DETACHABLE BRA AND BRA STRAP ASSEMBLY AND SYSTEM

Abstract

An improved bra assembly includes a pair of cups each having a cup boundary. An outer gore is associated with each of the cups at the cup boundary. The outer gores are configured to extend around the torso to a position anterior to the posterior axillary line, and/or anterior to the midaxillary line. A back strap is configured to removably connect with the outer gores and is preferably transparent. To attach removable shoulder straps, the bra can further include cup connection members and strap connection members, each configured to removably connect to the shoulder straps. An improved bra system includes a first back strap without strap connection members and a second back strap with strap connection members. The first back strap and the second back strap are selectively interchangeable. The first back strap, the second back strap, and/or the shoulder straps can be at least partially transparent.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Appl. No. 62/085,819, filed on Dec. 1, 2014, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to bra undergarments. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a bra assembly and system that minimizes the appearance and/or amount of material of the bra that is exposed during use with backless or strapless garments.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The fashion industry is constantly developing and ever-changing in an effort to stay current with popular trends. In keeping up with these changing trends, fashion apparel and fashion accessories are required to adapt and develop in order to provide the individual with a comfortable fit and proper style. Fashion apparel ranges from formal wear to sportswear and is available for men, women, and children alike. The variety of available fashion wear allows an individual to select items within their particular style, without having to sacrifice on visual appeal and comfort.

A popular area of the fashion industry, and the area of the present disclosure, pertains to women's wear and, more specifically, women's strapless and backless wear and the related undergarments. Contemporary fashion trends have caused demand for a number of strapless and backless garments ranging from bikini tops to dresses, respectively. Included in this trend of strapless and backless garments is the strapless undergarment, and more particularly the strapless bra. Strapless undergarments provide an advantage to those who wish to wear strapless and backless garments as the traditional strap of the undergarment appear unfashionable. The strapless undergarment allows the individual to have the desired benefits of the undergarment without having the undesired appearance of straps or visible support structures. As strapless and backless garments have trended toward the use of less fabric and more exposure, the strapless undergarment has continued to adapt to this trend in an effort to be unseen on the individual during use.

Even still, some individuals may feel the use of a strapless undergarment sacrifices support and stability. The strapless garment/strapless bra combination often leads to situations wherein the individual is required to constantly adjust their garments throughout the course of use. The strapless garments may slip and move throughout the course of use which could lead to discomfort and potentially embarrassing exposure. Further, well-endowed women may be more comfortable wearing a bra that provides adequate support for their bust throughout the course of use.

These issues have caused individuals to seek undergarments that allow them the choice as to whether they would like the undergarment in a strapless configuration or a configuration with a strap. Similar to strapless garments, strapless bras often require the use of a removable strap or straps with a connection means, typically a hook. The hook is typically attached to an additional piece of fabric extending from the strapless bra. In an effort to maintain the strapless look, the removable strap is often clear to give the appearance that there is no strap in use or that the strap is near-invisible. This allows the individual to wear a strapless or backless garment and a bra with a removable strap, yet still maintain the appearance of wearing a strapless undergarment. This creates the desired strapless appearance while also providing the comfort, support, and peace of mind that comes with wearing the removable strap.

As the strapless garments continue to trend towards the use of less and less material, the strapless undergarments with the interchangeable strap have not adapted at the same rate. Today, strapless garments have trended towards using less and less fabric in the region of the bust of a woman and, in particular, the sides of the garments. Furthermore, backless garments, such as cocktail dresses or other formal evening wear, expose a significant area typically occupied by the back strap of a bra. These types of strapless and backless garments leave more area of the individual exposed. In such instances, the straps and especially the attachment means are more likely to be exposed causing the strapless appearance to be diminished by the visual exposure of portions of the undergarment. Even with the use of the clear or invisible removable strap, certain portions of the attachment means or hook may be exposed during wear.

Accordingly, there is a desire for strapless undergarments with interchangeable straps wherein the straps are configured to be worn without exposing or by greatly reducing the appearance of the bra and/or exposure of the attachment means. It is desired to provide a strapless undergarment that allows the individual to have the support of the interchangeable strap, while also minimizing or removing the exposure of the functional portions of the strapless undergarment.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A primary object, feature, and/or advantage of the present disclosure is to improve on or overcome the deficiencies in the art.

