Shoulder Strap Arrangements And Connecting Features Patents (Class 450/86)
  • Publication number: 20130237124
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment includes a brassiere formed out of a transparent material that can provide a desired level of support and comfort while being worn with a bathing suit or any other desired article of clothing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventor: Kimberly HALL
  • Publication number: 20130205464
    Abstract: A garment for supporting a wearer's breasts has a band for encircling a wearer's torso and a pair of cups for receiving at least a major part of a wearer's breast, and a pair of shoulder straps, each shoulder strap extending from a corresponding cup to a back portion of the garment. The garment has a pair of panel portions, each panel portion extending between the band and a corresponding cup of the pair of cups. Each panel portion has a folding portion that is foldable relative to the pair of cups so that the folding portions lie between a wearer's breasts and a wearer's torso, in use. The band, the shoulder straps and the panel portions are arranged such that the weight of a wearer's breasts are supported by both the shoulder straps and the band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: MK Girl, Limited
    Inventors: Kylie Margaret Gibbard, Darrell John Stratton
  • Patent number: 8469772
    Abstract: A decorative strap cover that is fastened to a strap on an article of clothing that may cover a portion of a bra, a dress, lingerie, shirt, tank top, halter top, pants, belt loops or belt and may provide a decorative compartment. The decorative strap cover may be worn as a single component or combined with others as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Myra J. Crouch
  • Patent number: 8439722
    Abstract: A brassiere garment and associated method for dressing is provided contemplating a strap that is operably trained around a user's back and sides, a cup attached at each end of the strap, and an adjustable attachment feature connecting the cups together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Susan Buriak
  • Patent number: 8425274
    Abstract: A sectional bra system and accessories includes bra and related jewelry components that can be interconnected in various ways. Jewelry items, such as bra straps, back bands, bridge, and other items, may be formed at least in part from alternating flexible chain segments and rigid connector segments with fasteners configured to attach to standard bra loops. Bra cups for sectional bras include various arrangements of standard bra loops allowing attachment of one or more bra straps, one or more back bands, a bridge, and alternatively other decorative items. Such bra cups may include standard bra loops along all edges. Coordinating jewelry may be made out of the same or similar types of components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventor: Susan J. Ratcliff
  • Publication number: 20130084777
    Abstract: A sports brassiere designed for reducing tan lines is disclosed. The sports brassiere includes an exterior front panel comprising a micromesh fabric substantially transparent to ultraviolet light, wherein the exterior front panel is shaped to include two shoulder straps and two side seams, and an interior front panel including an opaque, moisture-wicking fabric having a height limited to covering breasts, wherein the interior front panel is coupled to an interior face of the exterior front panel via stitching running along a top edge of the interior front panel. The sports brassiere further includes an exterior rear panel of micromesh fabric coupled to the exterior front panel via a set of seams located at the shoulder straps and side seams and an elastic band coupled to a bottom edge of the exterior front and rear panels, and a bottom edge of the interior front panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: Naked Sports Gear, Inc.
    Inventor: Naked Sports Gear, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130084776
    Abstract: A brassiere strap system is provided. The bra includes a left breast cup and a right breast cup. Next, a left side strap is provided that includes at least two intertwined strips next to the left breast cup and a right side strap including at least two intertwined strips next to the right breast cup. The left side strap is coupled between a left breast cup connection on a left side of the left breast cup and one of a plurality of adjustable left side connections. The right side strap is coupled between a right breast cup connection on the right breast cup and one of a plurality of adjustable right side connections. The left strap and the right strap include a backing surface and a decorative strap surface on top of each other, where the backing surface is made of a durable and contouring material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventor: Sandra Walsh
  • Patent number: 8408964
    Abstract: The invention includes a girth reducing device including a connector, an extension affixed to the connector and fasteners affixed to the extension. The connector may connect to a back band of a bra assembly and the fasteners affixed to the extension may connect to another back band of the bra assembly. The connections may be made in a manner that allows for a reduced girth of the bra from a smallest girth possible utilizing existing coupling systems of the bra.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventors: Ricky J. Acker, Dixie L. Telisak
  • Publication number: 20130035019
