Bra paddy back
A pliant cover from the fasteners on the back straps of a bra that shields a wearer's back from the irregularities typically present at the ends of the back straps. The cover is easily applied to any bra, removable, or may be left on the bra by sliding further to the right or left back strap.
This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application No. 61/400,644 filed Jul. 30, 2010.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENTNot applicable
THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENTNot applicable
INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISCNot applicable
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates generally to apparel, and specifically to undergarments.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONUndergarments such as bras often have sewn regions and fasteners of various types that irritate a wearer's skin. One region of special concern are the back straps of a bra which when connected at the back, expose a wearer's skin to typically rough stitching, course textures and ridged areas where the fabric has been folded to create a seam. The wearer's discomfort is often exacerbated by heat and humidity. It would be desirable to provide a shield to guard against such irritation by a bra that would be (1) unobtrusive, (2) easily applied, (3) readily detachable (3) absorbent, and (4) washable as needed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is a one-piece soft fabric cover that completely shields a wearer's back from the irritation caused by the stitching, and hook and eye fasteners which are typically at the fastening point at back of a bra.
In one aspect, the invention includes a flexible tubular construction of soft fabric that is slipped over the ends of back straps to form a shield against irritation and chaffing that can occur when bare skin is exposed to the rough texture of bra back straps.
In another aspect, the flexible tubular construction has a longitudinal, generally H-shaped slit for access of the fasteners of the back straps with the side having the slit facing outwardly, and a side of soft padded material facing the wearer's skin.
In still another aspect of the present invention, the cover is a padded panel having a fastening means to form it into a tubular structure once in place between a wearer's back and the back straps of a bra.
One object of the present invention is to prevent irritation from bra back straps.
Another object of the present invention is to provide for increased comfort and wearability of certain bra's, that while sized correctly, are not often worn because of the rough texture of the back straps.
The description as follows is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular forms set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, combinations and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the detailed description.
12 tubular body
12a aperture
14 sew line
16 padding
18 access slit
20 back straps
22 strap fasteners
Referring generally to
The foregoing steps (1-5) at least produce a fabric construction 12 that can be applied to the end of a single back strap prior to donning the bra. As depicted in
As depicted in
The cover can be removed from the bra by sliding free of the straps, left on the bra, or slid to one side or the other when removing the bra.
While the invention has been described by the embodiments given, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the foregoing specification.
Claims
1. In combination with a bra, a cover for the fasteners on the back straps of a bra to reduce chaffing and discomfort comprising:
- a generally tubular construction having i) a relatively thicker portion abutting the back of a wearer; and ii) a relatively thinner portion abutting an outward facing side of the back straps; and,
- the cover normally positioned during wear over the joined fasteners on ends of the back strap.
2. The cover of claim 1 in which the construction is slidable to reside over a left or right back strap.
3. The cover of claim 1 in which the construction is removable.
4. The cover of claim 1 permitting access to the fasteners while being worn.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 30, 2011
Publication Date: Feb 2, 2012
Inventor: Roxie L. McCarty (Jacksonville, TX)
Application Number: 13/136,436
International Classification: A41C 3/12 (20060101);