Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02809572 2014-11-19
TITLE
BRASSIERE CONNECTOR DEVICE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to shortening devices,
and more
specifically to shortening devices that may be retrofitted onto existing
systems or
products to reduce a circumference or girth of those systems or products,
along with
methods of using such shortening devices.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Shortening devices may take on many forms and may be used in
conjunction with existing products. For example, a shoelace system is a system
for
shortening a distance across a tongue of a shoe; brassiere straps are known to
have
sliding adjusters to adjust the length of the straps; and brassieres ("bras")
are known to
have multiple sets of hooks or loops so as to be able to adjust the lengths of
the back
bands of a bra. Moreover, many types of clothing and undergarments utilize
methods
of presenting the size of that clothing (e.g., L ¨ Large, M ¨ Medium, S ¨
Small) and then
also provide for some existing, fixed adjustment of those presented sizes.
[0003] As an example of specifically-sized undergarments having fixed
adjustment systems, bras are classified and offered to the public in
combinations of
back band sizes and cup sizes, e.g., typically 34A-C, 36B-D, etc., where the
number
indicates the back band size and the letter indicates the cup size. Existing
coupling
systems of the bras classified under this system often allow for a limited
number of
adjustments at fixed locations on the back bands.
[0004] While the prior art has provided examples of features allowing
for limited
adjustment of undergarments, there is always room for further improvement.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Although back band adjustment systems are known, the inventors
have
realized deficiencies with such systems and have developed improvements
thereon.
For example, Applicants have realized that in the situation where a bra band
utilizes a
slide connection and adjustment mechanism similar to that generally seen on a
bra
strap, the back band often fails to maintain a constant girth of the bra
assembly during
use as the slide adjustment mechanism is subject to readjustment during
regular wear
by a user of the bra. Moreover, Applicants have realized that known adjusting
devices
fail to teach a retrofitting adjustment system that may be used to shorten or
reduce a
back band of a bra to a size at least as small as the smallest circumference
possible by
use of the original back band coupling system, while utilizing portions of
that existing
back band coupling system. Applicants have realized these, and other,
deficiencies of
the prior art back band connection and shortening devices and methods, and
have
combined the below objectives in a novel manner to provide a back band
shortening
device that may be retrofitted onto a back band of a bra.
[0006] In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the device is
directed
toward a shortening system usable with bras having particular sizes.
Generally, the
inventive device includes a releasable and adjustable connection mechanism
connected
to an extension piece of flexible material that has a back band connector
capable of
making a connection with existing back band connection mechanisms. The
connection
mechanism may be any type of connector capable of repeatedly releasing and
engaging
a first back band. For example, the releasable and adjustable connector may
have a slot
for slidingly receiving a first back band and through which the first back
band is
engaged by portions of the clip. The releasable and adjustable connector may
be any
connection mechanism that may be retrofitted onto a back band and is
adjustable along
the back band. Yet further, the clip may comprise a flat portion or base plate
that
contacts the back of a person wearing the bra. The extension may extend from a
portion
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of the clip at a first end of the extension and may include at least one set
of a back band
fasteners similar to the back band fasteners of the first back band.
[0007] In operation, an embodiment of the invention may include sliding
a first
back band having a portion of a coupling system through an opening of the clip
so that
the flat portion would contact a user of the bra assembly with the first back
band and
then releasably engaging the clip with the first back band at a position
between a first
end and a second end of the first back band. Once the clip is releasably
secured to the
first back band, the fastener extending from the extension may be connected to
a mating
fastener affixed to the second end of the second back band.
[0008] Further, the device and method may take on any configuration that is
capable of being retrofitted onto a bra so as to connect a first back band
with a second
back band in a manner that reduces the circumference or girth of the bra
assembly
comprising the first and second back bands.
[0009] An object of the invention is to provide a device that allows
for the
shortening of a circumference or girth of a combined cup assembly and back
band
assembly.
[0010] An object of the invention is to provide an improved fit of a
bra after the
bra has been stretched-out from its original form.
[0011] An object of the invention is to provide an improved fit of
undergarments
after a user has lost weight or has experienced a change in mass location
since obtaining
the undergarment.
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[0012] A further object of the invention is to provide a retrofitting
device and
method that allows for adjustable retrofitting of a shortening device onto a
back band of
an undergarment.
[0013] A further object of the invention of is to provide a
retrofitting device that
may be adjustable about a first back band and couples with existing back band
connectors of a second back band.