    Abstract: A bra to be worn during vigorous physical activity. It provides the wearer with a high level of breast tissue support without undue restriction of breathing or shoulder movement, while providing means for ventilation and moisture management. The bra is underwire-free, and designed to be worn as outerwear. The bra achieves these objectives through the innovative combination of various non-stretch and stretch fabrics. The non-stretch portions of the garment provide a high level of compression and stability to the breast tissue, while the multiple regions of stretch fabric minimise breathing and shoulder restrictions and provide ventilation. Non-stretch wicking fabric is used to form the majority of the body of the bra, and is used to pull the breast tissue in and hold it firmly to the chest. This non-stretch fabric is connected to panels of stretch wicking fabric located in the front and back of the body of the bra.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventor: Cynthia A. Smith
  • Publication number: 20130035018
    Abstract: A bra member having top and bottom engageable panels with an inner core therebetween, the top and bottom panels comprising a woven fabric having radially aligned reinforcing threads, first and second engageable straps that are adapted to engage a bra strap, and a resilient core material disposed in the member inner core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventor: Cheryl Broussard
  • Patent number: 8366511
    Abstract: Garment supporting apparatus for a breast covering garment, comprising a flexible strap and a decorative attachment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Lucy Morello
  • Publication number: 20130029561
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a bra fastener assembly, it is distinct in that, it includes at least two fasteners each attached to the shoulder straps at corresponding distances through a positioning element, between the two said fasteners there is a detachable connective element; the said positioning element includes the shoulder strap opening in the said fastener, the said shoulder strap opening includes a means to fix in position the said fastener on the shoulder strap, the said positioning element includes the first pin within the said shoulder strap opening. Through the element the two said fasteners can be fixed in position on the bra shoulder strap, at the same time the two fasteners can detach or connect, when connected the fasteners secure the shoulder straps so they stay in the set position, keeping the distance between the shoulder straps fixed, thus preventing the shoulder straps from slipping and the fastener is interchangeable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventor: Chi Wing Leslie LIN
  • Publication number: 20130017760
    Abstract: A garment for a post mastectomy surgery woman comprises a waistband fits about a waist of the woman. A strap is joined to the waistband to extend from the waistband at a side of the woman's surgery, up over a shoulder on a side opposite the surgery and down to the waistband on the surgery side. A bra cup is configured to fit about the woman's healthy breast. A first strap is configured to laterally join a first side of the bra cup to the strap on the woman's front. A second strap is configured to laterally join a second side of the bra cup to the strap on the woman's back. An elastic paneling is configured to join to the strap, the bottom side of the bra cup, the first strap, the second strap, and the waistband. The elastic paneling positions the bra cup to support the woman's healthy breast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventor: Tara Sand Kadium
  • Publication number: 20130005217
    Abstract: An anomaly-correcting brassiere of assumed positions of asymmetrical bosoms using interconnecting patches of loops and hooks for shoulder straps constituted as closed loops and non-elastic construction material to maintain symmetrical and obviate asymmetrical bosom conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventor: Claudia Afxentiou
  • Patent number: 8328597
    Abstract: The present invention provides a nursing bra having first and second breast cup members attached to a chest strap assembly. The strap assembly includes a primary band assembly for securing said nursing bra to a user's upper chest and a separate secondary band assembly coupled to each first and second breast cup. The separate secondary band assembly is configured and operable to provide slidable movement of each of the first and second breast cups relative to the primary band assembly for uncovering a breast during a nursing application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventor: Michelle Forbes
  • Publication number: 20120309264
    Abstract: This invention relates to a bra strap for positioning a garment while breastfeeding and particularly relates to a bra having a pair of straps having a looped end with releasable fastening means for securing the cup in the first position and securing a garment in a breastfeeding second position. The invention also relates to a method of positioning a garment while breastfeeding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Janet KUBIK
  • Publication number: 20120302137
    Abstract: A one piece sports bra with a maximally adjustable back strap and two maximally adjustable shoulder straps of substantially elastic hook and loop material. The back straps can be attached to hardware atop breast two covers and worn in a crisscross or conventional pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: Sara Marie Moylan
  • Publication number: 20120295515
    Abstract: A bra structure is provided which substantially balances the tensions in the straps to relieve discomfort for the wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: Christopher SHELTON
