Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02801474 2013-01-10
,
.. .
BREAST ENHANCING BRASSIERE
Cross-Reference to Related Applications
[0001] This application claims priority based on United States Patent
Application
No. 13/349,717 entitled "BREAST ENHANCING BRASSIERE" filed January 13,
2012, which in turn is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application
Serial No.
12/782,156, filed on May 18, 2010, both of which are herein incorporated by
reference.
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of women's undergarments,
and,
in particular, to a brassiere having breast-receiving cups with supplemental
padding and removable cushion inserts to enhance the shape of the breasts
when the brassiere is worn.
Background of the Invention
[0003] Brassieres designed for shaping, lifting, and enhancing the appearance
of
a woman's breasts are well known in the intimate apparel arts. Brassieres
having
padding or other cushioning materials sandwiched between layers of fabric
material at the lower portions of the breast-receiving cups are sometimes worn
by
women who desire to enhance their appearance and/or accent their cleavage
without resorting to surgical procedures.
[0004] Numerous attempts have been made to advance the art of breast
enhancement; most, however, have been minimally effective, i.e., they have
resulted in an artificial look and additionally may be uncomfortable when the
brassiere is worn. The enhancement brassieres currently known in the art
incorporate similarly-dimensioned padding, cushions, gel packs, etc. into both
of
the brassiere breast-receiving cups, typically on the lower portion of each
breast-
receiving cup. Thus, while a brassiere so constructed may fit perfectly for
some
1
CA 02801474 2013-01-10
women, a "one-size-fits-all" approach frustrates many wearers by providing
either
too little or too much lift and enhancement.
[0005] Additionally, for women having unevenly sized breasts, which account
for
a significant portion of the population, wearing a brassiere where both breast-
receiving cups are identically dimensioned provides unacceptable results.
[0006] While numerous, and some costly, solutions to address these problems
have been devised, none addresses the problems of providing the desired
degree of enhancement and accommodating unevenly sized breasts, while at the
same time providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance when the brassiere is
worn and that can be manufactured at a relatively low cost.
Summary of the Invention
[0007] The present invention is directed to a breast-enhancing brassiere which
permits a wearer to select multiple levels of breast support, lift and profile
enhancement, depending upon the wearer's individual breast size(s) and desired
appearance. The breast-enhancing brassiere comprises a pair of breast-
receiving cups, with each cup including multiple cushioned layers having an
inner
breast contacting side and an outer side, at least one outer fabric layer
affixed to
the outer side of the cushioned layer, and an inner breast-contacting side
having
a lower periphery and an upper periphery. The lower periphery of each cup
includes additional cushioned thickness to provide a first level of support,
lift and
profile enhancement. The overall thickness of the cushioned layers may be
varied by cup size; e.g., a B cup will have a thicker combination of cushioned
layers than a D cup. A first pocket also is formed on the breast-receiving
side
and has a slit formed therein. A first cushion conforming substantially to the
shape of the pocket is removably insertable into the pocket, such that the
first
cushion provides a second, optional level of support, life and profile
enhancement
to the wearer of the brassiere.
2
CA 02801474 2013-01-10
[0008] In one embodiment, the first cushion has a geometric center with a
thickness that is greater than the thickness at the outer edges of the
cushion.
Another exemplary embodiment comprises a second cushion that is smaller than,
and substantially conforms to the shape of, the first cushion and is removably
insertable into a pocket within the first cushion to provide yet a third
optional level
of support, lift, and profile enhancement to the wearer.
[0009] Various features and aspects of the invention will become apparent upon
review of the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction
with
the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described as follows.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0010] Figure 1 is a front perspective, environmental view of a breast-
enhancing
brassiere formed according to the present invention.
[0011] Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the brassiere of Figure 1,
illustrating
the shape and placement of the pocket for insertion of a cushion therein.
[0012] Figure 3 is a sectional view of the brassiere of Figure 1, taken along
Line
1A-1A.
[0013] Figure 4 is a close-up view of the left brassiere cup of Figure 2,
illustrating
the placement of the slit formed in the pocket for insertion of a cushion.