[0014] A further object of the invention is to provide a shortening
device that is
comfortable for a user to wear and is minimally noticeable through clothing
worn over
the undergarment.
[0015] The above summary of the present invention is not intended to
describe
each illustrated embodiment, aspect, or every implementation of the present
invention.
The figures and detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify
these and
other embodiments and further aspects of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of
the
following description of various embodiments of the invention in connection
with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of features of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a side plan view of the features in FIG. 1
[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of features of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the features in FIG. 3.
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[0021] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a further aspect of features of the
invention.
[0022] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the features in FIG.
3.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of features of the invention.
[0024] Fig. 8 is a perspective rear view of a bra arrangement utilizing
features of
the invention.
[0025] While the invention is amenable to various modifications and
alternative
forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and
will
be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention
is not
necessarily to limit the invention of the particular embodiments described.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] Referring now to Figs. 1-8, the invention is directed to a
shortening system
10 used with a bra assembly 100 of any particular size and methods of using
shortening
system 10. As depicted in Figure 8, undergarments, particularly bras,
generally have a
strap assembly 130 (unless the bra is of the strap-less version), a cup
assembly 120 and a
back band assembly 110. Strap assembly 130 often comprises two straps 132,
where one
strap 132 is meant to traverse each shoulder and is connected to a cup 122 of
cup
assembly 120 at a first end and a back band 50 of back band assembly 110 at a
second
end. Straps 122 are often slidably adjustable and may take on numerous designs
to be
hidden under clothing, if so desired. Cup assembly 120 generally comprises two
cups
122, where cups 122 are connected at one end to each other and are connected
to back
bands 50 at respective second ends. Back band assembly 110 often comprises two
back
bands 50 that connect to respective cups 122 at a first end 50a and connect to
each other
at respective second ends 50b. Second ends 50b of back bands 50 may connect
through
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a coupling system. The coupling system may include first fasteners 32 affixed
to a first
back band 52 and second fasteners 34 affixed to a second back band 54.
[0027] Generally, system 10 comprises, as seen in Figs. 1 and 2, an
adjustable
connector 20 connected to an extension 30 that may have at least one fastening
element
31 affixed thereto. Fastening element 31 affixed to extension 30 may be a
first fastener
32 capable of being coupled with existing second fasteners 34 affixed to
second back
band 54. Alternatively, or in addition, second fasteners 34 may be affixed to
extension
30 so as to be capable of coupling with existing first fasteners 32 affixed to
first back
band 52.
[0028] Connector 20 may be any type of connector capable of repeatedly
releasing and engaging a first back band 52. For example, as seen in Figs. 1-
7, connector
may be a clip 21 having an opening 24 for slidingly and circumferentially
receiving a
back band 50 and through which back band 50 may be engaged by pressure
portions 22
of clip 21. The releasable and adjustable connector 20 may be any connection
15 mechanism that may be retrofitted onto back bands 50 and is adjustable
along back
bands 50.
[0029] In an embodiment, connector 20 may be clip 21. As best seen in
Figs, 3-6,
clip 21 may be integrally formed or may have multiple components 21a, 21b.
First
component 21a may be a frame and second component 21b may be an operative
20 member. First component 21a may comprise a base plate 23, side walls 25,
preferably
formed at opposite ends of base plate 23. Base plate 23 may be substantially
flat so as to
be comfortable for abutting user of the device and to smoothly contact back
band 50, as
described below. Side walls 25 may have at least one receiver 26, where
receiver 26
may be a hole or indentation or notch or other mechanism for receiving second
component 21b. Alternatively, or additionally, receiver may be a tab or
projection that
inserts into an associated relief or receiver of second component 21b.
Receivers 26 may
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be any mechanism capable of allowing second component 21b to rotate about an
axis
connecting receivers 26 while second component 21b is received with receivers
26.
[0030] Second component 21b may be an operator member having a body
portion 27 and a connector portion 28 connected to (e.g., formed therewith)
and
extending from an end of body portion 27 at any angle; for example, connector
portion
28 may extend substantially perpendicular to body portion 27. Connector
portion 28
may have, and terminate at, pressure portions 22 (e.g., teeth, which may be
jagged or
flat with spaces there between or may take on other forms) at an end opposite
the end
connected to body portion 27. Further, wings 29 may extend from body portion
27, so
as to be axially aligned and project laterally outwardly from body portion 27
in
opposite directions. Body portion 27 may also include a slot or slots 60
capable of
receiving extension 30 or receiving a mechanism affixing extension 30 to body
potion
27. Extension 30 may be received by body portion 27 in any manner or may be
affixed
to body portion 27 in any manner; for example, extension 30 may be wrapped
around
body portion 27; extension 30 may be glued to body portion 27; extension 30
may be
riveted to body portion 27; or extension 30 may be attached, affixed or
connected to
body portion 27 in a different manner or a combination thereof. In one aspect
as seen in
Fig. 5 extension 30 is positioned within slot 60 and connected to body portion
27.