  • Publication number: 20120244783
    Abstract: A brassiere structure includes interconnected left and right cup member for respectively covering left and right breasts of a wearer; left and right lift bodies attached respectively at lower peripheries of the left and right cup members, each of the left and right lift bodies being provided with a counter weight; and two micro-vibration motor units, each installed at a distal end of a respective one the left and right lift bodies, and including a motor casing, a vibration motor disposed within the motor casing, a battery for supplying power to the vibration motor and an ON/OFF switch for activating and deactivating the vibration motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: CHIEN-FENG LIN
  • Patent number: 8267740
    Abstract: An anomaly-correcting brassiere of assumed positions of asymmetrical bosoms using interconnecting patches of Velcro loops and hooks for shoulder straps constituted as closed loops and non-elastic construction material to maintain symmetrical and obviate asymmetrical bosom conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Claudia Afxentiou
  • Patent number: 8257139
    Abstract: A garment and brassiere accessory that is substantially triangular in shape having attachment straps (8) extending outward from upper corners (6) of the undergarment that may be looped around shoulder straps (14) of a brassiere (13). In addition, a lower corner (7) may be looped around a center portion (16) of the brassiere. An upper band (11) of preferably elastomeric material located along an upper edge (4) of the undergarment keeps the undergarment securely against a woman's chest while being worn. The undergarment is preferably constructed from two layers of material, an outer layer (17) and an inner layer (18) so that the outer layer hides any wrinkles or indentations (19) caused by the stress of the lower corner pulling on the inner layer while the undergarment is being worn. Additional features include extension straps (20) that allow a user to adapt the undergarment to a larger chest and/or brassiere size or to wear the undergarment without a brassiere and detachable jewelry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventors: Michelle E. De Sousa, Jose De Jesus De Sousa
  • Publication number: 20120208435
    Abstract: A breast support system for a recumbent female human includes medial and lateral supports for each breast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventor: Randal Haworth
  • Patent number: 8241090
    Abstract: The bra strap holder is used to secure the bra straps in the back of the bra from sliding down the shoulders. It is comprised of a clear TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) strap welded to unique three prong flexible plastic ends which attach to the bra strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: Jannet Rosello Michael
  • Patent number: 8241089
    Abstract: A Halter Bra is disclosed which has a support frame (F) with a first side portion and a second side portion and a base portion between the side portions. The side portions extend laterally from the base portion. A first quarter cup (A) is dependent from the base portion and the first side portion and a second quarter cup is dependent from the base portion and the second side portion. The support frame (F) is preferably bound with elastic binding material (B1, B2) on each side portion and on the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: David Otto
  • Patent number: 8226453
    Abstract: A shoulder strap includes a first stretch fabric and a second stretch fabric, and a first rigid fabric sandwiched between the first stretch fabric and a second stretch fabric and adhered to the first stretch fabric. The rigid fabric is located at an intermediate position between opposite ends of the first stretch fabric and the second stretch fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Clover Group International Limited
    Inventor: Wai Ching Andy Lau
  • Patent number: 8221186
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the disclosure relate to a garment comprising: a brassiere comprising a right portion comprising a right support cup and at least one right portion fastener, and a left portion adjacent the right portion and comprising a left support cup and at least one left portion fastener, the left and right support cups being securable to the body of a wearer; and a camisole panel, the camisole panel sized to extend at least between the right support cup and the left support cup and comprising at least one right panel fastener and at least one left panel fastener, the at least one right panel fastener releasably fastenable to the at least one right portion fastener, and the at least one left panel fastener releasably fastenable to the at least one left portion fastener to releasably fasten the camisole panel to the brassiere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Peek-A-Boo Wonderwear
    Inventors: Lina Policaro, Jennifer Bernaudo
  • Publication number: 20120171930
    Abstract: A therapeutic bra having a first cup connected to a first strap and a second cup connected to a second strap where the first strap is further connected to a backing material and the second strap is further connected to the backing material so that a first piece of material forms a first pocket with a portion of the first cup's material in specific physical symmetry with a location of a surgical injury on a first breast of a patient. Similarly, a second piece of material forms a second pocket with a portion of the second cup's material in specific physical symmetry with a location of a surgical injury on a second breast of a patient. The first and second cups' pockets mimic the shapes of injuries sustained on the respective breasts that they support. Cold, hot and or hot-cold gel packs are insert into the pockets for therapeutic purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventor: Allison Kaufman
