Cleavage Enhancing Push-up Swimsuit
A cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit designed to resemble a conventional swimsuit and consisting of a pair of padded cups (30), shoulder strings (31) and bottom string or strings (32) which are assembled in various manners. Wherein, the padded cups (30) include non-removable push-up pads (10) which have thin outside edges (11) and a thicker padding area (12). The thin outside edges (11) help conceal the presence of the push-up pads in the swimsuit design. The thicker padding area (12) is shaped to contour to the natural form of a woman's breast and to provide lift and cleavage enhancement. The cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit does not utilize underwire and does not resemble the brassiere style of prior art.
This application claims the benefits of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/205,273, filed Jan. 16, 2009 by the present inventors.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCHNot Applicable
SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAMNot Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to women's swimwear, specifically to an improved cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit.
2. Prior Art
Herein the term “push-up swimwear” or “push-up swimsuit” means any swimwear or swimsuit with padding, underwire, and/or silicone designed to uplift the breasts for a fuller look.
The most common push-up swimsuit design relies on the brassiere style design as mentioned in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,468,621 to Glick (1949), 2,544,300 to Davenport et al. (1951), 2,896,631 to Block (1959), 3,255,754 to Brumberger (1966), 3,814,107 to Greenblatt et al. (1974), 3,834,397 to Birch (1974), 5,098,330 to Greenberg (1992), 7,074,108 to Knox (2006), 7,448,937 to Weyenberg et al. (2008), 7,497,760 to Redenius (2009), and 7,604,526 to Liu (2009). This design is most commonly assembled using left and right breast cups, underwire, two adjustable shoulder straps that attach to the front breast cups and to the back band, and in which the back band is secured in the back with clasps and/or closures. These designs are not popular with consumers because they look very similar to brassieres. This makes it obvious to the casual observer that the wearer is wearing a push-up swimsuit. Also, these brassiere style swimsuits are not comfortable to wear due to the underwire, constrictive straps, and back clasps or closures. In addition, these swimsuits utilize padding that retains a large amount of water. This water retention causes the swimsuit to sag and no longer provide any push-up qualities. Women have a great need for a cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit that does not resemble the brassiere style of push-up swimsuit.
The brassiere style of push-up swimsuit has recently been adapted to resemble a conventional swimsuit from the front, but still has the appearance of the brassiere style from the sides and back. This is due to the fact that this design utilizes straps, back clasps and/or closures similar to the ones found on brassieres and not typically found on conventional swimsuits. This design also utilizes a brassiere like structure for the bottom band instead of regular swimsuit strings. Again, these swimsuit designs utilize padding that retains a large amount of water and sags when wet.
Another swimwear design is one that has pockets for inserting removable padding. Even though it is sometimes called a push-up swimsuit, it only shapes the breast but does not provide any lift. The inserted swimsuit padding is very thin, which does not create the desired look of fuller breasts. These swimsuits are designed to shape the breast but they do not provide any cleavage enhancing look. The other problem with this design is that the removable padding can shift with active wear and be seen through the outside fabric.
A newer version of a push-up swimsuit is one that relies on a tightening effect to create the look of more cleavage. These swimsuits are usually made out of highly elastic materials and are meant to be worn very tightly. This can cause obvious discomfort for the wearer and a lack of mobility. Some of these designs may incorporate underwire to provide additional shape. This design squeezes the breasts together to create cleavage but does not provide any lift or size enhancement.
