Adjustable Bra II

Abstract

The front enclosure adjustable bra of the present invention includes an adjustment feature that allows adjustment of the length of the front, adjustment of the length of the side and adjustment of the length of the back, and/or adjustment of the cup size. A bra comprises of a pair (two) of bra cups to hold the breasts and a band reaching around the torso to secure the bra in place. The band comprises of a front under bust band attached to and underlying the bra cups, with a front enclosure or not, a back band comprising of two bands that meet at the centre with a buckle and fold out with hooks (or buckles & tunnels) on each side, right and left, a length adjustment feature for independently adjusting the length of the band conducive to the need of the wearer. Or this may be a band in the middle of the back with two buckles, one on each side. This adjustment allows for it to be bigger or smaller and may be adjusted throughout time of the wearer according to their needs.

Description

RELATED US PATENT DOCUMENTS

	Application number	Filing date	Patent number
	62/766,218	Oct. 9, 2018
	29/651,089	Dec. 6, 2017	US 29/651,089
	29/651,282	Mar. 12, 2018	US 29/651,282

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/766,218, filed Oct. 9 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in it entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a bra providing a readily adjustable fit to the wearer's torso and ultimately the cup size as well. More particularly, the present invention is directed to an adjustable bra that allows a wearer to create a comfortable fit by providing a front band, and adjustable back band, allowing it to fit the torso as one may lose or gain weight or when rather the fabric stretch out. Many various front or back closure elements are included and various styles from front closure, back closure, front and back closure and strapless with adjustable back band. The shoulder straps may vary in attachment or width and dimensions.

The main feature of this invention is an adjustable back band for better fit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bras today are typically sold by bra band and bra cup size combined. Most manufacturer's and retailers offer only a limited selection of combinations, for example 34A, 36B, 38 DD 40 F- a 34 to 40 inch torso band and A-H cup size. This limited size selection makes it difficult for some women (or men) to find a comfortable and proper fit when it comes to bras. Likely a result of the lack of bra size combinations available and/or the limited flexibility within each bra to accommodate body changes and individuality as a function of time. (ie. wt. loss/gain due to pregnancy etc) or fabric wear after multiple uses. Bras have not changed in nearly a century with the back band just being about 3 hooks along with the enclosure of 3-4 rows of loops—3 in each to match the hooks. One must put the bra on backwards to adjust and then turn on their body, causing wear and tear and discomfort.

This adjustable band in this invention will allow flexibility of adjusting the back and doing the bra up in front with a front enclosure or not, thus reducing this cumbersome task of doing it up and then turning it around on the torso. Front enclosures also allows ease of taking the bra off. This invention allows for sizing to be rather XS, to XXL sizing. (XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, vs. the cup and size band combination Ie. 34D the 34 band in inches, D the cup size.)

The band affects the cup size. Tightening the band on the torso may decrease cup size or loosing it may allow for a bigger cup size fit.

Typically bras permit shoulder straps adjustment to enhance comfort and fit. However, there is a continuing need for a bra that controls overall fit over time, bust cup capacity and/or the sides of the busts together or independently of one another.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a bra comprising of a pair of bra cups (2) and a band, a front band and a back band with shoulder straps. The front band comprises a front under bust band attached to and underlying the front bra cups. The back band is a pair of length adjustment elements that meet in the middle of the back for independently adjusting the length of the band around the torso, and thusly affecting fit and sizing.

This invention may be a front enclosure with back adjustment band or a back enclosure adjustable band or a back enclosure adjustable band put on the old fashioned way of turning it on the body once adjusted, but not preferable.

Both or individually front and back enclosures can exist—the straps remain adjustable to help the fit as well and may vary in length and diameter on the bra with two individual separate straps, criss crossed or a t-shape style, etc.

It is made out of many types of fabric too varying from silk to polyester and rayon or modal or tencel adding to comfort and wear.

Consequently, the invention offers and improved fit for women having a size between standard sizes, half cup sizes or having a disproportionate band to bust ratio. It offers an improved fit for a person changing bra needs for dieting and wt/muscle gain, growth and other factors that may influence size or fit or comfort.