Another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present disclosure is to provide a bra that minimizes the visual footprint of the same. The present disclosure minimizes the amount of material that is exposed during use with backless, strapless, and/or sideless garments.

Still another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present disclosure is to provide for a flatter undergarment profile to limit the extent of bulging in slimmer and form-fitting garments.

Still yet another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present disclosure is to provide a modular system in which the bra of the present disclosure can also be worn as a strapless bra or bra with shoulder straps. The back strap(s) and/or the shoulder straps are preferably clear or can be at least partially transparent.

These and/or other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The present disclosure is not to be limited to or by these objects, features and advantages. No single embodiment need provide each and every object, feature, or advantage.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, a bra includes a pair of cups. Each of the pair of cups has a channel and structural member configured to define a cup boundary and support each of the pair of cups. An outer gore having locking features is associated with each of the pair of cups at the cup boundary. The outer gores are configured to extend around a portion of a torso to a position anterior to the posterior axillary line, or to another position anterior to the midaxillary line. A back strap having a first end and a second end is provided. Both ends of the back strap include counterposing locking features configured to removably connect with the locking features of the outer gores. The back strap can be at least partially transparent.

The outer gore can further comprise a flange portion extending outwardly from and associated with the cup boundary, and a connecting portion extending outwardly from the flange portion. The thickness of the back strap can be substantially equal to a thickness of the connecting portion of the outer gore.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an improve bra includes a pair of cups having a channel and structural member configured to support each of the pair of cups, and an at least partially transparent back strap having opposite ends. The back strap is configured to connect to each of the pair of cups proximate to midaxillary lines on opposite sides of a torso of a wearer.

The back strap can include the same locking features on each of the opposite ends. The back strap can be removably connected to same counterposing interlocking features associated with each of the cups. Alternatively, the back strap is permanently connected to each of the pair of cups, and each of the cups are removably connected to one another with a clasp. To attach shoulder straps, the bra can further include a cup connection member associated with each of the cups. Strap connection members can be associated with the back strap. The strap connection members and the cup connection members are configured to removably connect to shoulder straps.

According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a bra and bra strap system is provided. The system includes a bra having a pair of cups, an outer gore extending outwardly from each of the pair of cups, locking features associated with each of the outer gores, and cup connection members configured to removably connect to shoulder straps. A first back strap is provided and includes opposite ends and counterposing locking features associated with each of the opposite ends. The first back strap is configured to removably connect to each of the pair of cups anterior to posterior axillary lines on opposite sides of a torso of a wearer. A second back strap is selectively interchangeable with the first back strap and comprised of opposite ends, counterposing locking features associated with each of the opposite ends, strap connection members configured to removably connect to the shoulder straps. The second back strap is configured to removably connect to each of the pair of cups anterior to the posterior axillary lines on the opposite sides of the torso of the wearer. The first back strap, the second back strap, and/or the shoulder straps can be at least partially transparent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrated embodiments of the disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which are incorporated by reference herein, and where:

FIG. 1A illustrates a representative human torso with anatomical lines;

FIG. 1B illustrates a representative human torso with anatomical lines, wherein a portion of a bra in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary bra as commonly known in the art;

FIG. 3 illustrates a bra in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a portion of a bra in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a bra in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a rear view of a bra in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates a bra in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of a cup of a bra in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a bra on a wearer in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein and with reference to FIG. 1A, directional terms are used in accordance with their common medical meanings: anterior 1 (and anteriorly, forward, and/or forwardly) indicates nearer the front in position or direction, especially situated in the front of the body; posterior 2 (and posteriorly, rearward, and/or rearwardly) indicates nearer the rear in position or direction, especially situated in the rear of the body; superior 3 (and superiorly, upward, and/or upwardly) indicates higher in position or direction; inferior 4 (and inferiorly, downward, and/or downwardly) indicates lower in position or direction; and lateral (and laterally) indicates a side position or side-to-side direction. Further, torso or trunk 6 indicates the central part of the human body from which extend the neck and limbs. The axilla 7, commonly known as the armpit, is the area on the human body directly under where the arm connects to the shoulder.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate anatomical “lines,” or theoretical lines drawn through structures to describe anatomical location. The middle axillary line, or midaxillary line 8, is a line running vertically down the surface of the body passing through the apex of the axilla 7. The anterior axillary line is parallel to the midaxillary line 8 and passes through the anterior axillary skinfold. The posterior axillary line is parallel to the midaxillary line 8 and passes through the posterior axillary skinfold. The incorporation of such anatomical lines into the present disclosure will become apparent from the description and claims herein.

Referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary bra 10 as commonly known in the art is illustrated. The bra 10 can include a pair of cups 12 disposed on a base or frame 14. The base 14 can extend beneath each of the cups 12. A portion of the base 14, known as the center front gore 16, is generally positioned between the pair of cups 12. Positioned laterally to each of the pair of cups 12 are wings 20. The wings 20 generally extend around the torso and connect at the center of the back of the wearer, as represented illustratively in FIG. 2. The pair of cups 12 and the base 14 (and wings 20) are generally separated by a channel 18, within which underwire or other structural member (not shown) is disposed. The underwire provides shape and support for the pair of cups 12. As used herein, the interface between the channel 18 and the base 14 (and the wings 20) is referred to as a cup boundary. Other embodiments of bras 10 commonly known in the art do not have a base 14 inferior to the pair of cups 12, but rather the cups 12 are connected via the center front gore 16 (see, e.g., FIGS. 4 and 5).

The bra 10 is secured to the torso of the wearer via a closure 22. The closure 22 is the mechanism that connects each of the wings 20 of the bra 10. Most commonly, a hook and eye closure is used to create an interference fit. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the hook and eye closure can be comprised of one or more sets of eyes, providing the wearer the ability to effectively adjust the size of the base 14. Shoulder straps 24 can extend superiorly over the shoulders of the wearer to help keep the bra 10 in place. In some embodiments, the shoulder strap 24 can be divided into a front portion and a rear portion connected by a ring structure. The shoulder straps 24 often connect to each of the pair of cups 12 at the apex 26 of the cups 12. The shoulder straps 24 can include any number of rings and/or sliders 28 to adjust the same.

FIG. 3 illustrates a bra 30 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The bra 30 comprises a pair of cups 12, a base 14, a center front gore 16, and a channel 18 within which a structural member is disposed. The channel 18, and more particularly an edge of the channel 18 proximate to the base 14, can define the cup boundary 32. An outer gore 34 is associated with each of the pair of cups 12 at the cup boundary. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, the outer gore 34 can comprise a portion of the base 14, and more particularly a portion of the base 14 substantially lateral to the cups 12 opposite the center front gore 16. The outer gore 34 can be integrally formed with the base 14 (i.e., the same piece(s) of fabric), or can be connected through any means commonly known in the art such as stitching and the like.

The outer gore 34 can further comprise flange portion 36 extending outwardly from, associated with, and/or connecting to the cup boundary 32. The flange portion 36 can be positioned at the cup boundary 32 opposite one of the pair of cups 12. In an exemplary embodiment, the flange portion 36 can be substantially contoured to at least a portion of the cup boundary 32. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the flange portion 36 is generally arcuate and follows the curvature of the cup boundary 32. The arcuate profile of the flange portion 36 of the outer gore 34, together with its dimensions, provide a slim, contoured transition from each of the pair of cups 12 to a connection portion 38. The slim, contoured transition furthers an object of the present disclosure to minimize the visual footprint of the bra 30 around the sides and back of the wearer. Still further, the flange portion 36 can be constructed from material with an elastic response so as to provide a slight degree of give to provide a comfortable, secure fit. Such elastic materials can include, but are not limited to one or a combination of rubber, cotton, nylon, elastane, spandex, latex, or other flexible material that can return to its original shape after being stretched or extended when force is released. The outer gore 34 can still further comprise the connecting portion 38 extending outwardly from, associated with, and/or connecting to the flange portion 36, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The connecting portion 38 can be integrally formed with the flange portion 36 or can be connected through any means commonly known in the art.

