portions of the bra that
cover
and hold the breasts. A cup may cover the entire breast or only a portion of
the breast.
As used herein "bra bands" refers to the portion of the bra that extend from
the
outer base of the cups, around the woman, and secure in the back, usually
along the spine.
Bra bands may be distinct from the cups or they may be an extension of the
cups.
As used herein the term "inner bra band" refers to the bra band that
originates at a
point closer to the woman than the outer bra band.
As used herein the term "outer bra band" refers to the bra band that
originates as a
point further from the woman than the inner bra band.
As used herein, the term "shoulder straps" refers to straps that are coupled
to the
upper portion of the cups and extend over the shoulders. The other ends of the
shoulder
straps may attach to the bra bands in the back or to each other behind the
neck.
As used herein, the terms "closure" and "clasp" refer to the device or
mechanism
used to couple the bra bands to each other or the shoulder straps to each
other, usually
along the spine of a woman.
As used herein the term "underwire" refers to a "wire" which runs under the
lower portion of the cup to provide additional support and shape. The "wire"
can be
made out of a variety of materials including, but not limited to metals,
plastic, or a
combination thereof. The wires may be flexible or they may be rigid.
As used herein the term "frame" refers to material surrounding other
components
of the bra that offer stability or support.
As used herein the term "bone" refers to a support structure inserted into the
material of a bra to provide stability, maintain rigidity, and/or maintain the
width of the
material into which it is inserted.
As used herein, when referring to a bra, the terms "right or right side" refer
to the
right side of the garment as worn. For example, the right cup would cover a
woman's
right breast.
As used herein, when referring to a bra, the terms "left or left side" refer
to the
left side of the garment as worn. For example, the left cup would cover a
woman's left
breast.
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As used herein, when referring to a bra, the term "front" refers to the
portion of
the bra that would be covering the front of a woman. For example, the cups are
at the
front of the bra.
As used herein, when referring to a bra, the term "back" refers to the portion
of
the bra that would be covering the back of a woman. For example, the "closure"
is
generally located at the back of a bra.
As used herein, when referring to a bra, the term "side" refers to the portion
of the
bra that would be covering the side of woman, such as the area under the arm.
For
example, at least a portion of the bra band is generally at the side of the
bra. Thus, the
right side of a bra covers the right side of a woman and the left side of a
bra covers the
left side of a woman.
The bra of the present invention includes two cups and two bra bands,
including
an inner bra band and an outer bra band. Each bra band is generally made up of
two
panels, a right bra band panel and a left bra band panel. Each inner bra band
panel is
attached to the corresponding cup, preferably originating at the bottom center
of the cup,
and continues in an upward and outward direction around the side of a woman.
The inner
bra band provides support and lifts the breasts and also reduces the amount of
bulging
that occurs with a bra with only a single bra band.
Each outer bra band panel is coupled to the side portion of the corresponding
cup
and continues in a horizontal direction around the woman. The outer bra bands
can be
directly or indirectly attached to the corresponding cup or they can be
extensions of the
corresponding cup.
The inner bra band and the outer bra band may be coupled to each other at the
point where the outer bra band is coupled to the cup. In one embodiment, this
attachment
may continue until the point where the inner bra band is no longer covered by
the outer
bra band. In another embodiment, this coupling may terminate at a point prior
to the
point where the inner bra band is no longer covered by the outer bra band. The
outer bra
band panels "hug" a woman around the sides of her upper rib cage and attach to
each
other at her spine.
In one embodiment, the inner bra band panels may attach to each other. In one
embodiment, the attachment is at a woman's spine, preferably above the point
of
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attachment of the outer bra band panels. A bra may or may not have shoulder
straps. If a
bra has shoulder straps, in one embodiment the shoulder straps may attach to
each other
at the woman's spine and the inner bra band panels may attach to the shoulder
straps on
each side of the woman's spine. In another embodiment, the shoulder straps may
attach
to the inner bra bands and the inner bra bands may attach to each other at a
point along
the woman's spine.
