FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to a bra providing a readily adjustable fit to the wearer's torso and ultimately affects the cup sizing as well. More particularity, 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, to when rather the fabric may stretch out. Many various front or back closure elements are included and various styles from front closure, back closure, front and back closure and even strapless with the adjustable back band. The shoulder straps come over the shoulders with a back band in centre which stretches from should blade to shoulder blade and contains attachment elements on each side to secure each of the left and right bands occurring from the front to the back. The shoulder straps and centre piece may vary in attachment or width and dimensions.
The main feature of this invention is an adjustable “back flip bra” type back band extending from the shoulder straps to the back for a better and more comfortable fit for the wearer of the garment.
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, 38DD, 40F, and 34-40 inch torso band and A-H cup size typically. This limited size selection makes it difficult for some women (or men) to find a comfortable and proper fit which may change with time 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 and stretch 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 respective hooks. One must put the bra on backwards often to adjust and then turn on their body, causing wear and tear and much discomfort. Often bras are bought too tight so they may stretch to which they stretch often too much so this renders them no longer useful or good to wear prompting another purchase.
This adjustable band in this invention will allow flexibility of adjusting the back and doing the bra up in the front with a front enclosure or not, thus reducing this cumbersome task of doing it up and then turning it around to the back on the torso. Front enclosure also allows ease of taking the bra off. This invention allows for sizing to be rather XXS, to XXXL sizing(XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL vs. the cup and size of band combination i.e., 34D, the 34 band in inches , D the cup size)
The band around the torso I have learned 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 and body changes/fluctuations, bust cup capacity and/or the sides of the busts together or independently of one another (each side may be adjusted differently on the adjusting center piece)
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a bra comprising of a pair of bra cups (two) and a band, a front band and a back band with shoulder straps, one for each shoulder or possibly one shoulder only or strapless. The front band comprises of 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 attaching to the back center piece attached to the should straps 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 only put on the old fashioned way of turning it on the body once adjusted, but this is not preferable with this alteration in the garnet set out in this invention, only a possibility and covered within the scope of this invention.
Both or individually front and back enclosures can exist—the straps remain still adjustable to help the fit as well and may very in length and diameter on the bra as well as the back central piece with two individual separate straps, criss crossed or a t shape style, etc. The central back piece attached or not to the shoulder straps may vary in size, shape and diameter and ability to change the bra size with differences in attachments whether they be hooks and loops, buttons, velcro, or tunnels and hooks, any form of attachment is covered within the scope of this invention.
The bra 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 offer an 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 or loss, growth and other factors that may influence size or fit or comfort.
The unique, novel and advantageous adjuctlbe back flip 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 and not fall off the shoulders being more secure in place on the garment. (shoulder straps falling off the shoulders is a big problem as well)
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a rear elevational view of a Back Flip Bra showing my new design
FIG. 2 is an exploded Rear elevational view thereof
FIG. 3 is a front view thereof showing front clasp
FIG. 4 is a top elevational perspective view thereof
FIG. 5 is an alternative embodiment front view thereof (no clasp)
FIG. 6 is an alternative embodiment back view thereof (straight straps)
FIG. 7 is an alternative embodiment back view thereof (criss cross straps)
FIG. 8 is an alternative embodiment back view thereof (no straps)
FIG. 9 is an alternative embodiment rear elevational view thereof (buttons)
FIG. 10 is an exploded rear alternative embodiment thereof
FIG. 11 is an alternative embodiment top elevational view thereof
FIG. 12 is an alternative embodiment back view thereof (straight straps)
FIG. 13 is an alternative embodiment back view thereof (criss cross straps)
FIG. 14 is an alternative embodiment back view thereof (no straps)
FIG. 15 is an alternative embodiment rear elevational view thereof (double buckle)
FIG. 16 is an alternative embodiment rear elevational view thereof (hooks double buckle)
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 with a centre piece attached to the shoulder straps. 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 labeled as 2R and 2L, connecting 1R and 1L to the back band 6R and 6L. These straps are adjustable with slides 4R & 4L. 5 is a front enclosure mechanism, hook or snap or the like. 7 is the centre piece being the “back flip” part consisting of a flap of rectangular material about 6-8 inches across from shoulder blade to shoulder blade and approx. 2-4 inches wide, more or less. Centre piece 7 has with/on it 6, more or less, rows of loops where 6R and 6L with their respective hooks on the end hook onto to adjust width around the torso and ultimately the bra size and fit.