Extension 30 may overlap body portion 27 to secure with part of connector
portion 28 if
desired. Extension 30 may be glued to clip 21. Fastener 31a may overlap a
portion of
clip 21 for desired stability and may be relatively rigidly connected to clip
21 as
compared to fastener 31 that is connected at a flexible and second end 30b of
extension
30.
[0031] Wings 29 of second component 21a may rotationally engage
receivers 26
of first component 21b. Such engagement allows second component 21a to rotate
about
an axis substantially through a center of receivers and wings. Wings 29 may
allow for
second component 21a to rotate with respect to an object (e.g., back band 50)
received
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within an opening 24 when connector 20 is in an open position. Connector 20
may have
an open position when pressure portions 22 are not in contact with base plate
23 of first
component 21a. Through rotation of first component 21a the pressure placed on
the
received object by pressure portions 22 and base plate 23 may be adjusted. The
amount
of pressure placed on the received object may be adjusted or maintained
through
controlling the distance between base plate 23 (or received object, or both)
and pressure
portions 22. A spring may be utilized to increase or decrease the pressure on
a received
object. When pressure portions 22 are in contact with a received object or
base plate 23,
connector 20 is in a closed position.
[0032] .. As seen in Figs. I, 2 and 8, extension 30 may be affixed to
connector 20 at
any position, using any known connection mechanism; for example, gluing or
riveting
or other connecting mechanism may be utilize to affix extension 30 to
connector 20. In
an embodiment utilizing clip 21, extension 30 may be affixed to body portion
27.
Extension 30 may be made of any material; for example a flexible material. The
flexible
material may be material similar to, or identical to, the material of a bra to
which
shortening system 10 is to be attached or it may be a different material. A
different
material may include a clear flexible material so as not to clash with the
material of the
retrofitted bra.
[0033] Extension 30 may be any size having enough space to allow a
portion of
extension 30 to connect to connector 20 and a portion to which fastening
elements may
be affixed. Extension 30 may have a first end 30a and a second end 30b. First
end 30a
of extension 30 may be defined as the portion of extension 30 connected to
connector 20
or overlapping connector 20 when shortening system 10 is in use. Second end
30b of
extension 30 may be defined as the portion of extension 30 having fastening
elements 31
connected thereto.
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[0034] Extension 30 may have fastening elements 31 affixed to second
end 30b.
Fastening elements 31 affixed to second end 30 may be first fasteners 32 or
second
fasteners 34, or both. At a minimum, a portion of the fastening elements 31
affixed to
extension 30 may be the same type as the fastening elements 31 affixed to back
band 50
to which shortening system 10 is connected. As may be appreciated, fasteners
32 may
be configured differently as compared to fasteners 34. In one aspect first
fasteners 32
may be generally female-type of fasteners 31 while second fasteners 34 may be
male-
type fasteners 31 capable of connecting with the first fasteners 32.
[0035] Bras utilize a variety of coupling systems. An example of a
coupling
system is a system where the back band assembly of a bra comprises two back
bands,
52, 54 and at least one first fastener 32 may be affixed to a first back band
52 and at least
one second fastener 34 may be affixed to a second back band 54. First
fasteners 32 may
be comprised of eyes or loops or other female connectors having a first end
connected
to first back band 52 and a second end, which may be free, extending from
first back
band 52. Second fasteners 34 may be comprised of hooks or other male
connectors
capable of engaging the female connectors of first fasteners 32 and having a
first end
connected to second back band 54 and second end, which may be free, extending
from
second back band 54.
[0036] In addition, extension 30 may include fastening elements 31. For
example,
a second end 30b of extension 30 comprise at least one first fastener 32. The
number of
fastening elements 31 on extension 30 may be proportional to the number and
type of
fastening elements 31 to which extension 30 is to be connected. For example,
as seen in
Fig. 7, if shortening system 10 is applied to a back band assembly 110
comprising first
back band 52 having three columns of two rows of first fasteners 32 and second
back
band 54 having one column of two second fasteners 34 and system 10 is applied
to first
back band 52, extension 30 may have at least a single column of two first
fasteners 32
for connection to second fasteners 34 affixed to second back band 54.
