ADJUSTABLE MULTI-CUP BRASSIERE

Abstract

A brassiere is shown and described. The brassiere has a first helical region and a second helical region joined at the front and the back of the brassiere, each of the first and the second helical regions including an inner cup and an outer cup. The surface area of each inner cup is substantially smaller than the surface area of its respective outer cup. At least one of the inner cups may include a breast-shape conformer to conform in appearance to a breast. A reinforcing element attached along the lower portions of each of the inner cups and the outer cups define an adjustable inner cup volume independent of the inner cup base diameter. In use, the inner cup is held against a wearer when the brassiere is in an adjusted position regardless of a movement of its respective outer cup to maintain breast coverage by its respective inner cup.

Description

This application claims the benefit of provisional application No. 61/317,019, filed Mar. 24, 2010.

BACKGROUND OF THE TECHNOLOGY

(1) Field

The present disclosures relate generally to brassieres and, more particularly, to a brassiere having an inner cup and an outer cup, whereby said inner cup is held against a wearer when said brassiere is in an adjusted position regardless of a movement of its respective outer cup to maintain breast coverage by its respective inner cup.

(2) Background

Conventional single-piece construction of breast-enhancement cup inserts, padding, and the like of outer breast garments and brassieres limit brassiere performance, particularly breast coverage and enhancement capability. Accordingly, it is favorable to use a combination of breast cups, i.e. a two-in-one brassiere for breast enhancement and support as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,165,047, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Typically, the two-in-one brassiere incorporates a pair of two laterally-spaced breast cups to provide an enhanced breast support and natural appearance.

Such breast-enhancement brassieres comprise a pair of laterally spaced breast cups, often joined together on the front of a brassiere and on a back of the brassiere. Generally, each breast cup includes a self-contained pair of inner cups and outer cups. The edges of these inner cups and outer cups are secured together with a reinforced element along multiple edges of the breast cups. Typically, the inner and outer cups are separable so that the upper edges of each respective cup may move relative to one another, which is particularly beneficial for independent breast cup adjustment. However, the curved reinforcing element often creates inopportune cup alignment resulting in unexpected brassiere limitation. Consequently, the Applicants believe that it is desirable to provide for new and improved brassieres adapted for the use with a wide variety of wearers, while reducing, or eliminating, brassiere enhancement and support performance limitations.

In addition, it is further desirable to provide an adjustable brassiere for breast enhancement and support for women who have undergone a mastectomy or similar surgical operation, where one or both breasts have been removed or altered. Previously, outer-garments and brassieres have been designed to help a surgical patient overcome the physiological and physical impact associated with such a surgery. For example, brassieres with inflatable bladders and the like have been used to provide the look of having a pair of full natural breasts. However, these devices fail to provide the wearer with uniform coverage along the contour of the removed or altered breast, particular along the base of the removed or altered breast. Consequently, these garments fail to provide the wearer with the ability to completely cover their breast, nonetheless enhance and support their breasts to simulate a desired natural breast appearance. Further, such limitations often also result in a beast cup moving away from the body and breast during certain body movements leading to possible embarrassment to the wearer.

The above mentioned garments and brassieres fail to provide inclusive breast base and volume coverage of a wearer who has undergone a breast augmentation procedure, for example an augmentation mammaplasty. Following an augmentation procedure, breast implants characteristically alter the natural profile of the breast, such that traditional-shaped brassieres do not fully accommodate the shape formed by the implant, i.e. the adjusted height-to-width volume ratio. A typical augmented breast has a substantially hemispherical shape with a downslope extending from below the clavicle to the nipple, resulting in a breast base diameter that is substantially smaller than the base diameter of a natural breast of comparable volume. In contrast, the profile of a natural breast volume is relatively laterally dispersed from the center axis of the breast.

Conventional-shaped brassiere cups are designed to complement this natural breast contour. However, the implant within an augmented breast is located more centrally on the nipple, which alters the height-to-width volume ratio of a breast augmentation patient. This unnaturally-focused volume often creates wider cleavage, which in turn is a common indicator of breast augmentation.