In other embodiments, the inner bra bands, the outer bra bands, and/or the
shoulder straps may be single continuous pieces of material that are coupled
to the right
cup at one end and to the left cup at the other end. In other words, they may
be single
panels rather than a combination of right and left panels. In still other
embodiments, the
inner bra band panels, the outer bra band panels, and/or the shoulder straps
may attach at
a point other than the woman's spine.
The following figures and description are intended to illustrate preferred
embodiments of the invention. It should be noted that such figures and
description are
not intended in any way to limit the scope of the invention. Further, it will
be apparent
that the invention may be implemented in other bra styles as well as in swim
suits, gym
apparel, evening wear, and other garments capable of accommodating a built-in
bra.
Figures 1(a) - 1(cc) illustrate one embodiment of the invention. Figure 1(a)
illustrates the front/right portion of a bra 100. The left side of the bra
will be a mirror
image of the right side. Illustrated in Figure 1(a) is a right cup 110, a
right shoulder strap
120, a right outer bra band panel 130, and a right inner bra band panel 140.
The cup 110
may be made of any material suitable for a bra cup and may be of any style.
The cup
may or may not be molded. In a preferred embodiment, the cup is molded. In one
embodiment, the cup has a push up insert. The cup may or may not contain an
under
wire. In a preferred embodiment, the cup contains an under wire.
Attached to the upper portion of the cup 110 is a shoulder strap 120. The
shoulder strap 120 may be attached to any portion of the cup that allows the
strap to sit
over the woman's shoulder 150. Alternatively, the shoulder strap 120 may be
coupled to
the cup 110 via another portion or portions of the bra 100 that are attached
to the cup 110.
In other words, the shoulder strap 120 need not be attached directly to the
cup 110. The
shoulder strap 120 may be permanently affixed to the bra 100 or it may be
removable. In
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a preferred embodiment, the shoulder strap 120 is removable from the bra 100.
The
shoulder strap 120 may be made of any material suitable for a shoulder strap.
In a
preferred embodiment, the shoulder strap 120 is made of a gel material.
Also attached to the cup 110 is the outer bra band panel 130. The outer bra
band
panel 130 may be attached to any portion of the cup 110 that allows the bra to
be held in
place. Alternatively, the outer bra band panel 130 may be coupled to the cup
with
another portion or portions of the bra 100 that are attached to the cup 100.
In other
words, the outer bra band panel 130 need not be attached directly to the cup
110. In a
preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 1(a) the outer bra band 130 is an
extension of
the cup 110. In another preferred embodiment, the outer bra band panel 130
originates at
the bottom center of the inside of the cup 110. In a most preferred
embodiment, the outer
bra band panel 130 originates at the bottom center front of the inside of the
cup 110. The
outer bra band panel 130 may be made of any material suitable for an outer bra
band. In
a preferred embodiment, the outer bra band panels 130 are made of micro-fiber.
In a
most preferred embodiment, the micro-fiber is a double microfiber material.
Attached to the bottom center of the inside of the cup 110 is the inner bra
band
panel 140. In a preferred embodiment, the inner bra band panel 140 originates
at the
bottom center front of the inside of the cup 110. The inner bra band panel 140
lifts and
supports the breast and holds the flesh and skin under a woman's arm in place.
The inner
bra band 140 may be attached to any portion of the cup 110 that allows the
inner bra
band panel 140 to support the breast. Alternatively, the inner bra band panel
140 may be
coupled to the cup 110 with another portion or portions of the bra 100 that
are attached to
the cup 110. In other words, the inner bra band panel 140 need not be attached
directly to
the cup 110. In a preferred embodiment, however, the inner bra band panel 140
is
attached to the cup 110. In a most preferred embodiment, the inner bra band
panel 140 is
attached to the cup 110 from the point of initial attachment at the bottom of
the cup all
the way out to the end of the cup. At this point, the inner bra band panel 140
may
separate from the bra 100 or, in a preferred embodiment, may be attached to
the
corresponding outer bra band panel 130. The inner bra band panel 140 may be
made of
any material suitable for an inner bra band. In a preferred embodiment, the
inner bra
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band panels 140 are made of micro-fiber. In a most preferred embodiment, the
micro-
fiber is a double microfiber material.