Extension 30 may
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comprise fastening elements 31 of a first fastener 32 or a second fastener 34
or a
different fastener or a combination thereof. As seen in the various drawings,
including
as seen in Fig. 5, fastener 31 preferably includes a fastening element first
end 41 that is
affixed to extension 30 and a fastening element second end 43 that extends
from the
extension 30. Second end 43 may extend from extension 30 in a variety of ways,
including but no limited to extending over a perimeter edge of extension 30 or
extending upwards from extension 30 or in other ways. Fastening elements 31
may
include other types of devices that have a first end that affixes to extension
30 and a
second end that extends from extension 30, including but not limited to snaps
or clips
or other fasteners.
[0037] In operation, shortening system 10 may be used with, or
retrofitted on,
any typical bra assembly 100 having a coupling system similar to that of
system 10.
Generally, adjustable connector 20 of shortening system 10 may be connected to
one of
first back band 52 and second back band 54, and fastening elements 31 of
extension 30
may be coupled to the other of first back band 52 and second back band 54.
Prior to
engaging system 10 with back band 50, it may be ensured that a back band 50
opposite
another back band 50 to which connector 20 is connected may couple with
fastening
elements 31 on extension 30. That is, shortening system 10 may utilize
fastening
elements that are capable of coupling with the original coupling system of the
bra.
[0038] More specifically, in an example where back bands 50 are connected
to
cups of a cup assembly at first ends 50a and have fastening elements 31
affixed to a
second end 50b, a clip 21 of shortening system 10 may be connected to first
back band
52 at a position between its first end 50a and its second end 50b. Further,
extension 30
may comprise first fasteners 32 that are similar, or identical, to first
fasteners 32 affixed
to first back band 52 and which may be coupled to second fasteners 34 affixed
to second
end 50b of second back band 52. A first end 50a of back bands 50 is defined as
the
portion of back band 50 connected to a cup of cup assembly 120. A second end
50b of
CA 02809572 2014-11-19
back bands 50 is defined as the portion of back band 50 comprising fastening
elements
31.
[0039] In the example, prior to connecting clip 21 to first back band
52, second
component 21b of clip 21 may be adjusted with respect to first component 21a
to place
the clip in an open position and form opening 24. Then first back band 52 may
be
inserted into and through opening 24 so that clip 21 circumferentially
receives first back
band 52 and a substantially flat portion of base plate 23 is positioned to
contact a user of
system 10. The first back band 52 has been inserted into and through opening
24 once:
1) a portion of first back band 52 between first end 50a and second 50b is
substantially
surrounded by connected first component 21a and second component 21b of clip
21; 2)
first end 50a of first back band 52 is on a first side of connector 20; and 3)
second end
50b of first back band 52 is on a second side of connector 20.
[0040] Continuing in the example, once first back band 52 has been
threaded
through opening 24, clip 21 may connect to first back band 52 at a position
between first
end 50a and second end 50b. Clip 21 may be connected to first back band 52 by
closing
opening 24 through adjusting body portion 27 in a manner that reduces a space
or
distance between pressure portion 22 of connector portion 28 and base plate
23. By
closing opening 24, a releasable connection between clip 21 and first back
band 52 may
be achieved. It should be noted that the nature of system 10 is to allow the
system to be
adjusted along a back band 50 between first end 50a and second end 50b,
thereby
allowing a user to reduce the girth of the back band assembly 110 and cup
assembly 120
greater than allowed by the original coupling system of the bra. When the
girth of the
back band assembly 110 has been reduced, second end 50b of first back band 52
may
extend free or be wrapped into the back band assembly or may be engaged with
another portion of the bra, as it may be considered excess.
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[0041] Yet still in the example, after connecting system 10 to first
back band 52,
first fasteners 32 may be coupled with second fasteners 34 on second end 30b
of second
back band 54. That is, if first back band 52, to which system 10 is connected,
utilizes
first fasteners 32 that are female connectors, extension 30 will comprise
first fasteners 32
that are also female and that may be coupled with male second fasteners 32 of
second
back band 54.
[0042] Alternatively, or in addition, system 10 may comprise second
fasteners 32.