Thus, there remains a need for a new and improved aesthetically-pleasing brassiere that will comfortably conform to the height-to-width volume ratio of an augmentation patient while, at the same time, provides greater breast support and enhancement performance of such a brassiere.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURES

The present inventions are directed to a brassiere having a first helical region and a second helical region joined at the front and the back of the brassiere, each of the first and the second helical regions including an inner cup and an outer cup. The surface area of each inner cup is substantially smaller than the surface area of its respective outer cup. At least one of the inner cups may include a breast-shape conformer to conform in appearance to a breast. A reinforcing element is attached along the lower portions of each of the inner cups and the outer cups. The reinforcing element joining each of the inner cups to its respective outer cup thereby defines an adjustable inner cup volume independent of the inner cup base diameter. The present inventions also include an adjuster, whereby the inner cup is held against a wearer when the brassiere is in an adjusted position regardless of a movement of its respective outer cup to maintain breast coverage by its respective inner cup. The present inventions may further include an outer decorative layer.

The first helical region and the second helical region may be releasably joined at the front of the brassiere. In another embodiment, the first helical region and the second helical region are releasably joined at the back of the brassiere.

The inner cups and the outer cups are generally separable along an unattached upper free edges of the inner cup and its respective outer cup, whereby the upper free edges may move relative to one another. The volume of the inner cup is independent of the volume of its respective outer cup.

Each of the inner cups may include a first layer and a second layer of fabric having attached edges to form the inner cup, the inner cup padding being contained within the first and second fabric layers.

Also, at least one of the inner cups may have an inner cup axis substantially parallel to a horizontal axis of a breast implant when the brassiere is worn. The inner cups define an adjustable inner cup base diameter substantially centered on a horizontal axis of the breast implant to accommodate a contour of an augmented breast base independent of the implant volume and independent of an inner cup volume when the brassiere is worn and the adjuster is in an adjusted position.

The reinforcing element may include a first underwire associated with each of the inner cups and a second underwire associated with its respective outer cup.

In one embodiment, the adjuster is a strap system. Preferably, the strap system is adapted to lift at least one of the inner cups when the brassiere is worn and the strap is in an adjusted position. The strap system may include at least one strap connected to each of the helical regions. The strap system may also include at least one strap connected to each of the inner and outer cups.

In one embodiment, the breast-shape conformer is a cavity configured to receive a mold. The breast-shape conformer may be a built-in mold chosen from a padding, an implant, a plurality of fabric layers, and combinations thereof.

The decorative layer may be a lace outer fabric. The decorative layer also may be a lace upper fabric. The decorative layer preferably substantially covers the inner cup and the outer cup.

Accordingly, one aspect of the present inventions is to provide a brassiere having: (a) a first helical region and a second helical region joined at the front and the back of the brassiere, each of the first and the second helical regions including (i) an inner cup and an outer cup, wherein the surface area of each inner cup is substantially smaller than the surface area of its respective outer cup and (ii) a reinforcing element along the lower portions of each of the inner cups and the outer cups, the reinforcing element joining each of the inner cups to its respective outer cup thereby defining an adjustable inner cup volume independent of the inner cup base diameter; and (b) an adjuster holding the inner cup against a wearer when the brassiere is in an adjusted position regardless of a movement of its respective outer cup to maintain breast coverage by its respective inner cup.

Another aspect of the present inventions is to provide a brassiere having: (a) a first helical region and a second helical region joined at the front and the back of the brassiere, each of the first and the second helical regions including (i) an inner cup and an outer cup, wherein the surface area of each inner cup is substantially smaller than the surface area of its respective outer cup and wherein at least one of the inner cups include a breast-shape conformer to conform in appearance to a breast and (ii) a reinforcing element along the lower portions of each of the inner cups and the outer cups, the reinforcing element joining each of the inner cups to its respective outer cup thereby defining an adjustable inner cup volume independent of the inner cup base diameter; and (b) an adjuster, whereby the inner cup is held against a wearer when the brassiere is in an adjusted position regardless of a movement of its respective outer cup to maintain breast coverage by its respective inner cup.