Finally, another method used to create a push-up swimsuit is to buy molded pads and insert them into a conventional swimsuit. These pads are sold separately and are either glued to the swimsuit lining, sewn to the inside of the swimsuit or inserted into the lining pocket by the consumer. One problem with these pads is that they are never the exact size and shape of the swimsuit. The consumer must cut the pads to fit, and still they might fit poorly depending on the swimsuit and pad design. The padding is easily noticeable through the swimsuit fabric due to thick edges and improper fit. The padding that is inserted fits loosely and can shift with movement causing it to be seen through the outside fabric. The padding that is glued on can eventually come loose due to washing and normal wear. Any mistake made by the consumer during the gluing process can damage the swimsuit. If too much glue is applied, the glue can seep through the lining to stain the outer fabric. If too little glue is used, then the padding may detach during wear or wash. If the padding is glued or sewn to the inside of the swimsuit, then the padding comes in direct contact with the wearer's skin. This can be uncomfortable and may cause skin irritation and excessive sweating. If the consumer chooses to sew the padding to the inside of the swimsuit, then the stitching will be evident on the outside of the swimsuit. This can alter the look and design of the swimsuit and, unless the consumer is a knowledgeable seamstress, the look will be less than desirable. Another obvious flaw of this design is that it is labor intensive for the consumer. Consumers must purchase the swimsuit, then purchase additional padding from a different manufacturer, and then install the padding themselves.
3. Objects and Advantages
Accordingly, the objects and advantages of the present invention are to provide a cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit which addresses the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art. Several objects and advantages of the present invention are:
(a) to provide a cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit that does not resemble the brassiere style of design mentioned in the prior art;
(b) to provide a cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit that does not utilize any underwire, providing for a more comfortable fit and natural look;
(c) to provide a cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit that when worn, resembles the overall style and design of a conventional swimsuit from the front, side and back views;
(d) to provide a cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit that utilizes non-removable push-up padding that is attached to the swimsuit in such a way as to prevent the pads from being seen through the outside fabric due to shifting caused by active wear;
(e) to provide a cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit that provides cleavage enhancement as well as lift and support for a woman's breasts without being constrictive or uncomfortable to wear;
(f) to provide a cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit that is ready to wear and does not require any additional labor by the consumer, such as padding installation; and
(g) to provide a cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit that has the option to be manufactured in such a way as to have low water absorbent padding, preventing it from sagging when wet.
Further objects and advantages are to provide a cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit which can be made in any style of swimsuit, excluding the brassiere style of prior art. Still, further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.
SUMMARYThe current invention is a cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit with non-removable push-up padding that has very low water absorbency and is designed to comfortably support and conform to a woman's breasts. The cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit is intended to create the effect of a fuller natural looking bust by providing support, comfort, and lift of the breasts. When worn, the shape and design of this cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit is intended to resemble a conventional swimsuit without a padded or brassiere appearance and without brassiere style underwire, straps, back clasps or closures.
In the drawings the preferred embodiment and several but not all alternative embodiments are illustrated. In the drawings closely related figures have the same numbering but different alphabetic suffixes. These drawings with different suffixes illustrate different views, embodiments or designs. The preferred view, embodiment or design is always the first suffix offered.
The preferred embodiment of the push-up pads is illustrated in
The preferred method of attaching the push-up pads 10 to the swimsuit is illustrated in
An inside view of a completed push-up swimsuit top is illustrated in
The push-up pads 10 of the preferred embodiment are shaped to support and lift the breasts in a natural and comfortable manner. The thicker padding area 12 is designed so that it provides two-way directional support by pushing the breasts upward and toward each other. The push-up pads 10 design creates maximum lift, cleavage, support, and an overall fuller looking bust. The thin outside edges 11 help disguise the appearance of the push-up pads 10. The type of high density polyester foam utilized in the production of the push-up pads 10 of the preferred embodiment has a very low water absorbency and prevents the swimsuit from sagging when wet. The push-up pads 10 of the present invention can be made in any size to accommodate females of varying shapes to include but not limited to: extra small, small, medium, large, extra large and double extra large.