The unique and advantageous adjustable bra here has an adjustable back band that permits adjustment of the length of the front, side or back and/or cup size adjustment. Also advantageous is that the straps will fit better on the wearer too versus always falling off the shoulders.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a back perspective view

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the back view FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment

FIG. 6 is 3 examples A,B,C of different buckles for Bra in FIG. 1

FIG. 7 is an alternative view of criss cross straps

FIG. 8 is an alternative view of crossing straps

FIG. 9 is an alternative view A and B of strapless bras

FIG. 10 is an alternative back view showing clasp

FIG. 11—is an alternative embodiment of FIG. 1 back perspective

FIG. 12—is an alternative embodiment of FIG. 2 exploded back view of FIG. 11

FIG. 13—is an alternative embodiment of FIG. 2 closed back view

FIG. 14—is alternative embodiment (s)

FIG. 15—is alternative embodiment left side views elevational

FIG. 16—is alternative embodiment right side views elevational

FIG. 17—is alternative embodiment right side view

FIG. 18—is alternative embodiment left side view

FIG. 19—is alternative embodiment top view

FIG. 20—is alternative embodiment bottom view

FIG. 21—is alternative embodiment back perspective view

FIG. 22—is alternative embodiment back perspective view

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In FIG. 1 there is shown an adjustable bra of one embodiment of the present invention. This adjustable bra comprises of a first bra cup 1R, a second bra cup 1L, and a front band and a back band. The front band consists of front underbust band 3R and 3L, back band 6R and 6L. Typically, the length of the band will be within the range of about 26 inches (65 cm) to 60 inches (155 cm) although greater or lesser lengths are within the scope of the invention. FIG. 1 also has straps labelled as 2R and 2L, connecting 1R and 1L to the back band 6R and 6L. These are adjustable with a slide 4R & 4L. 5 is a front enclosure mechanism, hook or snap or the like.

Each bra cup 1R and 1L are joined at it's lower portions to the front band 3R and 3L respectively extending the front of the wearer's torso from left to right with straps at the top portion extending over the wearer' shoulders. Preferably, the bra cups and front underbust band elements are made of woven or knit fabric, foam, cotton, silk, polyester, microfiber, memory foam, linen, lycra, nylon, spandex, lace, satin, fiberfill, cashmere or other suitable materials. Bra cups 1R and 1L may range for example from size A to J, where J is bigger than A as it follows the alphabet. This may vary in ½ cup sizes too.

The adjustable bra in FIG. 1 further comprises a first back band 6R and a second back band 6L. FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of the adjustable bra of FIG. 1 showing the uniqueness of the back bands. Each back band 6R and 6L has a first end extending from the front band on each side connected to the bra cups 1R and 1L. As illustrated in FIG. 1, back band 6R is joined to front band 3R by a line of stitching. Same with 6L to 3L. Each back band 6R and 6L also has a second free end 9R and 9L which go to the back center and fold back upon itself to be attached by hooks and loops. These hooks and loops may vary in number of rows etc. FIG. 1 show the hook 8R and 8L and the loops 7R and 7L. Each made of metal or wire usually and sewn on. The two back bands 9R and 9L go thru a metal or plastic buckle in the center of the wearer's back which is a square with other embodiments in FIGS. 6 A, B and C. Preferably the back bands 6R and 6L are made of woven or knit fabric, foam, cotton, silk, polyester, microfiber, elastic, tencel, linen, lycra, nylon, spandex, memory foam, cashmere, lace, satin, or other suitable materials. FIG. 1 also indicates by 13R and 13L use of an underwire material to help shape the cups, an option which varies with this invention, it is within the scope of this invention that it is used or not.