Still another aspect of the present inventions is to provide a brassiere having: (a) a first helical region and a second helical region joined at the front and the back of the brassiere, each of the first and the second helical regions including (i) an inner cup and an outer cup, wherein the surface area of each inner cup is substantially smaller than the surface area of its respective outer cup and wherein at least one of the inner cups include a breast-shape conformer to conform in appearance to a breast and (ii) a reinforcing element along the lower portions of each of the inner cups and the outer cups, the reinforcing element joining each of the inner cups to its respective outer cup thereby defining an adjustable inner cup volume independent of the inner cup base diameter; (b) an adjuster, whereby the inner cup is held against a wearer when the brassiere is in an adjusted position regardless of a movement of its respective outer cup to maintain breast coverage by its respective inner cup; and (c) an outer decorative layer.

These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after a reading of the following description of the preferred embodiment when considered with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a brassiere constructed according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 partially broken away to show internal components of one embodiment of the adjusted position to provide enhanced breast cleavage and fullness;

FIG. 3a is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3b is similar sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1, wherein the breast conformer is a cavity;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation illustrating a breast enhancement and support brassiere according to one embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 5a is a rear perspective of the embodiment of FIG. 1 illustrating breast enhancement and support in one embodiment of the adjusted position;

FIG. 5b is a similar rear perspective of the embodiment of FIG. 1 illustrating breast enhancement and support in one embodiment of the adjusted position wherein the adjuster is a single shoulder strap;

FIG. 6a is a front elevation illustrating another embodiment of a breast enhancement for support brassiere wherein only a single strap is used for each breast cup; and

FIG. 6b is a front elevation is a shoulder strap-less embodiment similar to FIG. 6a, wherein the adjuster secures the brassiere in an adjusted position for breast enhancement and support.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views. Also in the following description, it is to be understood that such terms as “forward,” “rearward,” “left,” “right,” “upwardly,” “downwardly,” and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

Referring now to the drawings in general and FIG. 1 in particular, it will be understood that the illustrations are for the purpose of describing a preferred embodiment of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the disclosure or any invention thereto. As best seen in FIG. 1, a brassiere, generally 10, is shown embodied according to the present disclosure. The brassiere 10 may include a first helical region 12 and a second helical region 14; a reinforcing element 36 joining the lower portions of each helical region; and an adjuster 16 joining the front 20 and back 22 of the brassiere 10.

As seen in FIGS. 5a and 5b, the first helical region 12 and said second helical region 14 may be releasably joined at the back 22 of the brassiere 10. Similarly, the first helical region 12 and said second helical region 14 may be releasably joined at the front 20. In yet another embodiment, the helical regions may be releasably joined on the sides of brassiere 10.

The first helical region 12 and second helical region 14 may include one, or more, pairs of inner cups 24 and an outer cups 26. However, it is within the sprit of this disclosure for brassiere 10 to be configured with only one set of inner and outer cups in either the first helical region 12 or the second helical region 14. In this particular embodiment, the cup-less respective helical region may be substantially uniform or rigid.

As best seen in FIG. 1, the inner cups 24 and outer cups 26 are self-contained cups, with the outer cups 26 typically substantially coextending to cover the inner cups 24. In some embodiments, the surface area of each inner cup 24 is substantially smaller than the surface area of its respective outer cup 26.

As seen in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the reinforcing element 36 along the lower portions of the inner cups 24 and outer cups 26 may join each of said inner cups to its respective outer cup. In this particular embodiment, reinforcing element's 36 joining of inner cups 24 and said outer cups 26 may thereby define an adjustable inner cup volume which is substantially independent of the inner cup base diameter. Reinforcing element 36 may be substantially curved along the lower portions of inner cups 24 and outer cups 26 to match the contour of natural breast appearance and terminates at the lower portion of the breast cups. Alternatively, reinforcing element 36 may be substantially linear for an enhanced fullness appearance. The reinforcing element 36 may extend substantially along the lower and side edges to impart lift to breast 60 when the adjuster is properly adjusted in an adjusted position.