The outer gore 34, and more particularly the connecting portion 38 of the outer gore 34, is configured to extend around a portion of the torso 6 of the wearer to a position anterior to the posterior axillary line 10 (see FIG. 1B). In another exemplary embodiment, the outer gore 34, and more particularly the connecting portion 38 of the outer gore 34, is configured to extend around a portion of the torso 6 of the wearer to a position anterior to the midaxillary line 8, as illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1B. The advantages associated with these features are several. Again, the visual footprint of the bra 30 is minimized around the sides of the wearer. Together with an at least partially transparent back strap disclosed herein, the back strap extends around the back of the wearer to a significantly greater extent than bras commonly known in the art while also removing the position closure means on the back of the wearer. The result provides less visible bra such that increasingly revealing garments can be worn, including backless and/or sideless garments.

The outer gore 34 includes locking features 40. The locking features 40 can be positioned on the connecting portion 38 of the outer gore 34. In a preferred embodiment, the locking features 40 include eyes or loops, however the present disclosure also contemplates the locking features 40 can include buttons, zippers, adhesion stitching and keyholes. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, the locking features 40 are positioned in a manner to permit the wearer to selectively adjust the bra 30 to a desired size. The present disclosure contemplates that each of the outer gores 34 can include the same locking features 40 (e.g., eyes or loops, etc.). Alternatively, one of the outer gores 34 can include a different locking feature 40 (e.g., permanently stitching) to another one of the outer gores 34. Further, the present disclosure envisions that the locking features 40 can be affixed to the flange portion 36 of the outer gore 34, or to the structural member (e.g., underwire) within the channel 18.

The bra 30 includes a back strap 42. The back strap 42 has a first end 44 and a second end 46. Both the first end 44 and the second end 46 include counterposing locking features 48. The counterposing locking features 48 are configured to removably connect to the locking features 40 of the outer gore 34. In a preferred embodiment, the locking features 40 include hooks configured to removably connect to the eyes or loop, resulting in a hook-and-eye closure system commonly known in the art. The present disclosure contemplates alternative counterposing locking features 48 as disclosed herein. Further, the present disclosure contemplates that the first end 44 and the second end 46 can include the same or different counterposing locking features 48.

The back strap 42 can be of any thickness sufficient to support the bra 30 around the torso 6 of the wearer. In an exemplary embodiment, the thickness of the back strap 42 is substantially equal to the thickness of the connecting portion 38 of the outer gore 34. In such a configuration, a consistent transition from the back strap 42 to the outer gore 34 is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the back strap 42 is between 1¼ and 1¾ inches, but the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to this range.

The back strap 42 can be at least partially transparent. In a preferred embodiment, the back strap 42 is clear or near-clear. To that end, the back strap 42 can be constructed from plastics such as polyolefins (e.g., high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP)), polyvinyl chlorides (PVC), and fluropolymers (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PETE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), PerFluoroAlkoxy (PFA), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), polyurethane, etc.). In another exemplary embodiment, the back strap 42 can be fabricated of an opaque material such as a woven fabric, canvas, leather, ribbon, plastic, and the like. The back strap 40 can be skin-toned to also minimize appearance when worn with a backless and/or strapless dress.

The back strap 40 can further include a slider 50 to adjust the back strap either prior to or after installation on the wearer. The slider 50 may be fabricated of a transparent material, such as plastic, nylon, and the like, or of an opaque material such as a woven fabric, canvas, leather, ribbon, plastic, and the like. The slider 50 can be clear, near-clear, or skin-toned. The present disclosure contemplates other means for adjusting the length of the back strap commonly known in the art such as rings, extenders, gatherers, and the like.

Referring to FIG. 4, an exemplary embodiment of a bra 52 of the present disclosure is illustrated. The bra 52 is similar to the exemplary bra 30 illustrated in FIG. 3 in several respects. The bra 52 comprises a pair of cups 12, a center front gore 16, and a channel 18 within which a structural member is disposed. The channel 18 can define the cup boundary 32. Whereas a base 14 extends inferiorly to the pair of cups 12 in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, no such base is illustrated in FIG. 4. As a result, the cup boundary 32 is defined between an outer edge of the channel 18 and the outer gore 34. Further, the outer gore 34 of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4 is a discrete structure and not a portion of a base.