As shown in FIG. 2 which is an exploded view of FIG. 1 showing specifically the back enclosure system in larger format. The free end 9R of back band 6R has a back closure element 8R and 7R comprising of a row of hooks 8R generally 4-5 rows (maybe 3 for smaller bras and cups) which complement a “hook onto” the rows of loops (eyes) to secure back band in place. The rows of loops 7R and 7L are generally 3-5 rows but may vary with cup sizes and width of one's torso. This varies within the scope of the invention. 9L free end also has 8L, hooks and 7L loops respectively on the opposite side where 9R and 9L are again taken and turned back upon themselves to be secured each going thru each side respectively of the buckle 10. When 9R and 9L are secured the back band then extends around the torso and back or the wearer allowing for it to be adjusted to the wearer's torso size ranging from approx. 28-62 inches as 9R and 9L are pulled out further on each side towards 6R and 6L to meet the loops, the back band shortens in length allowing for a better and more secure fit and may be adjusted accordingly to weight gain or loss throughout one's life. 7R and 7L are generally 5-6 rows of loops with 3-5 loops per row and 8R and 8L comprises a row of 3-5 hooks generally on average but may vary as well. Average is 4 rows each as shown. Other complementary back closure element, such as snaps, clasps, magnets, clamps, buttons, velcro, rings, ties, zippers metal slide or clips maybe also be used instead of hooks and loops (eyes). Preferably, the back closure elements are made of plastic, metal, rubber, steel, wire or other suitable materials, even titanium.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the adjustable bra further comprises a pair of adjustable shoulder straps 2R and 2L. Each shoulder straps is attached by one free end to the cups 1R and 1L and go over the shoulders to attach to back band 6R and 6L. It has an adjustable ring 4R and 4L allowing for shortening or lengthening. Preferably, the shoulder straps are made of woven or knit fabric, tencel, foam, elastic, cotton, silk, polyester, microfiber, lycra, nylon, spandex, lace, satin, fiberfill, linen, or plastic or other suitable materials. Preferred is elastic though. Each shoulder strap may be permanently attached to the first and second bra cups or connected by a detachable front shoulder strap fastener or ring such as a double hook fastener, a clasp element, a clamp element or another suitable strap fastener. Preferably, the second end of each shoulder strap is connected to the top end of 6R and 6L back bands by a ring, but this may also vary. Again, each shoulder strap may be permanently attached to the first and second back bands 6 R and 6L or connected by a detachable strap fastener such as a double hook element, a clasp element, a clamp element, or another suitable strap fastener. Further, each shoulder strap 2R and 2L may further include a bra slide 4R and 4L or other strap length adjustment element between the first and second ends of the strap for adjusting the length of each shoulder strap. The length of shoulder straps may be adjusted from ½ inch (1.25 cm) to about 3 inches (7.5 cm) generally even up to 5 inches (12.5 cm) to tighten the fit and secure bra in place. Average being 1 inch (2.5 cm). The straps may vary too. Other alternative embodiments may be like in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 where it shows criss crossed shoulder straps or strapless bras.

Fit adjustment elements 9R and 9L each permit an adjustment of about 1 inch (2.5 cm) to about 8 inches (20 cm) fitting wearer from torso size (28-62 inches) 28-36 (ie. Small) 36-44 (ie. Medium) 44-52 (ie. Large) 52-60 (ie. Extra large) respectively as an example. Generally though, it will allow for example, on average an adjustment of about 4 inches (10 cm)+/−2 inches (5 cm).

Advantageously, when either of bra back band 6R and 6L are moved in the direction of (closer to) the center buckle 10 to achieve a tighter fit, straps 2R and 2L will come closer together on the back helping secure them better over the shoulders so they may not slip on the wearer. The opposite is true as the back bands free ends are moved further away from the center with less backband material going back onto itself, this will ensure a larger, more looser fit, and straps further apart. Generally speaking, at least 25% of the free back ends turns upon itself to at least hook on the first row.

In preferred embodiment, FIG. 3 demonstrates a front closure bra with 5 as a clip or hooks. This fastener can be made of metal, plastic, titanium, magnets, rubber, button or wires or the like.

In FIG. 4 it shows a top perspective of the preferred embodiment with buckle 10 and front closure 5.

In FIG. 5 it demonstrates another embodiment whereby the front doesn't have a clasp 5 and is rather one continuous piece of material. This also is captured as part of the invention.

FIG. 7 shows a continuous piece of crisscrossing fabric for shoulder straps 2R and 2L where they meet at 11.

FIG. 8 shows a criss cross look of shoulder straps, one over the other to create security and comfort and being that the free second end of 2R and 2L are secured and adjusted by rings or hooks or not onto the back band. This may also be criss crossed using a clasp sort of mechanism to connect the straps, this is also part of the invention. See FIG. 10.

FIG. 9 shows another embodiment A and B, a strapless bra with no straps and rather the bra is just fit around securely the torso of the wearer with either a back enclosure only or alternatively, with a back and front enclosure as shown (A).

While hooks and loops and buckles have been illustrated for use in combination with the back band as part of the length adjustment elements, and other types of fasteners that permits adjustment of the effective length of the back band 6R and 6L may be used with in the scope of the present invention. Thus, for example, buckles (different types) snaps clasps, clamps, buttons, rings, ties, zippers, metal slide or clips or even velcro may be used instead.

It will be understood that the independent adjustment feature described herein may be incorporated into strapless bras, underwire bras, non-underwire bras, sports bras, posture bras, (swim) bathing suits, minimizer bras, leisure bras, bralettes, front enclosure bras and the like. When the bra is a front enclosure bra as preferred the back may be adjusted and conversely with no front enclosure the wearer may put on the bra using solely a back adjustment feature and adjust accordingly. Either way is protected with this present invention.