The reinforcing element 36 may include a first underwire 64 associated with each of said inner cups 24 and a second underwire 66 associated with its respective outer cup 26. Each underwire may be encased with the respective fabric layers of inner cup 24 and outer cup 26. Typically, the second underwire 66 is disposed substantially underneath first underwire 64. In this manner, when it is desired to provide increased lift on inner cup 24, adjuster 16 of outer cup 26 imparts substantially all of the lifting force of second underwire 66 directly upwardly on first underwire 64 for increased lift.

The inner cups 24 may include a first layer, for example 32a as seen in FIG. 2, and a second layer, for example 34a as seen in FIG. 2, of fabric having attached edges to form the inner cup 24. Typically, this inner cup padding is contained within said first 32 and second 34 fabric layers. Each helical region may also include a third fabric layer, for example 38a as seen in FIG. 2, and a fourth fabric layer attached together about the periphery to form self-contained outer cup 24. The various fabric layers comprising the inner and outer cups may be separate layers or may be layers folded upon themselves.

The inner cups and outer cups are generally separable along unattached upper free edges 70 of each helical region, including unattached side upper edges, of the inner cup 24 and its respective outer cup 26. Therefore, the upper free edges 70 may move relative to one another to the inner cup's 24 volume to accommodate a particular height-to-width ratio of the wearer's breasts. In this manner, a wide variety of breast coverage configurations may be provided by the independent adjustment of each inner cup 24 with respect to its corresponding outer cup 26. For example, the adjuster 16 may be positioned in an adjusted position in the direction of the arrows in FIG. 2, to provide more lift and enhance breast cleavage 62, as compared to the breast cleavage 62 of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 1, 4 and 6a indicate that brassiere 10 may acts as a two-in-one brassiere for breast enhancement and support of wearers with natural breasts. However, brassiere 10 can also provide inclusive breast base and volume coverage of a wearer who has undergone a breast augmentation procedure, for example an augmentation mammaplasty, and whose breast profile is a modified teardrop shape. In this particular embodiment, the inner cups 24 can be permanently or removably adjusted to conform in a variety of styles and arrangements to a wearer with an abnormal height-to-width volume breast ratio associated with augmentation procedures. Particularly, the brassiere's adjustable inner cup 24 can adapt to the augmented breast base diameter, which is substantially smaller than the base diameter of a natural breast of comparable volume, of which a conventional brassiere cup is designed to accommodate.

For example purposes only, at least one of said inner cups 24 has an inner cup axis that is substantially parallel to a horizontal axis of wearer's breast implant when the brassiere is worn. In this particular embodiment, the inner cups 24 define an adjustable inner cup base diameter that is substantially centered on a horizontal axis of the breast implant. Such a positioning accommodates a contour of the augmented breast base independently of the volume of the wearer's implant volume and independent of the inner cup's 24 volume when said brassiere is worn and the adjuster is in an adjusted position.

The inner cup 10 may further include a breast-shape conformer 40 to substantially conform in appearance to a breast, particularly for breast enhancement and support for women who have undergone a mastectomy or similar surgical operation. Brassiere 10 may provide both uniform coverage along the contour of the removed or altered breast and ensure the appearance of having a pair of full natural breasts. As seen in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the breast-shape conformer 40 may be a permanent conformer or a cavity 42 configured to receive a breast mold 44, insert, implant, or the like, respectively.

As illustrated in FIG. 3a, the breast-shape conformer 40 may be a built-in mold chosen from padding, an implant, insert, plurality of fabric layers, or a combination thereof. Similarly, as illustrated in FIG. 3b, cavity 42 may be configured to receive a breast mold 44 of shapes, styles, and sizes for the convenience of its wearer. Consequently, brassiere 10 provides the wearer with the ability to completely cover any modified or adjusted breast while enhancing the cleavage and fullness of their breasts. For illustrative purposes only, the inner cup 24 is therefore always maintained against the breast 62 during body movements such as athletics and the like, or wearing low cut apparel, regardless of the adjustment of the outer cup 26 for fullness and the like.

Adjuster 16 typically holds the inner cup 24 against a wearer when the brassiere 10 is in an adjusted position, regardless of a movement of its respective outer cup 26. Adjuster 16 further adjusts the lift of the inner and outer cups to a desired adjusted position.