The preferred embodiment of the cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit creates a fuller looking bust without the obvious appearance of a padded or push-up swimsuit. This is accomplished due to the assembly techniques shown in
There are alternative embodiments of the present invention that are based on the push-up pads 10 design. Instead of the thicker padding area 12 having a curved shape as shown in
Additionally, there are alternative embodiments of the present invention that are based on the materials that the push-up pads 10 are made of. The preferred embodiment uses high density polyester foam that has a very low water absorbency and maintains flexibility and softness. However, high density polyester foam is substantially more expensive than other foam padding materials. Due to this expense, other foam materials may be used instead of high density polyester foam to cut down on the costs associated with manufacturing. Another alternative embodiment would be to utilize gel or silicone push-up pads which may achieve favorable results and are water resistant. However, gel or silicone padding can be heavy and my cause the swimsuit to sag or be uncomfortable to wear. Push-up pads comprising of air pockets may also be utilized. This alternative embodiment has many advantages over other materials such as being lighter in weight and water proof. However, push-up pads comprising of air pockets have one very large flaw, which is the possibility of rupture or puncture due to active wear or wash. The possibility of rupture or puncture may be reduced by strengthening the encapsulating material in some way. The push-up pads 10 of the present design can be made out of any material and is not limited to the aforementioned materials listed in the preferred embodiment or the alternative embodiments.
Alternative Embodiments—FIGS. 2 and 3AOther alternative embodiments of the present invention are based on how the padded cups 30 are assembled in
Other alternative embodiments of the present invention are based on variations of the swimsuit design, which are illustrated in
The embodiments listed above describe a cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit with low water absorbency that lifts the breasts, creates the visual effect of fuller cleavage and provides an overall larger and natural looking bust without a padded or push-up appearance. These embodiments have obvious advantages over the prior art, such as:
(a) A cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit that lifts the breasts upward and pushes them toward each other creating the appearance of a fuller looking bust.
(b) A cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit with a comfortable feel that allows for a great range of movement and activities.
(c) A cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit that disguises the use of padding.
(d) A cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit that, when worn, resembles a conventional swimsuit.
(e) A cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit that does not resemble the brassiere styles of prior art.
(f) A cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit that is not substantially constrictive.
(g) A cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit that has the option to be manufactured in such a way as to have low water absorbent padding, preventing it from sagging when wet.
(h) A cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit with non-removable pads in which the padding does not shift or displace due to movement or activity.
(i) A cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit that can be made in any one-piece or two-piece design excluding the brassiere styles of prior art.
CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE OF INVENTIONAccordingly, the reader will see that the present invention of the cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit provides the wearer with an uplifted bust and increased cleavage while maintaining comfort and an overall natural look. This is accomplished with the help of non-removable push-up padding which is designed to increase a woman's bust and provide cleavage enhancement. Furthermore, the manufacturing process of the cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit disguises the presence of the push-up pads. This provides a cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit that resembles a conventional swimsuit without the obvious look of a padded swimsuit. In addition, the design of this cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit resembles a design of a conventional swimsuit with back and neck ties, and not with brassiere style straps, bands or underwire. An optional feature of the cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit is the use of low water absorbent, water resistant, or water proof materials for the push-up pads, which prevents the swimsuit from sagging when wet.
While the previous descriptions contain many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of several preferred embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example, the outside swimsuit fabric and/or inside lining could be attached to the push-up pad with a heat molding process. Another example, is that the outside fabric or other outer material could be layered and molded into a push-up pad shape or completed swimsuit. Alternatively, the push-up pads or cups could be attached to the swimsuit with an adhesive material. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiments described, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
Claims
1. A cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit, comprising of: Whereby when worn, said cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit exerts forces on the wearer's breasts lifting the breasts both upwardly and inwardly toward each other, Whereby when worn, said cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit resembles a conventional woman's swimsuit and not the brassiere styles of prior art.
- (a) left and right padded cups of sufficient size and shape to accommodate a woman's breasts,
- (b) a means for assembling said cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit with said padded cups and other garment construction materials,
2. The cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit of claim 1, wherein said left and right padded cups contain push-up pads that are securely attached by various means.
3. The cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit of claim 1, wherein said left and right padded cups contain push-up pads that are sandwiched between outside fabric and inside lining.
4. The cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit of claim 1, wherein said left and right padded cups are constructed with a molding process.
5. The cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit of claim 1, wherein said cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit can be formed in any style swimsuit to include one-piece and two-piece designs, but excluding the brassiere styles of prior art.