  • Publication number: 20120135667
    Abstract: A brassiere includes a left cup, a right cup, and a bra body, wherein a cup size of the left cup cavity is different from a cup size of the right cup cavity. The bra body is for selectively retaining the left cup and the right cup in position to form a brassiere structure, in such a manner that a wearer with asymmetrical breasts is able to individually select the left and right cups according to the left and right breast sizes respectively to optimize the support of the breasts of the wearer for supporting the weight of the breasts and positioning the left and right cups covering left and right breasts of wearer respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventor: Vivian Yuhsi Chan
  • Publication number: 20120115397
    Abstract: The present invention provides a nursing bra having first and second breast cup members attached to a chest strap assembly. The strap assembly includes a primary band assembly for securing said nursing bra to a user's upper chest and a separate secondary band assembly coupled to each first and second breast cup. The separate secondary band assembly is configured and operable to provide slidable movement of each of the first and second breast cups relative to the primary band assembly for uncovering a breast during a nursing application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: Michelle Forbes
  • Patent number: 8172639
    Abstract: An exercise garment includes front and rear panels with height adjusting straps that extend over the wearer's shoulders. The front panel includes an outer compression fabric and an inner cup assembly, which is essentially non-compressive. The cup assembly includes individual cups for each breast, which can each include an under support. An elastic band extends around the bottom portion of the garment. Tensioning structures, such as side flaps extending from the back to the front, can be provided to adjust the circumferential size of the garment. The garment can include releasable connectors on the side of the garment to at least partially release the compressive tension to aid in putting on and taking off the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Heart & Core, LLC
    Inventor: Jennifer V. Swendseid
  • Patent number: 8167924
    Abstract: A therapeutic garment includes a brassiere having opposed first and second shoulder straps formed with opposed first and second breast-receiving cups, respectively, each having an outer surface. A reusable gel pack for heat or cold therapy is suspended from the first and second shoulder straps, extends downwardly from the first and second shoulder straps to the first and second breast-receiving cups, and overlies and extends across the outer surfaces of the first and second breast-receiving cups to provide heat or cold therapy to the first and second breast-receiving cups at the outer surface of each of the first and second breast-receiving cups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Molly M. Rosenbaum
  • Patent number: 8167679
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a breast supporter for properly and comfortable supporting breasts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Savvy Enterpise, LLC
    Inventors: Paula Seraceno, Karen McLeod
  • Publication number: 20120094576
    Abstract: Convertible garment systems and related devices and methods are shown and described. In one example, a convertible garment system includes a bathing suit and a pair of detachable-strap-interfaces, each configured to removably connect to the bathing suit's lower straps, and removably connect to the bathing suit's upper straps, thereby creating a second configuration for the pair of upper straps. In another example, a device includes at least one detachable-strap-interface for converting a bathing suit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Amy L. Tedder
  • Patent number: 8152591
    Abstract: A garment and brassiere accessory that is substantially triangular in shape having attachment straps extending outward from upper corners of the undergarment that may be looped around shoulder straps of a brassiere. In addition, a lower corner may be looped around a center portion of the brassiere. An upper band of preferably elastomeric material located along an upper edge of the undergarment keeps the undergarment securely against a woman's chest while being worn. The undergarment is preferably constructed from two layers of material, an outer layer and an inner layer so that the outer layer hides any wrinkles or indentations caused by the stress of the lower corner pulling on the inner layer while the undergarment is being worn. Additional features include extension straps that allow a user to adapt the undergarment to a larger chest and/or brassiere size or to wear the undergarment without a brassiere and detachable jewelry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventors: Michelle E. De Sousa, Jose De Jesus De Sousa
  • Patent number: 8153221
    Abstract: An adhesive device for securing clothing is provided. The adhesive device includes a flexible substrate having opposing faces. Each opposing face has an adhesive deposited thereon forming a first adhesive surface and an opposing second adhesive surface. An aperture is formed in a central portion of the adhesive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Runberg, Inc.