Figure 1(b) illustrates the back right portion of the bra illustrated in
Figure 1(a).
The back left side of the bra will be a mirror image of the right side. In
this embodiment,
the right outer bra band panel 130 attaches to the left outer bra band panel
(not shown) at
a point along the spine 160 of the woman. The right and left outer bra band
panels may
be attached with any mechanism capable of attaching two panels. In a preferred
embodiment, the attachment mechanism is a hook 170 and eye (not shown)
mechanism.
In another embodiment, the outer bra band may be a single panel with no point
of
attachment.
The shoulder straps 120 attach to each other at a point along the spine 160 of
the
woman above the point of attachment of the outer bra band panels. The right
and left
shoulder straps may be attached with any mechanism capable of attaching two
shoulder
straps. In a preferred embodiment, the attachment mechanism is a hook 170 and
eye (not
shown) mechanism. In another embodiment, the shoulder strap may be a single
strap
with no point of attachment. The mechanism of attachment may be the same
mechanism
used to attach the outer bra band panels or it may be a different mechanism.
In one
embodiment, the shoulder straps contain one or more bones 180 which, among
other
things, provide rigidity to the shoulder straps 120.
In this embodiment, the inner bra band panel 140 is attached to the outer bra
band
panel 130 until a portion somewhere between the woman's spine and her side.
The inner
bra band panel 140 attaches to the shoulder strap 120 at a point of attachment
190 prior to
the point at which the right and left shoulder straps attach to each other.
The inner bra
band panel 140 may be attached to the shoulder strap 120 by any mechanism
capable of
attaching them. The attachment may be permanent or it may be removable.
Figure 1(c) illustrates the back portion, including the right and left sides,
of the
bra shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b).
Figures 1(d) - 1(cc) illustrate additional views and/or variations of the bra
shown
in figures 1(a) - 1(c).
Figures 2(a) - 2(q) illustrate another embodiment of the invention. Figure
2(a)
illustrates the front, right portion of a bra 200. The left side of the bra
will be a mirror
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image of the right side. Illustrated in Figure 2(a) is a frame 205, a cup 210,
optional
seams 215, a shoulder strap 220, a side panel 235, an inner bra band panel
240.
The frame 205 may surround the cup 210 and other portions of the bra and
provide extra support and comfort. The frame 205 may be made of any material
capable
of providing support and comfort.
The cup 210 may be made of any material suitable for a bra cup and may be of
any style. The cup may or may not be molded. In one embodiment, the cup has a
push
up insert. The push up insert can be made of any material capable of pushing
up the
breast. In a preferred embodiment, the bra does not have a push up insert. The
cup may
or may not contain an under wire. In a preferred embodiment, the cup does not
contain
an under wire. The cup may or may not contain one or more seams 215. In a
preferred
embodiment the cup contains seams 215. In a most preferred embodiment, the cup
210
contains a first seam positioned horizontally across the middle of the cup and
a second
seam positioned vertically from the horizontal seam to the bottom of the cup
210.
Coupled to the upper portion of the cup 210 is a shoulder strap 220. The
shoulder
strap 220 may be attached to any portion of the cup that allows the strap to
sit over the
wearer's shoulder 250. Alternatively, the shoulder strap 220 may be coupled to
the cup
210 with another portion or portions of the bra that is attached to the cup.
In a preferred
embodiment, shoulder strap is attached to the frame 205 located at the upper
portion of
the cup 210. The shoulder strap 220 may be permanently affixed to the bra 200
or it may
be removable. In a preferred embodiment, the shoulder strap 220 is permanently
affixed
to the bra 200. The shoulder strap 220 may be made of any material suitable
for a
shoulder strap 220. In a preferred embodiment, the shoulder strap 220 is made
of a gel
material.
Also coupled to the cup is the outer bra band panel 230. The outer bra band
panel
230 may be attached to any portion of the cup 210 that allows the bra 200 to
be held in
place. Alternatively, the outer bra band panel 230 may be coupled to the cup
with
another portion or portions of the bra 200 that are attached to the cup 210.