[0014] Figure 5A is an elevational view of a first cushion insert.
[0015] Figure 5B is the elevational view of a second cushion insert.
[0016] Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view of the first cushion insert along
its long
axis.
[0017] Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view of the second cushion insert along
its
short axis.
[0018] Figure 7A is an elevational view of a second cushion inserted within a
first
cushion.
[0019] Figure 7B is a cross-sectional view of a second cushion inserted within
a
first cushion.
[0020] Figure 8A is an alternative embodiment of a first or second cushion.
[0021] Figure 8B is another alternative embodiment of a first or second
cushion.
3
CA 02801474 2013-01-10
Detailed Description
[0022] Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described
below and illustrated in the accompanying figures. The embodiments described
are only for purposes of illustrating the present invention and should not be
interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention, which, of course, is
limited only
by the claims below. Other embodiments of the invention, and certain
modifications and improvements of the described embodiments, will occur to
those skilled in the art, and all such alternate embodiments, modifications,
and
improvements are within the scope of the present invention.
[0023] Referring to Figure 1, the present invention is directed to a breast
enhancing brassiere, shown generally as 100. The breast enhancing brassiere
100 comprises a pair of breast-receiving cups 120, and a pair of torso-
encircling
bands 140, each torso encircling band 140 extending outwardly from a breast-
receiving cup 120. The brassiere 100 also includes a pair of shoulder straps
160,
with each shoulder strap 160 extending between one of the breast receiving
cups
120 and one of the torso-encircling bands 140. Alternatively, the breast
enhancing brassiere may be strapless. In one exemplary embodiment, the
brassiere 100 may further comprise a centrally-located gusset 130
interconnecting the pair of breast-receiving cups 120.
[0024] As best shown in Figure 2, the torso-encircling bands 140 will encircle
the
wearer's torso and interconnect at the back of the wearer with any
conventional
closure means 184, such as a hook and eye closure, hook and loop closure, etc.
Alternatively, the brassiere 100 may comprise a front closure (not shown) in
lieu
of a central gusset 130, or may comprise a continuous band without any back or
front closure means in the case of a pullover, or sports-type brassiere
construction. The torso-encircling band portions 140 and the shoulder straps
160
may be formed of conventional single or multi-layer fabrics, such as, cotton,
polyester, nylon, rayon, elastomerics, etc., natural and synthetic, and
combinations thereof.
4
CA 02801474 2013-01-10
[0025] Referring to Figure 3, a cross-sectional view of a multi-layered breast-
receiving cup 120 is shown in detail. In the embodiment shown, each breast-
receiving cup 120 comprises at least one fabric outer layer 121, which is
affixed
to a first cushioned layer 123a of lofted material. As used herein, the term
"lofted
material" includes foam (polyurethane or high density), latex rubber,
circularly
knitted and/or warp knitted single ply materials, batting, spacer fabric,
fiberfill, and
combinations thereof. In one exemplary embodiment, the fabric outer layer 121
may be laminated to the first cushioned layer 123a of lofted material by a
conventional molding process. To provide a first level of breast enhancement,
as
shown in Figure 3, the first cushioned layer 123a has a tapered cross-section,
gradually increasing in thickness from the upper periphery 124 downwardly
through the lower portion of the breast-receiving cup 120, thus projecting
inwardly, before decreasing in thickness toward the lower periphery 122. In
the
embodiment shown, a second tapered and cushioned layer 123c is adhered or
molded adjacent the first cushioned layer 123a to provide additional support
and
lift in the lower half of the cup 120. The taper of this second intermediate
cushioned layer 123c may be varied during construction of the brassiere 100 to
obtain a degree of lift desired for a particular cup 120 size. In addition to
being
formed of a lofted material, in some embodiments the second intermediate
cushioned layer 123c may comprise a packet of gel, air, oil, pellets, etc.
Alternatively, the second intermediate cushioned layer may be eliminated
altogether, e.g., for larger cup sizes such as D and DD not requiring
additional lift.