    Inventor: Debra MacKinnon
  • Publication number: 20120077414
    Abstract: The present invention provides a brassiere comprising one or a pair of breast supporting cups and of the type where at least one of the breast-supporting cups has a frontal opening to expose the breast, the breast-supporting cup comprising a panel/flap that covers the opening and a part of which is releasably attachable to the shoulder strap of the brassiere when closing the opening and so that on release the opening may be uncovered, wherein the means by which the panel/flap is releasably attachable to the shoulder strap comprises a clasp on the shoulder strap that is movable up and down the shoulder strap to a selected position and having a clamping part so that it may be clamped at the selected position, thereby providing adjustment of the breast-supporting cup, the clasp incorporating co-operative engagement means thereon for the releasable attachment of the panel/flap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventor: LORNA DREW
  • Publication number: 20120077416
    Abstract: Anti-Twisting Fashion Jewelry Bra Straps, available either as a pair of over-the-shoulder straps or as a single strap worn halter-style over the neck, substitute for conventional, undergarment quality bra straps. These high-end fashion jewelry bra straps provide support for women's breasts when hooked onto the loops of strapless bras worn with clothing that exposes women's shoulders, while adding a touch of elegance to the wearer's outfit. Anti-twisting feature ensures that these straps will lie flat against women's shoulders without twisting or sliding for greater freedom of movement while making sure the decorative side of the strap face outside. Three design components achieve this feature: anti-twisting bow-tie anchor pieces; flat metal ornament settings; fine metal loops [one at each end of the settings] that connect the settings and bow-ties. Flexible and elegant extender chains with lobster clasps at the end of the straps allow women to adjust strap length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventor: Jing Xu
  • Publication number: 20120064799
    Abstract: A bra comprising first and second layers. The first layer having front, rear, left and right sides, and a top and bottom. The second layer is attached to the front side of the first layer. The second layer defines first and second cup shaped portions, the first and second cup shaped portions and the front side of the first layer defines first and second pockets. The front side of the first layer is responsive to a wearer's breasts such that a wearer's breasts are accommodated by the first and second cup shaped portions. The front side of the first layer is sandwiched between the wearer's breasts and the first and second cup portions of the second layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Kendra Rivers
  • Patent number: 8123588
    Abstract: Brassieres are provided which provide enhanced levels of comfort and support to the wearer. In one aspect, the invention provides a brassiere comprising an elastic material and damping arrangement, wherein the damping arrangement is arranged so as to dampen movements of a strap of cup caused by movement of a breast. In another aspect there is provided a brassiere having a strap and cup arrangement which is configured to distribute the breast load. Also provided is a brassiere for constraining movement of a wearer's breasts during wear, wherein said brassiere is configured such that movement of one breast caused by movement of the wearer is restrained by a remaining breast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Laser Optical Engineering Limited
    Inventor: John R. Tyrer
  • Publication number: 20120045967
    Abstract: An athletic brassiere with breast band, having the general form of a brassiere, for use when engaging in vigorous physical exercise or activities, such as running, tennis, and the like. An embodiment comprises an inner liner and outer panel, an internal breast band sleeve, and a breast band slidably retained within the sleeve. The breast band has a fastener enabling the breast band length to be adjusted; the breast band is adjustable vertically and horizontally. Embodiments hold the breasts down with the breast band slidably retained within the garment, providing support and protecting the wearer from discomfort or injury from excessive upward and downward breast movement. The breast band alleviates upward and downward movement of the breasts and does not cinch, flatten or compress the wearer's breasts against the chest wall, nor lift and bold the breasts. The garment is attractive and can be worn alone or under another garment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventor: ALENA PUNSAL
  • Patent number: 8113911
    Abstract: A maternity body support worn for correcting a woman's posture that includes an expandable body shell with a lower torso section, an upper torso section, a back section, and an abdominal opening. Mounted on the body shell is a pair of lower anchors located on opposite sides of the body, a pair of upper anchors located near the upper lateral region of the chest, a pair of elastic first support straps, and a pair of elastic second support straps. The first support straps attach to the lower anchors and then extend upward and around the back and coupled to the opposite shoulder complexes. The second support straps extend between the lower and upper anchors on each side of the body. The body shell, the two pairs of anchors and the two pairs of straps support the body and simultaneously rotate the opposite pelvis backwards and move the opposite shoulder complexes towards the mid-line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Expecting Support
    Inventors: Kevin Hansen, Jessica St Marie
  • Patent number: 8109806