In other
words, the outer bra band panel 230 need not be attached directly to the cup
210. In a
preferred embodiment, the outer bra band panel 130 originates at the bottom
center of the
inside of the cup 110. In a most preferred embodiment, the outer bra band
panel 130
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originates at the bottom center front of the inside of the cup 110. In a
preferred
embodiment, there is a side bone 235 where the cup 210 and the outer bra band
panel 230
meet. The side bone 235 helps to keep the width of the bra in place. The size
of the side
bone 235 may vary depending on the size of a bra 200. In a preferred
embodiment, the
side bone is 5 inches long. The outer bra band panel 230 may be made of any
material
suitable for an outer bra band. In a preferred embodiment, the outer bra band
panels 130
are made of micro-fiber. In a most preferred embodiment, the micro-fiber is a
double
microfiber material.
Attached to the bottom center of the inside of the cup is the inner bra band
panel
240. In a preferred embodiment, the inner bra band panel 140 originates at the
bottom
center front of the inside of the cup 110. The inner bra band lifts and
supports the breast
and holds the flesh and skin under the woman's arm in place. The inner bra
band panel
240 may be attached to any portion of the cup that allows the inner bra band
panel 240 to
support the breast. Alternatively, the inner bra band panel 240 may be coupled
to the cup
210 with another portion or portions of the bra 200 that are attached to the
cup 210. In
other words, the inner bra band panel 240 need not be attached directly to the
cup 210. In
a preferred embodiment, however, the inner bra band panel 240 is attached
directly to the
cup 210. In a most preferred embodiment, the inner bra band panel 240 is
attached to the
cup 210 starting at the bottom of the cup and remaining attached to the cup
all the way
out to the end of the cup. At this point, the inner bra band may separate from
the bra 200
or, in a preferred embodiment, may be attached to the outer bra band. In one
embodiment, the inner bra band panel 240 remains attached to the cup 210
and/or the
outer bra band panel 230 until it reaches the side bone 235. The inner bra
band panel 240
may be made of any material suitable for an inner bra band. In a preferred
embodiment,
the inner bra band panel 240 is made of micro-fiber. In a most preferred
embodiment, the
micro-fiber is a double micro-fiber material.
Figure 2(b) illustrates the right side portion of the bra 200 illustrated in
figure
2(a). The left side of the bra will be a mirror image of the right side. In
this embodiment,
the outer bra band panel 230 attaches to the bone 230 which is located at the
side of the
woman.
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The inner bra band panel 240 may be attached to the cup until it reaches the
bone
235. The inner bra band panel 240 cradles the breast providing lift and
support. The
inner bra band panel 240 travels up the back and away from the outer bra band
230.
Figure 2(c) illustrates the back right portion of the bra shown in figures
2(a) and
2(b). The back left side of the bra will be a mirror image of the right side.
In this
embodiment, the right outer bra band panel 230 attaches to the left outer bra
band panel
(not shown) at a point along the woman's spine 260. The right and left outer
bra band
panels may be attached with any mechanism capable of attaching bra band panels
In a
preferred embodiment, the attachment mechanism is a hook 270 and eye (not
shown)
mechanism. In another embodiment, the outer bra band may be a single panel
with no
point of attachment.
The inner bra band panels 240 attach to each other at the spine 260 of the
woman
at a point above the point of above the point of attachment of the outer bra
band panels.
In this embodiment, the inner bra band panel 240 travels up the woman's back
and is
combined with the corresponding shoulder strap 220 prior to the point where
the inner
bra band panels attach to each other. The inner bra band panels 240 may be
attached to
each other by any mechanism capable of attaching them. In a preferred
embodiment, the
mechanism is a hook 270 and eye (not shown) mechanism. In an alternative
embodiment, the inner bra band may be a single panel with no point of
attachment. In
one embodiment, the shoulder straps contain one or more bones 280 which
provide
rigidity to the shoulder straps.
Figures 2(d) - 2(q) illustrate additional views and/or variations of the bra
shown in
figures 2(a) - 2(c).
