Brassieres

Abstract

Brassiers and bikini tops have generally vertical straps such as shoulder straps and neck straps which extend over the wearer's shoulder or clavicle and below the upper edge of a breast cup as a single strap with a lower front portion branching to a multi-strap configuration. Other brassieres use a single horizontal strap which passes through lower portions of breast cups and is securable on the side of the wearer or in front of the wearer.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/833,634, filed Apr. 12, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Brassieres which provide additional support are disclosed. One embodiment of the disclosed brassieres is easier to use by a woman who has limited or no use of one arm.

BACKGROUND

There is a need for brassieres which provide better support and comfort, particularly during times of high activity such as when the wearer is participating in sports. There is also a need for brassieres which can be used by women amputees and other women with disabilities.

SUMMARY

One version of the disclosed brassieres comprises two breast cups, two shoulder straps which respectively extend over each shoulder, and at least one strap which extends generally horizontally, at least partially around the torso of the wearer.

One embodiment of the disclosed brassieres comprises shoulder straps which extend to the front lower portion of the breast cups. The front lower portion of each shoulder strap branches into a plurality of straps, e.g. branches into an inverted Y-configuration. In this embodiment, the front portion of each shoulder strap has two lower end portions. The lower ends of each end portion of the shoulder strap are attached to a front, lower portion of a breast cup. Thus, in this embodiment, each shoulder strap is connected to each breast cup at two spaced positions. The fork of the Y, i.e. the point at which a shoulder strap splits into two sections, is preferably above the wearer's nipple. The angle formed by the lower front straps is preferably, but not limited to, 45°. The provision of two connections between the lower ends of each shoulder strap and the lower portion of each breast cup more evenly distributes the supporting forces of the shoulder strap to the breast cup than a more common single point of attachment between a brassiere's shoulder strap and a top edge of a breast cup.

A second aspect of the disclosed brassieres comprises two breast cups, two shoulder straps and an adjustable, generally horizontal strap. The breast cups in this embodiment comprise a top edge, an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portions of the breast cups in this embodiment also comprise at least one and preferably a plurality of slots through which the horizontal strap passes. The horizontal strap comprises connectors for attaching a first portion of the strap to a second portion of the strap. This embodiment permits the horizontal strap to be attached to itself on the side of a wearer and is particularly suitable for a wearer with limited or no use of one of her arms, for example an amputee, physical therapy patient, and women with arthritis. For example, if the wearer's right arm has been amputated, the wearer can use her left arm to secure the horizontal strap to itself on the right side of her torso.

An alternative embodiment of the disclosed brassieres comprises two breast cups, two shoulder straps and an adjustable, generally horizontal strap with a front latching system. The breast cups in this embodiment comprise a top edge, an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portions of the breast cups in this embodiment also comprise at least one and preferably a plurality of slots through which the horizontal strap passes. The horizontal strap and each breast cup or a decorative cover over the breast cups comprise, but is not limited to, connectors, e.g. Velcro®, for attaching the horizontal strap to the breast cups or cover. In this embodiment, the end portions of the horizontal strap extend through a first breast cup and are secured to the second breast cup or a cover on the second breast cup.

In a still further embodiment which comprises another front latching system, a ring or similar structure is provided at a position generally central between the breast cups. Each end of the horizontal strap extends through a breast cup, through the ring or similar structure, and then back to the same breast cup or breast cup cover through which that end portion extends.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of a brassiere shown on the upper torso of a person.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment of a brassiere shown in FIG. 1 shown on the upper torso of an amputee.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a first embodiment of a brassiere with portions removed and shown on the upper torso of a person.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a first embodiment of a brassiere with portions removed and shown on the upper torso of an amputee.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of a first embodiment of a brassiere shown on the upper torso of a person.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a first embodiment of a brassiere shown on the upper torso of an amputee with a disconnected horizontal strap.

FIG. 7 is a front, perspective view of a breast cup of a brassiere.

FIG. 8 is a front, perspective view of two shoulder straps of a brassiere.

FIG. 9 is a front view a horizontal strap and two breast cups of the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is front view of a horizontal strap, two breast cups and two shoulder straps of the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a front view of a second embodiment of a brassiere with portions removed and shown on the upper torso of a person.

FIG. 12 is a front view of a second embodiment of a brassiere shown on the upper torso of a person.

FIG. 13 is a front view of a third embodiment of a brassiere with portions removed and shown on the upper torso of a person.

FIG. 14 is a front view of a third embodiment of a brassiere shown on the upper torso of a person.