The outer gore 34 of the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 can be at least partially transparent. More particularly, the flange portion 36 and/or the connecting portion 38 can be fabricated from at least partially transparent material, such as the plastics disclosed herein. In such an arrangement, only the pair of cups 12 are fabricated from opaque materials, further minimizing the visual footprint of the bra 52 on the torso 6 of the wearer. In another exemplary embodiment, the flange portion 36 and/or the connecting portion 38 can be opaque. The present disclosure contemplates that the locking features 40 of the outer gore 34 can be disposed on the connecting portion 38 or the flange portion 36. In either arrangement, the outer gore 34, and more particularly the connecting portion 38 of the outer gore 34, extends around a portion of the torso anterior to the posterior axillary line 10, or to a position anterior to the midaxillary line 8 (see FIG. 1B). The locking features 40 are configured to removably connect to the counterposing locking features 48 associated with the back strap 42 as disclosed herein. Still further, the pair of cups 12 of the bra 52 of FIG. 4 is designed with a low plunging neckline 54, defined as the upper profile of each of the cups 12.

FIG. 5 illustrates a bra 58 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The bra 58 comprises a pair of cups 12 and a channel 18 within which a structural member is disposed. The channel 18 can define the cup boundary 32.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5, the back strap 42 is connected to each of the pair of cups 12 at the cup boundary 32. In other words, an outer gore is not present, or at a minimum the outer gore and the back strap 42 are integrally formed. The outer gore and the back strap 42 can be of unitary construction, or integrally connected through sewing or other permanent connection. The result is, among other things, the absence of locking features 40 associated with an outer gore and counterposing locking features 48 associated with the back strap 42. The unitary back strap 42 can be at least partially transparent, and preferably clear. Similarly to other exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, the result is such that only the pair of cups 12 are opaque, further minimizing the visual footprint of the bra 56 on the torso 6 of the wearer. To secure and unsecure the bra 56 to the torso 6 of the wearer, the bra 56 includes a clasp or other front locking mechanism 58.

FIG. 6 is a rear elevation view of a bra 60 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure. The bra 60 includes a plurality of back strap connectors 62 spaced apart and positioned proximate to the cup boundary 32 of the pair of cups 12. The plurality of back strap connectors 62 can be loops of fabric or other removable connection means commonly known in the art such as buttonholes, keyways, eyes, and the like. FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of loop-type back strap connectors 62.

The back strap can be comprised of a plurality of back straps 64, one of which is illustrated in FIG. 6. In a preferred embodiment, the back straps 64 are at least partially transparent, and preferably clear. The back straps 64 can include opposite ends each having a connection feature 66 configured to removably connect to the back strap connector 62. The connection features 66 can include a hook-like structure or any other means commonly known in the art. The back straps 64 can further include a slider 50 to adjust the back strap 64 either prior to or after installation on the wearer. The slider 50 may be fabricated of a transparent material, such as plastic, nylon, and the like, or of an opaque material such as a woven fabric, canvas, leather, ribbon, plastic, and the like. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the back straps 64 are less thick than other exemplary back straps 42 disclosed herein. In a preferred embodiment, the back straps 64 are approximately ¾″ thick.

Based on the concepts illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 8, the present disclosure contemplates that the bra 10 can include a wider, singular back strap 64 connected to a wider, loop-type back strap connector 62. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the back strap 64 has a singular, wider hook-like connection feature 66. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 9, the locking features include the singular loop-type back strap connector, and the counterposing locking features include the singular hook-like connection feature 66. The loop-type back strap connector 62 is configured to removably connect to the hook-like connection feature 66. The wider back strap 64 can remove the need for a plurality of back straps 64 of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6. The back strap 64 and/or back strap connector 62 can be of any width without deviating from the objects of the present disclosure, but should be of sufficient width to provide support and stability to the bra 10.