Lastly, a third and inner cushioned layer 123b, having a uniform thickness is
adhered or molded adjacent the second cushioned layer 123c to provide
additional cushioning and a substantially smooth inner cushioned surface
across
substantially the entire inner surface of the cup 120. For some wearers, the
first
level of support and lift provided by this multi-layered structure of molded
cushioning will provide sufficient and satisfactory breast profile
enhancement.
Further, the material densities of the first outer cushioned layer 123a and
the third
inner cushioned layer 123b may be varied, e.g., more dense where more support
is required, and less dense where more comfort is desired.
CA 02801474 2013-01-10
[0026] Another aspect of this exemplary embodiment of the breast-receiving cup
120 is that the maximum thickness may be varied depending upon the cup 120
size, as shown in Figure 3, the maximum thickness is dimension 'T' of the
lower
portion of the cup 120, including cushioned layers 123a, 123b, 123c, and
fabric
layers 121, 125. For example, an A-size cup will have a greater maximum
thickness than a D-size cup. It has been found that the difference in maximum
thickness between each cup size may vary by about 3/16 of an inch, or about
0.188 inches. Thus, in this embodiment, an A-size cup has a dimension 'T' of
about 0.95 inches, a B-size cup a dimension 'T' of about 0.75 inches, a C-size
cup a dimension 'T' of about 0.55 inches, and a D-cup a dimension 'T' of about
0.35 inches.
[0027] In this exemplary embodiment, the breast-receiving cup 120 also
comprises an inner fabric layer 125 that is laminated during the molding
process
to the innermost layer 123b of lofted material. The fabric layers may be
formed
from any of the commonly known yarns and fibers including, but not limited to,
cotton, polyester, nylon, rayon, elastomerics, etc., natural and synthetic,
and
combinations thereof. Methods of laminating and molding multiple layers of
varying types of materials are well known in the art.
[0028] As best shown in Figures 2 and 3, a first cushion pocket 129 is formed
over the inner breast contacting surface of the breast-receiving cup 120,
closest
to a wearer's skin, which provides additional support, lift and profile
enhancement. The first cushion pocket 129 may be substantially oval shaped
and comprises a first fabric layer 127. The fabric layer 127 is affixed about
the
lower periphery 122 of the breast-receiving cup 120 and extends upwardly to a
height 'h' that is spaced apart from the upper periphery 124 of breast-
receiving
cup 120. Extending upwardly from height 'h', the fabric layer 127 is affixed
or
laminated to the second fabric layer 125. Alternatively, the fabric layer 127
may
be shaped so that it ends at height 'h' and is stitched or bonded to the inner
fabric
layer 125. Below height 'h', the fabric layer 127 is unattached except at the
lower
periphery 122. The fabric layers 125 and 127 combined then form a
substantially
6
CA 02801474 2013-01-10
=
oval shaped pocket 129. As used herein, the phrase "substantially oval,"
refers
to any oval shape including, but not limited to, an oval, an ellipse, a
football
shape, or a vesica piscis, where the upper and lower curved edges meet at
either
rounded or pointed, opposed ends.
[0029] As best shown in Figure 4, a slit 129a is formed in the fabric layer
127 so
that a cushion insert, described in greater detail below, may be inserted into
the
pocket 129 to provide a second level of additional support, lift and profile
enhancement. In one embodiment, the slit 129a is substantially vertical. When
there is no cushion insert in the pocket 129, the fabric layer 127 may lay
substantially parallel to the inner surface of the breast-receiving cup 120.
Thus,
the fabric layer 127 may have some elastic properties so that it will be
somewhat
taut and will not sag or bunch up within the breast-receiving cup 120 when
worn.
This means that the brassiere 100 is completely functional for wear and
support
of the breasts when the wearer desires no additional breast profile
enhancement.
[0030] Turning now to Figures 5A through 6B, the breast-enhancing cushions
170, 180 are illustrated. As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, a first cushion 170
is
formed in the general shape and dimension of the pocket 129, the cushion 170
being slightly smaller than the pocket 129 so that it will fit into the pocket
129.