Figures 3(a) - 3(w) illustrate a strapless embodiment of the invention. Figure
3(a)
illustrates the left "butterfly" component of the strapless embodiment 300
including the
inside bra band panel 330, an inside bra band panel bone 325, a side bone 335,
the
outside bra band panel 340, an outside bra band panel bone 345, and hooks 370
and eyes
375. The size of the side bone may vary depending on the size of the bra, but
in a
preferred embodiment the side bone is 5 inches long.
Figure 3(b) illustrates the front portion of two alternative versions of the
strapless
embodiment. One version is shown covering the right breast and another version
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shown covering the left breast. The differences between the version shown on
the right
side and the left side are for illustration only of two alternative versions.
In an actual
garment, the right and left sides would be mirror images of each other. Figure
3(b)
illustrates cups 310, an inner bra band panels 340, a side bone 335, and
optional seams
315.
The cups 310 may be made of any material suitable for a bra cup. The cups may
or may not be molded. In one embodiment, the cup has a push up insert. The
push up
insert can be made of any material capable of pushing up the breast. The cup
may or may
not contain an under wire.
Attached to the bottom center of the cups are the inner bra band panels 340.
The
inner bra band panels 340 lift and supports the breasts and hold the flesh and
skin under
the woman's arm in place. The inner bra band panels 340 may be attached to any
portion of the cup 310 that allow the inner bra band panels 340 to support the
breasts.
Alternatively, the inner bra band panels 340 may be coupled to the cups 310
with another
portion or portions of the bra 300 that is attached to the cup 310. In other
words, the
inner bra band panels 340 need not be attached directly to the cups 310. In a
preferred
embodiment, however, the inner bra band panels 340 are attached to the cups
310. In a
preferred embodiment, the inner bra band panels 340 are attached to the cups
310 starting
at the bottom center of the inside of the cups and remain attached to the cups
all the way
out to the end of the cups. In another preferred embodiment, the inner bra
band panels
340 are attached to the cups 310 starting at the bottom center front of the
inside of the
cups and remain attached to the cups all the way out to the end of the cups.
The inner bra
band panels 340 may be made of any material suitable for an inner bra band
panel. In a
preferred embodiment, the inner bra band panels 340 are made of micro-fiber.
In a most
preferred embodiment, the micro-fiber is a double micro-fiber material.
Figure 3(c) illustrates the right side portion of the bra illustrated in
figure 3(b).
Figure 3(c) shows the relationship among the cup 310, the outer inner bra band
panel
330, and the outer bra band panel 340.
Figure 3(d) illustrates the back left portion of bra shown in figures 3(b) and
3(c).
In this embodiment, the left and right outer bra band panels attach to each
other at a point
along the woman's spine 260. The left and right outer bra band panels 340 can
be
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attached with any mechanism capable of attaching bra band panels. In a
preferred
embodiment, the attachment mechanism is a hook 370 and eye (not shown)
mechanism.
In another embodiment, the outer bra band may be a single panel with no point
of
attachment.
The right and left inner bra band panels attach to each other at the woman's
spine
260 at a point above the point of attachment of the left and right outer bra
band panels.
The point of attachment of the outer bra band and the point of the attachment
of the inner
bra band may overlap. The inner bra band panels may be attached to each other
by any
mechanism capable of attaching them. In a preferred embodiment, the mechanism
is a
hook 340 and eye (not shown) mechanism. In an alternative embodiment, the
inner bra
band may be a single panel with no point of attachment.
The side of the bra may contain a side bone 335 for additional support and
structure. The size of the side bone may vary depending on the size of the
bra. In a
preferred embodiment, the side bone is 5 inches long. In addition, the outer
bra band
may contain bones 345 for additional support and structure. In addition, the
inner bra
band may contain bones 325 for additional support and structure.
Figures 3(e) - 1(w) illustrate additional views and/or variations of the bra
shown
in figures 3(a) - 3(d).
Figures 4(a) - 4(f) are sketches illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the
invention.
Figures 5(a) - 5(111) are sketches illustrating a strapless embodiment of the
invention.
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