Based on the placement of the back strap connectors 62 in the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6, 8 and 9, particularly their proximity to the cup 12 and/or cup boundary 32, the point of connection between the back strap connector(s) 62 and the connection feature(s) 66 is anterior to the posterior axillary line 10, and/or anterior to the midaxillary line 8 (see FIG. 1B). The result again minimizes the visual footprint of the bra 60 when a wearer dresses in a backless and/or sideless garment. Further, based on the placement of the back strap connector(s) 62 along the cup boundary 32, the plurality of back straps 64 can be arranged in a substantially parallel configuration to one another.

Referring to FIG. 7, the bra 30 of FIG. 2 is illustrated with the addition of removable shoulder straps 68, and the addition of strap connection members 72 associated with the back strap 42. While FIG. 7 depicts two shoulder straps 68, the present disclosure contemplates other strap configurations, including but not limited to around-the-neck strap, racerback, and convertible. Further, the shoulder straps 68 can be at least partially transparent, transparent, skin-toned, or opaque. The bra 30 can include cup connection members 70 associated with each of the pair of cups 12. The back strap 42 includes the strap connection members 72. The strap connection members 72 can be disposed proximate to a superior edge 74 of the back strap 42. The connection members 70 and/or the strap connection members 72 can be at least partially transparent. The connection members 70 and the strap connection members 72 are configured to removably connect to the shoulder straps 68.

The disclosure herein describes a modular bra and bra strap system. The system generally includes multiple back straps that are selectively interchangeable. The selection of one back strap over another can be based, at least in part, on whether the wearer wishes to wear a strapless bra (i.e., without shoulder straps) or a bra with shoulder straps. The system includes a bra 30, 52, and/or 60 having a pair of cups 12 and cup connection members 70 associated with the pair of cups 12. The system includes a first back strap configured to removably connect to each of the pair of cups anterior to posterior axillary lines on opposite sides of a torso of a wearer. The first back strap, such as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, does not have strap connection members 72. Similarly, the system further includes a second back strap that is configured to removably connect to each of the pair of cups anterior to the posterior axillary lines on the opposite sides of the torso of the wearer. The second back strap, such as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, includes the strap connection members 72. The second back strap is selectively interchangeable with the first back strap.

A wearer can choose to connect the first back strap to the pair of cups. In this first configuration, the wearer has selected a bra with straps. Alternatively, a wearer can choose to connect the first back strap to the pair of cups. In this second configuration, the wearer has selected to wear a strapless bra. Furthermore, the first back strap, the second back strap, and/or the shoulder straps 68 are at least partially transparent.

The disclosure is not to be limited to the particular embodiments described herein. In particular, the disclosure contemplates numerous variations in which the visual footprint of the bra and bra strap system can be minimized. Further, the present disclosure contemplates applicability to other types and styles of bras, including but not limited to balconette, convertible, shelf, full cup, demi-cup, minimizing, padded, plunge, posture, push-up, racerback, sheer, soft cup, and sports bras. The bra may not include wings. The bra can include front gores contoured to the underwire of the cups. The outer gores can be be integrally formed with the center front gore, or by joining two or more pieces of materials. The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list or limit any of the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. It is contemplated that other alternatives or exemplary aspects that are considered included in the disclosure. The description is merely examples of embodiments, processes or methods of the disclosure. It is understood that any other modifications, substitutions, and/or additions can be made, which are within the intended spirit and scope of the disclosure. For the foregoing, it can be seen that the disclosure accomplishes at least all that is intended.

The previous detailed description is of a small number of embodiments for implementing the disclosure and is not intended to be limiting in scope. The following claims set forth a number of the embodiments of the disclosure with greater particularity.

Claims

1. A bra comprising:

a pair of cups, each of the pair of cups having a channel and structural member configured to define a cup boundary and support each of the pair of cups;

an outer gore associated with each of the pair of cups at the cup boundary and having locking features, wherein the outer gore is configured to extend around a portion of a torso to a position anterior to a posterior axillary line; and

a back strap having a first end and a second end, wherein both the first end and the second end of the back strap include counterposing locking features configured to removably connect with the locking features of the outer gores.