The cushion 170 may be substantially oval shaped. As shown in Figure 5B, the
first cushion 170 comprises a first cushion portion 172 having a lofted layer
172a
sandwiched between fabric layers 172b and 172c, and a second cushion portion
174 that is sandwiched between fabric layers 174b and 174c. The lofted and
fabric layers used to form the cushion portions 172 and 174 may be the same as
those used to construct the layers of the breast-receiving cup 120. The
cushion
portions 172, 174 may be attached to each other by stitching or bonding along
an
entire peripheral edge 176, forming another inner pocket, having a volume 177.
The first cushion 170 further comprises a geometric center 171, a length 'LI
along its long axis, and a width 'W1' along its short axis. The geometric
center
171 of the first cushion 170 may have a thickness that is greater than the
thickness at the outer peripheral edge 176, i.e., the thickness decreases from
the
7
CA 02801474 2013-01-10
geometric center 171 outwardly to the peripheral edge 176. In one embodiment,
the geometric center has a thickness of between about 0.30 inches and 0.35
inches, tapering outwardly to a thickness at the peripheral edge 176 of
between
about 0.15 inches and 0.17 inches. When constructed with a tapered thickness,
a more natural look and shape is created for each breast.
[0031] As discussed in greater detail below, if additional breast enhancement
is
desired, or alternatively, where the wearer has unevenly sized breasts and
requires additional cushioning and/or lift for one or both breasts, the first
cushion
170 may comprise a slit 178 formed through and along the short, or width 'W1'
axis, of one of the first or second cushion portions 172, 174. The slit 178
may be
a substantially vertical slit. Hems 178a, 178b may be formed along the
vertical
slit 178 to facilitate inserting a second cushion 180 into the inner volume
177.
[0032] Where yet a third level of additional support, lift and profile
enhancement is
desired, a second cushion 180 is provided having a similar oval shaped
geometry
and is dimensioned for insertion through slit 178 into the inner volume 177 of
cushion 170. As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, cushion 180 comprises a foam
layer 182a that is sandwiched between fabric layers 182b and 182c. The second
cushion 180 also comprises a geometric center 181, a length 12' along its long
axis, and a width 'W2' along its short axis. The geometric center 181 of the
second cushion 180 also has a thickness that is greater at the geometric
center
181 than the thickness of the cushion 180 at the outer periphery 186. In one
embodiment, the geometric center has a thickness of between about 0.17 inches
0.19 inches, tapering outwardly to a thickness at the peripheral edge 176 of
between about 0.10 inches and 0.11 inches. The greater thickness at the
geometric centers of the cushions 170, 180 again creates a more natural look
and shape of each breast when the brassiere 100 is worn.
[0033] Turning to Figures 7A and 7B, a composite cushion is shown, with the
second cushion 180 inserted within the first cushion 170. As shown in Figure
7B,
the combination of the first and second cushions 170, 180 increases the
8
CA 02801474 2013-01-10
thickness of the cushioning, providing additional breast enhancement to the
wearer.
[0034] Although the Figures illustrate cushions 170, 180 as being
substantially
oval with pointed edges, i.e., vesica piscis, the present invention is not
limited
thereto. Rather, as described above, the cushions may have a variety of oval
shapes, including, but not limited to exemplary embodiments such as those
shown in Figures 8A and 8B, Figure 8A illustrating an exemplary oval 270
having
rounded ends, and Figure 8B illustrating an ellipse 280.
[0035] Referring again to Figure 3, to provide even further undercup support,
an
underwire element 151 may be encased in a fabric cover 153, which is affixed
about the lower periphery 122 of each breast receiving cup 120. The underwire
element 151 may be flat or rounded, rigid or semi-rigid, plastic or metal. The
fabric cover may be formed from any suitable material that provides suitable
' cushioning for the underwire element 151 and comfort to the wearer. In the
embodiment shown, the fabric cover 153 is stitched to fabric layer 127 forming
the pocket 129.
[0036] Although the present invention has been described with an exemplary
embodiment, it is to be understood that modifications and variations may be
utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as
those
skilled in the art will readily understand. Such modifications and variations
are
considered to be within the purview and scope of the appended claims and their
equivalents.
9