FIG. 15 illustrates a further embodiment comprising a multi-layered breast cup.

FIG. 16 is a front view of a bikini top embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a rear view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The various embodiments are directed to brassieres. As used herein, the term “brassieres” includes sports bras, bikini tops and other swimwear requiring support for breasts.

The illustrated embodiments of the disclosed brassieres comprise two breast cups, two shoulder straps which are respectively designed to extend over each shoulder of the wearer, and at least one strap which extends generally horizontally, at least partially around the torso of the wearer. One or more optional decorative covers are provided to better conceal the inner construction of the illustrated embodiments.

FIGS. 1-10 illustrate two aspects which are shown in a single brassiere but which can be implemented separately. The first of the two aspects shown in FIGS. 1-10 is a branched shoulder strap which extends over the wearer's shoulder as a single strap, is a single strap at the top edge of the breast cup and branches to a plurality of straps at a location between the top edge and the bottom edge of the breast cup. The lower branches of the shoulder strap are secured, e.g. by sewing, to a lower portion of the breast cup, preferably to a lower edge of the breast cup. The branching from a single strap to two or more front lower straps preferably occurs at a location which is above the wearer's nipple when the brassiere is worn.

With reference to the figures, FIG. 1 is a front view of the first illustrated embodiment which comprises a two shoulder straps 10 and 20 and a front decorative cover 75. FIG. 2 is a side view of the first illustrated embodiment showing a portion of shoulder strap 20, decorative cover 75 and a horizontal strap 50. As generally illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the shoulder straps 10 and 20 are each formed as a single strap from the portion which passes over the wearer's shoulder to a location below the upper edge of breast cups 30 and 40, respectively. The front lower portion of each shoulder strap branches into a plurality of straps, e.g. branches into an inverted Y-configuration. Shoulder strap 10 branches into two lower branches 12 and 16, while shoulder strap 20 branches into two lower branches 22 and 26. In this illustrated embodiment, the front portion of each shoulder strap has two lower end portions but other embodiments can comprise a greater number of lower portions. The lower portions may, but are not necessarily, the same width. The front lower ends of each shoulder strap are secured to a front, lower portion of a breast cup. Thus, in this embodiment, each shoulder strap is connected to each breast cup at two spaced, front lower positions. The fork of the Y, i.e. the point at which a shoulder strap splits into two sections, is preferably above the wearer's nipple.

The “shoulder straps” described above can also be neck straps, such as in a bikini embodiment described below in connection with FIGS. 16 and 17. As used herein, the term “generally vertical strap” is meant to include shoulder straps and neck straps.

In an embodiment, the point at which a shoulder strap or neck strap splits into multiple straps is preferably about one inch to about fifteen inches below the top edge of the breast cup.

The point at which the shoulder or neck strap splits The provision of two spaced connections between the lower ends of each shoulder strap and a lower portion the breast cup more evenly distributes the supporting forces of the shoulder strap to the breast cup than a more common single point of attachment between a brassiere's shoulder strap and the top edge of a breast cup.

The upper front portions of each shoulder strap 10, 20 is optionally provided with a length and tension adjustment component 11, 21, respectively, such as a strap slide.

A second aspect of the brassiere illustrated in FIGS. 1-10 comprises an adjustable, generally horizontal strap 50 which extends through lower portions of each of the breast cups and substantially around the torso of the wearer. As best shown in FIG. 7, the breast cup 30 in this embodiment comprises an upper edge 32, an upper portion 34 and a lower portion 38. The lower portion 38 of breast cup 30 in this embodiment also comprises at least one and preferably a plurality of slots 35 through which the horizontal strap 50 passes. Breast cup 30 also comprises a recess 36 which is dimensioned to receive the front lower portion of shoulder strap 10. Breast cup 40 is configured substantially as a mirror image of breast cup 30.

The horizontal strap 50 comprises connectors 53, 54 for attaching a first end portion of the strap 50 to a second portion of the strap 50. This embodiment permits the horizontal strap 50 to be attached to itself on the side of a wearer and is particularly suitable for a wearer with limited or no use of one of her arms. For example, if the wearer's right arm has been amputated, the wearer can use her left arm to secure the horizontal strap 50 to itself on the right side of her torso. Suitable connectors include hook-and-eye fasteners, strap slides, magnets, Velcro®, zipper, clips, snap-ons, laces and the like.