2. The bra of claim 1 wherein the outer gore is configured to extend around another portion of the torso to another position anterior to a midaxillary line.

3. The bra of claim 1 wherein the back strap is at least partially transparent.

4. The bra of claim 1 wherein the outer gore further comprises:

a flange portion extending outwardly from and associated with the cup boundary opposite one of the pair of cups; and

a connecting portion extending outwardly from the flange portion and including the locking features.

5. The bra of claim 4 wherein the flange portion of the outer gore is substantially contoured to at least a portion of the cup boundary.

6. The bra of claim 1 wherein the flange portion is comprised of a material with an elastic response.

7. The bra of claim 4 wherein a thickness of the back strap is substantially equal to a thickness of the connecting portion of the outer gore.

8. The bra of claim 7 wherein the thickness of the back strap is between 1¼ and 1¾ inches.

9. The bra of claim 1 wherein the locking features and the counterposing locking features are configured to selectively adjust the bra to a desired size.

10. The bra of claim 1 wherein the back strap further comprises a plurality of at least partially transparent straps configured to extend around the torso and operably connect to each of the pair of cups.

11. The bra of claim 3 wherein the outer gore is at least partially transparent.

12. The bra of claim 3 further comprising:

at least partially transparent strap connection members associated with the at least partially transparent back strap and disposed proximate to a superior edge of the at least partially transparent back strap;

a cup connection member associated with each of the pair of cups; and

wherein the at least partially transparent strap connection members and the cup connection members are configured to removably connect to shoulder straps.

13. A bra comprising:

a pair of cups, each of the pair of cups having a channel and structural member configured to support each of the pair of cups; and

an at least partially transparent back strap having opposite ends;

wherein the at least partially transparent back strap is configured to connect to each of the pair of cups proximate to midaxillary lines on opposite sides of a torso of a wearer.

14. The bra of claim 13 wherein the at least partially transparent back strap further includes same locking features on each of the opposite ends, and wherein the at least partially transparent back strap is removably connected to same counterposing interlocking features associated with each of the pair of cups.

15. The bra of claim 13 wherein the at least partially transparent back strap is permanently connected to each of the pair of cups, and further wherein each of the pair of cups are removably connected to one another with a clasp.

16. The bra of claim 13 further comprising an outer gore extending outwardly from each of the pair of cups and configured to operably connect to the at least transparent back strap.

17. The bra of claim 13 further comprising:

strap connection members associated with the at least partially transparent back strap;

a cup connection member associated with each of the pair of cups; and

wherein the at least partially transparent strap connection members and the cup connection members are configured to removably connect to shoulder straps.

18. The bra of claim 13 wherein the at least partially transparent back strap further comprises a plurality of at least partially transparent back straps configured to extend around the torso of the wearer and operably connect to each of the pair of cups, wherein the plurality of at least partially transparent back straps are arranged substantially parallel to one another.

19. A bra and bra strap system, the system comprising:

a bra having a pair of cups, an outer gore extending outwardly from each of the pair of cups, locking features associated with each of the outer gores, and cup connection members configured to removably connect to shoulder straps;

a first back strap having opposite ends and counterposing locking features associated with each of the opposite ends, wherein the first back strap is configured to removably connect to each of the pair of cups anterior to posterior axillary lines on opposite sides of a torso of a wearer;

a second back strap selectively interchangeable with the first back strap and comprised of opposite ends, counterposing locking features associated with each of the opposite ends, strap connection members configured to removably connect to the shoulder straps, wherein the second back strap is configured to removably connect to each of the pair of cups anterior to the posterior axillary lines on the opposite sides of the torso of the wearer.

20. The system of claim 19 wherein the first back strap and the second back strap are at least partially transparent.

21. The system of claim 19 wherein the shoulder straps are at least partially transparent.

22. The system of claim 19 wherein the first back strap does not have the strap connection members.

23. The system of claim 19 wherein connecting the first back strap to the pair of cups comprises a first configuration, and connecting the second back strap to the pair of cups and the shoulder straps to both the first back strap and the pair of cups comprises an alternative second configuration.