Such an arrangement of system 10 may allow for methods of using system 10 with
either back band 50 of a back band assembly 110, regardless of the fastening
elements
attached to bands 50. Moreover, systems 10 having male fasteners, female
fasteners or
both fastener types, allow for the use of systems 10 on both back bands 52, 54
at the
same time (assuming two systems 10 are utilized). By using system 10 on both
back
bands 52, 54 users may enjoy greater adjustment of the cup and back band
assembly
girth and the ability to have symmetry in any girth adjustment.
[0043] Although system 10 has been described in reference to a bra assembly
100,
system 10 may be used in any method that involves shortening or reducing a
girth.
Moreover, although system 10 has been described utilizing hook and loop type
connectors, system 10 may utilize and be utilized with any type of connectors
or objects
with connectors.
[0044] With further reference to figure 7 and figure 8, first back band 52
may be
connected to second back band 54 to define a circumferential length of the
brassiere.
The circumferential length will vary depending upon the length of back bands
52, 54,
the length of cup assembly 120 and the positioning of first fasteners 32 and
second
fasteners 34. It may be appreciated that second fasteners 34 may fasten to
different sets
of first fasteners 32 as shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8. It may be appreciated
that a
second fastener 34 may connect to first fastener 32c to define a
circumferential length of
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brassiere. Particularly, the circumferential length in such case is the
measure of the
distance from the end line 70 along first back band 52, along front band 75
(See Figure
8), and along second back band 54 to end line 71 (in a case where end line 70
abuts end
line 71). It may be appreciated that fabric used to make brassiere may be
flexible so that
variations of the circumferential length may be present.
[0045] Continuing with reference to Figure 7 and Figure 8, it may also
be
appreciated that second fastener 34 may connect to a first fastener 32b, for
example, to
define a circumferential length of brassiere that is less than the
circumferential length
defined where second fastener 34 connects to first fastener 32c. In such case
it may be
appreciated that second back band 54 may in part overlap first back band 52
such that
end line 71 is positioned inward from end line 70 along first back band 52. It
may also
be appreciated that a second fastener 34 may connect to a first fastener 32a
to define a
circumferential length of brassiere that is less than the circumferential
length_defined
where second faster 34 connects to first fastener 32b. It may be appreciated
that
additional sets of first fasteners 32 may be positioned on first back band 52
so that
varying positions can be used with corresponding variety of the
circumferential length
of brassiere. It may be appreciated that a first fastener 32, such as first
fastener 32a may
comprise an inner-most fastener 32 (i.e. a fastener 32 positioned on back band
52 which
is furthermost from end line 70 as compared to other fastener 32 that may be
positioned
on back band 52. A minimal circumferential length associated with brassiere is
defined
as the circumferential length of brassiere where second fastener 34 connects
to inner-
most fastener 32. In the example of Figure 7, the minimal circumferential
length of
brassiere is present where second fastener 34 fastens to inner-most fastener
32a. It may
be appreciated that additional fasteners 32 may be included to vary the
minimal
circumferential length of brassiere. The minimal circumferential length of
brassiere is
typically established upon fabrication of the brassiere. Use of connector 20
allows for
modification of the minimal circumferential length of brassiere as may be
appreciated.
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[0046] Connector 20 which affixes to a back band such as first back
band 52
includes a fastener such as fastener 32. In one example connector 20 is
positioned such
that fastener 32z is positioned between inner-most fastener 32a and first end
50a of
band 52. It may be appreciated in one example that connector 20 may affix to
back
band 52 between end line 70 and strap 132 which connects to band 52. Connector
20
effectively adds an inner-most fastener or fasteners 32 for use in conjunction
with band
52. Such addition accommodates modification of the minimal circumferential
length of
brassiere. For instance, second fastener 34 may connect to inner-most fastener
32z to
effectively reduce the minimal circumferential length of brassiere to
establish a reduced
minimal circumferential length of brassiere.
[0047] The terms and descriptions used herein are set forth by way of
illustration
only and are not meant as limitations. While the particular BRASSIERE
CONNECTOR
DEVICE as herein shown and described in detail is fully capable of attaining
the above-
described aspects of the invention, it is to be understood that it is the
presently
preferred embodiment of the present invention and thus, is representative of
the subject
matter which is broadly contemplated by the present invention, that the scope
of the
present invention fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious
to
those skilled in the art, and that the scope of the present invention is
accordingly to be
limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an
element in
the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless explicitly so
stated, but
rather "one or more." Moreover, it is not necessary for a device or method to
address
each and every problem sought to be solved by the present invention, for it to
be
encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or
method
step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public
regardless of
whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the
claims.
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