In this adjusted position, inner cup 24 may be positioned so that brassiere 10 is held firmly against the breast 60 so that the inner cup 24 is maintained firmly against the breast 60 regardless of body movement. Outer cup 26 may then be adjusted to provide a desired breast fullness appearance. As adjuster 16 is adjusted tighter, outer cup 26 is pulled up and tighter against inner cup 24 for a less full appearance.

As best seen in FIGS. 3a and 3b, when highly resilient and compressible padding is used, the adjuster 16 may be tightened until the padding is compressed a desired amount decreasing the appearance of fullness but increasing the lift and cleavage of the breast. Alternatively, as adjuster 16 is loosened, the padding material may be allowed to decompress providing a fuller breast appearance.

Turning to FIGS. 1 and 2, the adjuster 16 may be a multiple strap system. The strap system may include a plurality of straps 50, 50a, 52, and 52a associated with the first helical region 12 and the second helical region 14, respectively. Typically, the strap system includes at least one strap connected to each of the inner and outer cups. The use of an individual strap on each inner and outer cup provides for greater versatility in the independent adjustments of the breast cups. However, as shown in FIG. 5b, one or both of adjuster 16a may be a single conventional bra strap adjustment buckle. While double straps provide increased adjustability, the straps may be concealed in a manner that only a single strap is noticed, or other measures may be taken, so that the brassiere 10 has the appearance of a conventional brassiere.

Adjuster 16 in the form of strap adjustments also provides an advantage when the breast cup is worn by a large breasted woman in that additional support can be provided as well as enhanced breast appearance. In this case, less cleavage or fullness may be provided with increased support so that the natural appearance of lesser breasts may be had. It is also possible that other means of adjusting the inner and outer cups individually may be had beside separate straps or conventional strap adjustments. For example, a single strap may be attached to the back strap and overlay the shoulder which is then connected at individual points to the inner and outer cups by means of a Y strap, separate Velcro, or other suitable connections allowing individual adjustability of the inner and outer cups.

As illustrated in FIG. 6b, adjuster 16 may be a shoulder strap-less embodiment. In this particular embodiment of brassiere 10, the wearer secures the inner cup 24 and outer cup 26 with adjuster 16 into the adjusted position by side strap adjustments. In use, the strap-less brassiere 10 may be secured in a predetermined position before the brassiere is worn or after the brassiere is partially secured to the wearer. Nevertheless, the strap-less brassiere 10 is adjusted into the adjusted position for breast enhancement and support and to maintain breast coverage by its respective inner cup 24.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the inner cups 24 and outer cups 26 may include outer decorative layers 54. Therefore, the inner and outer cups are capable of individual adjustment but appear as a single cup on each breast 62. Decorative layer 54 may be an outer or inner fabric, such as lace, and may substantially cover the inner cup 24 and outer cup 26.

Certain modifications and improvements will occur to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the foregoing description. By way of example, the adjuster 16 may position the brassiere 10 in an off centered adjusted position which may enhance breast support and fullness. Also, the first helical region 12 or the second helical region 14 may include only a one cup assembly. Similarly, the first helical region 12 and second helical region 14 may include more than two cups, i.e. multiple inner cups 24 and/or outer cups 26. It should be understood that all such modifications and improvements have been deleted herein for the sake of conciseness and readability but are properly within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A brassiere comprising:

(a) a first helical region and a second helical region joined at the front and the back of said brassiere, each of said first and said second helical regions including (i) an inner cup and an outer cup, wherein the surface area of each inner cup is substantially smaller than the surface area of its respective outer cup and (ii) a reinforcing element along the lower portions of each of said inner cups and said outer cups, said reinforcing element joining each of said inner cups to its respective outer cup thereby defining an adjustable inner cup volume independent of the inner cup base diameter; and

(b) an adjuster holding said inner cup against a wearer when said brassiere is in an adjusted position regardless of a movement of its respective outer cup to maintain breast coverage by its respective inner cup.

2. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein said first helical region and said second helical region are releasably joined at a portion of the brassiere chosen from the front of said brassiere and at the back of said brassiere

3. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein said inner cups and said outer cups are generally separable along an unattached upper free edges of said inner cup and its respective outer cup, whereby said upper free edges may move relative to one another.

4. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein the volume of said inner cup is independent of the volume of its respective outer cup.

5. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein each of said inner cups includes a first layer and a second layer of fabric having attached edges to form said inner cup, said inner cup padding being contained within said first and second fabric layers.

6. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein at least one of said inner cups has an inner cup axis substantially parallel to a horizontal axis of a breast implant when the brassiere is worn.

7. The brassiere of claim 6, wherein said inner cups define an adjustable inner cup base diameter substantially centered on a horizontal axis of the breast implant to accommodate a contour of an augmented breast base independent of the implant volume and independent of an inner cup volume when said brassiere is worn and the adjuster is in an adjusted position.

8. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein said reinforcing element includes a first underwire associated with each of said inner cups and a second underwire associated with its respective outer cup.

9. A brassiere comprising:

(a) a first helical region and a second helical region joined at the front and the back of said brassiere, each of said first and said second helical regions including (i) an inner cup and an outer cup, wherein the surface area of each inner cup is substantially smaller than the surface area of its respective outer cup and wherein at least one of said inner cups include a breast-shape conformer to conform in appearance to a breast and (ii) a reinforcing element along the lower portions of each of said inner cups and said outer cups, said reinforcing element joining each of said inner cups to its respective outer cup thereby defining an adjustable inner cup volume independent of the inner cup base diameter; and

(b) an adjuster, whereby said inner cup is held against a wearer when said brassiere is in an adjusted position regardless of a movement of its respective outer cup to maintain breast coverage by its respective inner cup.

10. The brassiere of claim 9, wherein said breast-shape conformer is a cavity configured to receive a mold.

11. The brassiere of claim 9, wherein the breast-shape conformer is a built-in mold chosen from a padding, an implant, a plurality of fabric layers, and combinations thereof.

12. The brassiere of claim 9, wherein said inner cups and said outer cups are generally separable along unattached upper free edges of said inner cups and said outer cups whereby the upper free edges may move relative to one another.

13. A brassiere comprising:

(a) a first helical region and a second helical region joined at the front and the back of said brassiere, each of said first and said second helical regions including (i) an inner cup and an outer cup, wherein the surface area of each inner cup is substantially smaller than the surface area of its respective outer cup and wherein at least one of said inner cups include a breast-shape conformer to conform in appearance to a breast and (ii) a reinforcing element along the lower portions of each of said inner cups and said outer cups, said reinforcing element joining each of said inner cups to its respective outer cup thereby defining an adjustable inner cup volume independent of the inner cup base diameter;

(b) an adjuster, whereby said inner cup is held against a wearer when said brassiere is in an adjusted position regardless of a movement of its respective outer cup to maintain breast coverage by its respective inner cup; and

(c) an outer decorative layer.

14. The brassiere of claim 13, wherein said first helical region and said second helical region are releasably joined at a portion of the brassiere chosen from the front of said brassiere and at the back of said brassiere

15. The brassiere of claim 13, wherein said inner cups and said outer cups are generally separable along an unattached upper free edges of said inner cup and its respective outer cup, whereby said upper free edges may move relative to one another.

16. The brassiere of claim 13, wherein each of said inner cups includes a first layer and a second layer of fabric having attached edges to form said inner cup, said inner cup padding being contained within said first and second fabric layers.

17. The brassiere of claim 13, wherein said inner cups define an adjustable inner cup base diameter substantially centered on a horizontal axis of the breast implant to accommodate a contour of an augmented breast base independent of the implant volume and independent of an inner cup volume when said brassiere is worn and the adjuster is in an adjusted position.

18. The brassiere of claim 13, wherein said reinforcing element includes a first underwire associated with each of said inner cups and a second underwire associated with its respective outer cup.

19. The brassiere of claim 13, wherein said breast-shape conformer is a cavity configured to receive a mold.

20. The brassiere of claim 19, wherein the breast-shape conformer is a built-in mold chosen from a padding, an implant, a plurality of fabric layers, and combinations thereof.