Having described the invention in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the upcoming claims. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that all examples in the present disclosure are provided as non-limiting examples.

In FIG. 11 there is shown an adjustable bra of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. This bra shows the back invention part in bold lines with the rest of the bra, cups, straps and some bands shown in dashed lines for environmental structure. The primary focus is the back invention of adjusting the bra and the “butterfly look”. This figure relates to para (1 & 2) of the first detailed description for the rest of the bra and herein I will just focus on the back “butterfly” part and describe it in detail.

The adjustable bra in FIG. 11 further comprises a first back band 16L and a second back band 16 R. Each Bra cup is joined by a back Band labelled 16 L and 16 R which extends to the back part of the bra. FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the adjustable bra of FIG. 11 showing uniqueness of the back bands. Then there are tunnels 15L and 15R made of the back band by stitching the two pieces of fabric down the middle forming tunnels and there exists a tunnels which goes top to bottom for insertion of the buckle 17L and 17 R. There are approximately 4 tunnels but this may vary. The back band is approximately 3-4 inches in height but this too may vary. These variations are captured within this invention.

Each back band 16 L and 16 R also has after the stitched tunnels a free end 18L and 18 R which go to the back centre thru a buckle 19 in the centre of the back and fold back upon itself to be attached via hooks 17L and 17 R to a respective tunnel for fitting the torso. These buckles may vary as well as the hooks and number of tunnels. FIG. 11 shows the buckle 19 and hooks 17 L and 17 R. Each made of metal or durable plastic or the like.

The two back bands 16L and 16R and 15L and 15 R are made of woven or knit fabric, foam, cotton, silk, polyester, microfiber, elastic, linen, lycra, nylon, spandex, tencel, memory foam, cashmere, lace, satin, or other suitable materials. Whether one changes the environmental structure of the bra using underwire bra or changing the style of the straps or cups does not allow enough difference in embodiment if this back structure is used within it. It is within the scope of this invention that the other structures change.

As shown in FIG. 12 which is an exploded view of FIG. 11 showing specifically the back enclosure system in larger format, undone (unhooked). The free end 18 L and 18 R of back band 16 L and 16 R has a back closure element 17 L and 17 R which is a hook which complement a “hook into” the tunnels 15 L and 15 R to secure back band in place and adjust size of the torso for fit. The number of tunnels 15 L and 15R are generally about 4 but may vary with cup sizes and width of one's torso (ie. 3-6 etc). This varies within the scope of the invention. When 17 L and 17 R are secured the back band then extends around the torso and back of the wearer allowing for it to be adjusted to the wearer's torso size ranging from approx. 28-62 inches as 15L and 15 R are pulled out further on each side and inserted into respective tunnels, the back band shortens in length allowing for a better and more secure fit and may be adjusted accordingly to weight gain or loss throughout one's life or the life of the bra. FIG. 12 shows the hook in greater detail whereby it is curled on the one end to hook onto the tunnels bottom edge when inserted thru. Preferably, the back closure elements are made of plastic, metal, rubber, steel, wire or other suitable materials, even titanium. (para 4 in the earlier descriptions) and use of different clasping mechanisms applies here as well.

Fit adjustment elements 18L and 18 R each permit an adjustment of about 1 inch (2.5 cm) to about 8 inches (20 cm) fitting the wearer from torso size (28-62 inches) being 28-36 is a small, 36-44 is a medium and 44-52 is large 52-62 and extra large respectively as an example. Generally though, it will allow for example, on average an adjustment of about 4 inches (10 cm)+/−2 inches (5 cm). (para 5 & 7 of first description applies here as well in the environmental structure and it's differences). These tunnels may be made using an extra piece of fabric over top bands 16 L and 16 R or using two pieces of fabric as indicated, either way is covered within the scope of this invention to achieve the same result.

It is shown in FIG. 13 the elements of the back free end with hooks secured in place and “closed” for the fit of the bra. 17 L and 17 R travel thru the tunnel of 15L and 15 R and are secured tightly in place for the appropriate fit of the wearer. This may be done previous to putting on the bra (if front enclosure) or once the bra is around the torso and either having a front enclosure bra or twisting it around to the back when putting it on, either way is covered within the scope of this invention. One can see 19 the buckle, which may vary, holds the free ends in the centre but this may move around on the back of the wearer to either side depending on how the bra is fitting and/or adjusted. But ideally you want it in the area of the spine so that it is more comfortable as there is a bit of a dent in the spine area for most people.