6. The cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit of claim 1, wherein said garment construction materials are selected from the group comprising of fabrics, leather, mesh, foam, laces, strings, ties, straps, bands, bows, belts, buckles, clasps, loops, holes, zippers, buttons, hardware, chains, tags, labels, threads, elastics, binding, adhesives, accessories, jewelry, stones, gems, beads, shells, sequins, glitter, embroidery, heat transfers, dye, plastic, wood, wire or decorative metal and comprising of any style, color, pattern, design, shape, thickness, or texture.
7. The cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit of claim 1, wherein said cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit does not contain underwire.
8. The cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit of claim 2, wherein said various means are selected from sewing, gluing, heat molding, compression molding, fabric molding or in-mold laminate process.
9. A cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit that, when worn, resembles a conventional women's swimsuit and not the brassiere styles of prior art, and comprising of: Whereby, when worn, said cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit exerts forces on the wearer's breasts lifting the breasts both upwardly and inwardly toward each other.
- (a) left and right cups of a sufficient size and shape to accommodate a woman's breasts, and comprising of push-up pads or molded materials that are securely attached to said cups,
- (b) an outside design for said swimsuit comprised of any material, style, color, pattern, shape, thickness, or texture and can use any dyeing process,
- (c) various garment construction materials selected from the group comprising of fabrics, leather, mesh, foam, laces, strings, ties, straps, bands, bows, belts, buckles, clasps, loops, holes, zippers, buttons, hardware, chains, tags, labels, threads, elastics, binding, adhesives, accessories, jewelry, stones, gems, beads, shells, sequins, glitter, embroidery, heat transfers, dye, plastic, wood, wire or decorative metal and comprising of any style, color, pattern, design, shape, thickness, or texture,
- (d) a means for assembling said cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit with said cups, said garment construction materials, and said outside design into any one-piece or two-piece design, but excluding the brassiere style designs of prior art,
10. The cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit of claim 9, wherein said cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit does not contain underwire.
11. A method for making a cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit, comprising the steps of: Whereby, when worn, said cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit exerts forces on the wearer's breasts lifting the breasts both upwardly and inwardly toward each other, Whereby, when worn, said cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit resembles a conventional swimsuit and not the brassiere styles of prior art.
- (a) forming foam or other padding material into the shape of left and right push-up pads of sufficient shape and size to accommodate a woman's breasts,
- (b) attaching said push-up pads to the swimsuit by various means,
- (c) assembling the shape and design of said swimsuit with various garment construction materials,
12. The method of claim 11, wherein said means for attaching said push-up pads to the swimsuit comprise of sewing, gluing, heat molding, compression molding, fabric molding or in-mold laminate process, or by applying pigment, color, or designs directly to said push-up pads or swimsuit.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein said means for attaching said push-up pads to the swimsuit comprise of sandwiching said push-up pads between outside fabric and inside lining.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein said cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit can be formed in any style swimsuit to include one-piece or two-piece designs, but excluding the brassiere styles of prior art.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein said garment construction materials are selected from the group comprising of fabrics, leather, mesh, foam, laces, strings, ties, straps, bands, bows, belts, buckles, clasps, loops, holes, zippers, buttons, hardware, chains, tags, labels, threads, elastics, binding, adhesives, accessories, jewelry, stones, gems, beads, shells, sequins, glitter, embroidery, heat transfers, dye, plastic, wood, wire or decorative metal and comprising of any style, color, pattern, design, shape, thickness, or texture.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein said cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit does not contain underwire.
17. The method of claim 13, wherein said push-up pads will be securely attached to the outside fabric and inside lining by various means.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein said various means are selected from sewing, gluing, heat molding, compression molding, fabric molding or in-mold laminate process.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 16, 2010
Publication Date: Jul 22, 2010
Inventors: Yulia V. Drummond (Pasadena, CA), Dustin K. Drummond (Pasadena, CA)
Application Number: 12/688,861
International Classification: A41D 7/00 (20060101); A41D 27/08 (20060101); A41C 3/00 (20060101); A41C 3/10 (20060101);