    Abstract: A bra that is adapted to be a face mask has first and second bra cups, each of which includes an air filter and which are removably coupled to each other with a first attachment member. A formable member is incorporated into the upper rim of each bra cup as a structural element of the bra. A first body strap is coupled to the first bra cup and a second body strap is coupled to the second bra cup. A second attachment member removably couples ends of the first and second body straps together. When the bra is used as a face mask, first and second body straps are separated and the second attachment member couples the first body strap to the first bra cup via the first attachment member as the first bra cup is separated from the second bra cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventor: Elena Bodnar
  • Publication number: 20120028542
    Abstract: A bra strap has stretch properties such that the strap exerts a force that is sufficient to provide adequate support but does not exceed that which is comfortable to the wearer over a wide range of elongation. Thus, the bra strap may be worn by women of varying heights without the need to change the length of the strap prior to use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Krishan Weerawansa, Nalantha De Alwis
  • Publication number: 20120028541
    Abstract: A brassiere generally conformed to the shape of a female upper torso comprising (1) a front portion comprising: a left mesh panel and a right mesh panel; an internal inset pouch; a brassiere insert; a lateral adjustment strap; a first lower panel; a second lower panel; a chest band; a left upper panel wherein the bottom portion of the left upper panel extends from the top portion of the left mesh panel, toward the shoulder of a user; a right upper panel; a left adjustable strap; and a right adjustable strap; (2) side portions comprising: a left adjustable side closure and a right adjustable side closure; and (3) a back portion comprising: a dorsal panel having a octagonal union at the center thereof; a back band; a left upper dorsal strap; a right upper dorsal strap; a left lower dorsal strap; and a right lower dorsal strap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Helene Donnelly, Christopher J. Brooks, Donald R. Lamond
  • Publication number: 20120021669
    Abstract: A front-opening, adjustable bra having an elastic base band having free ends, an inside end portion adjacent one of said free ends and an outside end portion adjacent to other of said free ends, a back flap disposed between said free ends, and a pair of front flaps disposed between said free ends and said back flap, each flap having a breast covering flap. The inside end portion having an outwardly extending latch-engaging structure and a set of at least two spaced latching structures, and the outside end portion having an inwardly extending latch-engaging structure and at least two inwardly spaced extending latch structures. The latch-engaging structures engage a selected one of the respective latching structures to set the size of the bra. The latch-engaging structures and the latch structures can be reversed on the bra. A slide having three loops for receiving shoulder straps of a bra is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: Leading Lady, Inc.
    Inventor: Haidee Johnstone
  • Patent number: 8096851
    Abstract: A camisole panel is described comprised of a triangular shaped fabric material having a top portion with two top sides and a bottom portion with one bottom side centered underneath the top portion. The top sides of the panel each have a means to attach to the user's undergarment. The bottom side of the panel is tucked into the user's waistband.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Fine and Associates Inc.
    Inventor: Linda Fine
  • Patent number: 8075369
    Abstract: A fold-down convertible nursing bra with front and back reconfigurable straps is described. The cups of the bra are secured with a clip at the top of the shoulder strap that can be unclipped with one hand and folded down to nurse, then clipped back into the original position. A strip of fabric inside the cup remains attached to both the cup and the shoulder strap while the cup is folded down so that the bra remains secure and the clip can be easily accessed in order to reattach the cup. The bra also has back reconfigurable shoulder straps attached with a clip that can be removed and reattached in different positions such that the bra may be worn, for example, in a halter or racerback configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Destination Maternity Corporation
    Inventor: Lisa A. Hendrickson
  • Publication number: 20110275276
    Abstract: A bra for compression stabilizing the breast mass against motion relative to the torso includes a closed cell foam layer having a front, back, sides, and shoulder straps in a pattern to approximately match the contours of a female user's torso. A first fabric layer adjacent to the inner surface of the cell foam layer adjacent to the user's skin, substantially matching the pattern of the closed cell foam fabric layer, provides moisture wicking and comfort. A portion of the closed cell foam fabric layer extends below the breast line and encircles the torso to add motion stabilizing support to the breasts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventor: Mary Helen Shashy
  • Publication number: 20110275278
    Abstract: A bra for compression stabilizing the breast mass against motion relative to the torso includes a closed cell foam layer having a front, back, sides, and shoulder straps in a pattern to approximately match the contours of a female user's torso. A first fabric layer adjacent to the inner surface of the cell foam layer adjacent to the user's skin, substantially matching the pattern of the closed cell foam fabric layer, provides moisture wicking and comfort. A portion of the closed cell foam fabric layer extends below the breast line and encircles the torso to add motion stabilizing support to the breasts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventor: MARY HELEN SHASHY
  • Patent number: RE43766
    Abstract: A bra strap retainer for preventing the straps from falling from the user's shoulders. The bra strap retainer includes a retaining member having an elongate main portion and opposite end portions which are adapted to keep straps of a bra on a user's back in proximate relationship to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventor: Michelle D. Ostaseski