FIG. 14 figures A thru F show different embodiments of the structure of the bra as far as straps and front enclosures go. They may vary as they do in these diagrams but still covered within the scope of this invention and doesn't alter the look of the back which is claimed within this invention. The preferred embodiment is one with a front enclosure however for ease of the wearer to put it on. (para 8-13 in the previous detailed description discusses these different looks in more detail and apply here).

FIGS. 15-20 just illustrate the bra at side views, side elevational views and top and bottom views of the back adjustment feature.

FIG. 21 illustrates an alternative embodiment with back bands 20 R and 20 L connected to 21R and 21L by buckles 24 R and 24 L. Hooks 22 R and 22L hook onto 23 R and 23 L. This embodiment contains a strap or band in the middle which is the adjustment element shortening or lengthening in length accordingly.

FIG. 22 illustrates another alternative embodiment with the buckles and tunnels option with a back band in the middle. Elements 25R and 25 L are connected with buckles 29 R and 29 L to 26 R and 26 L which have free ends with corresponding buckles 27 R and 27 L which hook into the tunnels of 28 to adjust the fit accordingly, smaller or bigger. Again with a middle back band or strap like look.

Both FIGS. 21 and 22 capture another element of adjusting which is similar to all other figures in adjusting the back and having two free ends to attach, unique to this invention. It is assumed these figures are also representative of this idea and fall within the claims of this invention. Velcro may also be used and is captured within the claims.

While hooks and tunnels and buckles have been illustrated for use in combination with the back band as part of the length adjustment elements, other types of fasteners that permits adjustment of the effective length of the back band 16 L and 16 R may be used within the scope of the present invention. Thus, for example, buckles (different types) snaps clasp, clamps, buttons, rings, ties, zippers, metal slide or clips or even velcro may be used instead.

It will be understood that the independent adjustment feature described herein may be incorporated into strapless bras, underwire bras, non-underwire bras, sports bras, posture bras, minimizer bras, leisure bras, bralettes, front enclosure bras, swimsuits, and the like and are all covered with the scope of my invention. When the bra is a front enclosure bra, as preferred, the back may be first adjusted before on and conversely with no front enclosure the wearer may put on the bra using solely a back adjustment feature and adjust accordingly. Either way is protected within this present invention.

Having described the invention in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the upcoming claims. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that all examples in the present disclosure are provided as non-limiting examples.

Claims

1. A bra comprising a pair of bra cups and a band, the band comprising a front under bust band with front enclosure or not attached to and underlying the bra cups and at least one back band, the band comprising a pair of length adjustment elements for independently adjusting the length of the back band.

2. The bra of claim 1 wherein the length adjustment elements are located on the back band, where the two sides meet in the middle and fold over each side with hooks or buckles and accompanying rows of loops or tunnels.

3. The bra of claim 2 wherein each of the length adjustment elements comprises a pair of straps adjacent to the back band and attached just below the shoulder blades.

4. The bra of claim 2 wherein each of the length adjustment elements comprises a pair of straps and a buckle and tunnels or hooks/loops or velcro.

5. The bra of claim 2 wherein the bra is a front and/or back closure bra and the band comprises a pair of back bands, each with tunnels or loops.

6. The bra of claim 1 wherein the length adjustment features are located on the back bands.

7. The bra of claim 1 and 2 wherein the bra is strapless (no straps).

8. The bra of claim 1 and 2 wherein the bra's straps criss cross or are T-shaped.

9. The bra of claim 1 and 2 wherein the back band (s) comprise(s) a series of tunnels on each length of the back band, under or proximate each of the shoulder blades of the wearer when worn, before meeting in the middle with each one of the adjustment elements and free ends passing through the buckle and attaching the buckle's hook through the appropriate tunnels of the band (or in the first figures case the hooks onto the loops).

10. The bra of claim 9 wherein the bra is a back closure bra and the band comprises a pair of back bands.

11. The bra of claim 9 wherein the bra is a front closure bra and the band comprises an adjoining band with the two back bands folding upon each other.

12. The bra of claim 9 wherein the bra is strapless or criss crossed shoulder bands or T-Shaped back.

13. The Bra of claim 1 wherein the length adjustment elements are located on the back band where there is a strap (or band) in the middle connected with two buckles on each side, right and left, approximately under each shoulder blade where the back strap goes thru the buckles and ties its free ends onto itself with hooks & loops or buckles and tunnels. Velcro may also be used as a form of attachment of the free ends.