FIG. 4 is a left side view of the first illustrated embodiment showing horizontal strap 50 extending around the side of an amputee. FIG. 5 is a rear view of this embodiment showing shoulder straps 10 and 20 connected to horizontal strap 50 with connectors 51, 52, respectively. While it is feasible to fix the rear portions of the shoulder straps to horizontal strap 50, the use of selectively releasable connectors allows the wearer the option of crossing the shoulder straps when desired. Connectors 51 and 52 can be the same type of connectors used for securing the end portions of horizontal 50 to each other. FIG. 6 is a right-side view of the first illustrated embodiment showing the connectors 53, 54 on opposite end portions of strap 50 in an unsecured configuration. As illustrated with connector 54, it is not necessary that these connectors be positioned on the very end of the horizontal strap.

FIG. 8 illustrates the shoulder straps 10, 20 of the first illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates horizontal strap 50 passing through the slots of breast cups 30, 40, respectively. FIG. 9 also shows recesses 36, 46 in breast cups 30, 40, respectively, which receive shoulder straps 10, 20.

FIG. 10 shows all of the components of the first illustrated embodiment, with the exception of optional decorative cover 75. FIG. 10 shows shoulder straps 10, 20, breast cups 30, 40 and horizontal strap 50.

As noted above, a brassiere can benefit from incorporating one aspect of the disclosed brassieres without necessarily incorporating another aspect even though the first illustrated embodiment described herein includes two aspects.

A third aspect of the disclosed brassieres is illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 and comprises two shoulder straps 110, 120, two breast cups 130, 140 and an adjustable, generally horizontal strap 150 with a front latching system. The lower portions of the breast cups 130, 140 in this illustrated embodiment also comprise at least one and preferably a plurality of slots through which the horizontal strap 150 passes. As in the embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 1-10, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 comprises a single horizontal strap 150. The illustrated front latching mechanism operates by securing a first end portion 155 of horizontal strap 150 to the decorative cover 176 positioned over the left breast cup 140 and a second end portion 157 of horizontal strap 150 to the decorative cover 175 positioned over the right breast cup 130. In this embodiment, the opposite ends of horizontal strap 150 cross each other. The actual connector used can be one or more of the connectors described above with respect to connectors 53 and 54. The use of a front latching system is more convenient for some users, particularly users who are partially disabled.

A fourth aspect of the disclosed brassieres is illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 and comprises two shoulder straps 210, 220, two breast cups 230, 240 and an adjustable, generally horizontal strap 250 with a front latching system. The lower portions of the breast cups 230, 240 in this illustrated embodiment also comprise at least one and preferably a plurality of slots through which the horizontal strap 250 passes. As in the embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 1-10, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 comprises a single horizontal strap 250. The illustrated front latching mechanism illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 does not necessitate the crossing of horizontal strap 250 and utilizes a ring 280 or similar component such as a double strap slide which allows each end of horizontal strap 250 to be folded back in the direction from which it was woven through the slots 235 of the breast cups. FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate the use of a ring 280. The ring operates by passing a first end portion 255 of horizontal strap 250 which passes through right breast cup 230 through ring 280 and securing the first end portion 255 to the decorative cover 275 positioned over the right breast cup 230. Similarly, a second end portion 257 of horizontal strap 250 which passes through left breast cup 240 is passed through ring 280 and secured to the decorative cover 276 positioned over the left breast cup 240. Thus, in this embodiment, the ends of horizontal strap 250 do not cross in front of the wearer. The manner of securing the horizontal strap 250 to the cover can be any suitable method. For example, connectors such as one or more of the connectors described above with respect to connectors 53 and 54 can be utilized. As with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the use of a front latching system is more convenient for some users, particularly users who are partially disabled.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 comprises separate decorative covers 275, 276 over breast cups 230, 240, respectively. While the embodiments described above in connection with FIGS. 1-12 are shown with single decorative covers, the breast cups in those embodiments can also be provided with two or more decorative covers. The decorative covers are preferably fixedly secured to the breast cups, e.g. by sewing.

The disclosed horizontal straps can be formed of a material with elastic properties which permit stretching during use or can have a fixed length. The term “strap” as used herein includes a stretchable structure more commonly referred to as a band. A plurality of complementary fasteners are optionally provided at different positions on the horizontal strap to allow the wearer to adjust the length and tension on the horizontal strap.

The breast cups of still further embodiments are formed in multiple layers with the inverted Y-shaped portion of the shoulder straps sandwiched between layers of the breast cup and with the generally horizontal straps passing through the inner layer of each breast cup. FIG. 15 illustrates an alternate embodiment comprising an outer breast cup 330, a shoulder strap 310 and an inner breast cup 332.

FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate a bikini top embodiment which comprising a single neck strap 410 comprising right lower straps 412, 416 and left lower straps 422, 426, a right tension adjuster 411, a left tension adjuster 421, right breast cup 430, left breast cup 440 and horizontal strap 450. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-10, but has a single neck strap 410 rather than two shoulder straps.

While the illustrated embodiments each comprise two breast cups, other embodiments of the branched shoulder strap and horizontal strap comprise a single breast cup and are useful for persons having a single breast, e.g. a mastectomy patient.

Claims

1. A brassiere comprising a front portion and a rear portion, said brassiere comprising:

at least one breast cup adapted to support a breast and comprising a top portion, an upper edge and a bottom portion;

at least one generally vertical strap extending from said rear portion to said bottom portion of said breast cup;

at least one generally horizontal strap;

said at least one generally vertical strap extending from the top portion of a breast cup to the bottom portion of said breast cup, said at least one vertical strap comprising a single strap proximate the top portion of said breast cup and branching into a plurality of lower, front straps at a first location which is below the top portion of said breast cup and above the bottom portion of said breast cup such that a plurality of lower, front straps extend to the bottom portion of said breast cup.

2. A brassiere according to claim 1 wherein said at least one vertical strap branches into two lower, front straps.

3. A brassiere according to claim 1 wherein said at least one vertical strap comprises two shoulder straps.

4. A brassiere according to claim 1 wherein said generally horizontal strap forms at least a part of said rear portion and said shoulder straps are connected to said generally horizontal strap.

5. A brassiere according to claim 1 wherein said at least one vertical strap is a neck strap.

6. A brassiere according to claim 1 wherein said first location is above a wearer's nipple.

7. A brassiere according to claim 1 wherein said first location is about one inches to about three inches below the top edge of said at least one breast cup.

8. A brassiere according to claim 1 comprising two breast cups wherein said breast cups comprise slots in said bottom portions and said generally horizontal strap extends through said slots in said breast cups.

9. A brassiere according to claim 8 wherein said generally horizontal strap comprises connectors for attaching a first portion of said generally horizontal strap to a second portion of said generally horizontal strap.

10. A brassiere according to claim 1 wherein said at least one breast cup comprises slots in said bottom portion and said generally horizontal strap extends through said slots in said breast cup.

11. A brassiere according to claim 8 wherein said generally horizontal strap comprises connectors for attaching a first portion of said generally horizontal strap to a second portion of said generally horizontal strap.

12. A brassiere according to claim 1 further comprising at least one decorative cover over at least one of said breast cups.

13. A brassiere comprising a front portion and a rear portion, said brassiere comprising:

two breast cups, each adapted to support a breast, and each comprising a top portion, an upper edge and a bottom portion;

at least one generally vertical strap extending from said rear portion to said bottom portion of said breast cups;

at least one generally horizontal strap;

said breast cups comprise slots in said bottom portions and said generally horizontal strap extends through said slots in said breast cups;

said generally horizontal strap comprises connectors for attaching a first portion of said generally horizontal strap to a second portion of said generally horizontal strap.

14. A brassiere comprising a front portion and a rear portion, said brassiere comprising:

two breast cups, each adapted to support a breast, and each comprising a top portion, an upper edge and a bottom portion;

at least one generally vertical strap extending from said rear portion to said bottom portion of said breast cups;

at least one generally horizontal strap;

said breast cups comprise slots in said bottom portions and said generally horizontal strap extends through said slots in said breast cups;

said generally horizontal strap comprises at least one connector for securing the ends of the horizontal strap in front of the wearer.

15. A brassiere according to claim 14 wherein opposite end portions of said horizontal strap cross in front of a wearer when the horizontal straps are secured.

16. A brassiere according to claim 14 wherein opposite end portions of said horizontal strap do not cross in front of a wearer when the horizontal straps are secured.

17. A brassiere according to claim 14 wherein said at least one generally vertical strap extends from the top portion of a breast cup to the bottom portion of said breast cup, said at least one vertical strap comprises a single strap proximate the top portion of said breast cup and branching into a plurality of lower, front straps at a first location which is below the top portion of said breast cup and above the bottom portion of said breast cup such that a plurality of lower, front straps extend to the bottom portion of said breast cup.

18. A brassiere according to claim 14 wherein said at least one vertical strap comprises two shoulder straps.

19. A brassiere according to claim 14 wherein said generally horizontal strap forms at least a part of said rear portion and said shoulder straps are connected to said generally horizontal strap.

20. A brassiere according to claim 14 wherein said at least one vertical strap is a neck strap.