2R and 2L are the bra straps which lead onto the back centrepiece 7 and this may be altered, either straps attached, unattachable or criss cross or strapless 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 or not. Same with 6L to 3L. Each back band 6R and 6L also has a free end with hooks which go to the back centrepiece and attach by it's hooks and the loops located on 7. These loops may vary in number of rows from 4-8, more or less with 2 to 4-6 hooks happening, one for each respective loop. FIG. 1 show the hook 8R and 8L and the loops 9R and 9L. Each made of metal, wire or plastic usually and sewn on. The two back bands 6R and 6L then hook onto the centrepiece of the wearer's back which is a rectangular shape with straps with other embodiments of straps in FIGS. 67 & 8. Preferably the back bands 6R and 6L and 7 the centrepiece are made of woven or knit fabric, foam, cotton, silk, polyester, microfiber, elastic, linen, modal, elastane, lycra, nylon, spandex, memory foam, cashmere, lace, satin, or other suitable materials. FIG. 1 also indicates 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 of back band 6R has a hook element 8R and 8L comprising of a row of hooks generally 3-5 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 9R and 9L are generally 3-5 rows but may vary up to 6, more or less with cup sizes and width of one's torso. This varies within the scope of the invention. 6L free end also has 8L, hooks and 9L loops respectively on the opposite side where 6R and 6L are again taken to hook onto 7 and it's 9 R and 9L loops to be secured each side hooked on each side respectively of the centrepiece 7. 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 6R and 6L are pulled out further on each side towards the middle or end of 7 to meet the loops, the back band lengthens or shortens allowing for a better and more secure fit and may be adjusted accordingly to weight gain or loss throughout one's life. 9R and 9L are generally 4-6 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 hooks for 8R and 8L and 6 rows each for 9L and 9R 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 centrepiece 7 (rectangular piece of material across the back). It has an adjustable ring 4R and 4L allowing for shortening or lengthening. Preferably, the shoulder straps are made of woven or knit fabric, foam, elastic, cotton, silk, polyester, microfiber, lycra, modal, elastane, 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 7 as shown for comfort and for straps to stay over shoulders but may be attached using a ring fastener too, this may also vary. Again, each shoulder strap may be permanently attached to the back bands 7 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. 6 and FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 where it shows straight, criss crossed shoulder straps or strapless bras.
Fit adjustment elements 6R and 6L with 8R and 8L 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 of 7 to achieve a tighter fit, the straps 2R and 2L will stay 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 over 7, this will ensure a larger, more looser fit, and straps remain. Generally speaking, at least 25% of the free back ends hook itself onto 7 to make a perfect and medium fit.
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 centrepiece 7 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. The bra may be put on around the torso, adjusted and twisted around to the back whereby the wearer puts the straps over each respective shoulder to fit, thereby not necessarily needing a front clasp but a front clasp is definitely easier to fit and put on.
FIG. 7 shows crisscrossing fabric for shoulder straps 2R and 2L where they meet at 7. These straps may be detachable from 7 or not.
FIG. 7 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 7. This may also be criss crossed using a clasp sort of mechanism to connect the straps, this is also part of the invention.
FIG. 8 shows another embodiment A and B, a strapless bra with no straps and rather the bra is just fit securely around the torso of the wearer with either the back centrepiece 7 attaching to free ends 6R and 6L only (B) or alternatively, with a back and front attachment as shown (A).
While hooks and loops have been illustrated for use in combination with the back band (centerpeice 7) as part of the length adjustment elements, other types of fasteners that permits adjustment of the effective length of the back band 6R and 6L may be used within the scope of the present invention. Thus, for example, buckles & tunnels, 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, minimizer bras, swim wear, leisure bras, brallettes, 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 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.
FIG. 9 is an alternative embodiment with centrepiece 7 having 4-6, more or less rows of buttons as the attachment method and 8R as the buttonholes for securing free ends 6R and 6L.
FIG. 10 is an exploded back view showing details of the buttons and buttonholes 9R and 8L respectively. The buttons are attached to 7 in rows to lengthen or shorten the ends 6L and 6 R around the torso which at their respective free ends have buttonholes for each button this showing 4 buttonholes but may be more or less and within the scope of this invention to vary somewhat.
FIG. 11 is a top elevational view of the alternative embodiment with buttons showing to front clasp 5 and centrepiece 7 with ends 6 L and 6R and buttons 9L and buttonholes 8L.
FIG. 12, FIG. 13, and FIG. 14 all display different embodiments with varying straps, FIG. 12 straight straps attached to centrepiece 7 and FIG. 13 criss cross both of which are detachable or not and FIG. 14 showing strapless bras. FIG. 14 shows two different styles one with the front clasp 5 and one without as 1R and 1L at attached continuously.
FIG. 15 is an alternative embodiment not so distinct as it has the centrepiece 17 with two free ends 15 R and 15 L going thru each respective side buckle connecting 16 R and 16L and each end hooking or being buttoned onto 17 as 17 contains the rows of loops or buttons and 15 R and 15 L the hooks or buttonholes. For simplicity it is just shown with hooks and loops but other means of attachment are also protected within the scope of this invention say buckles & tunnels, snaps, clasps, clamps, buttons, rings, ties, zippers, metal slide or clips or even velcro may be used instead. FIG. 15 shows the hooks in detail as well as the loops with 10 being the buckles. The buckles may vary and be made out of metal or plastic or titanium or other suitable material and still covered under the scope of this design. It may also be a clasp of sorts to attach 16R and 16L to 15R and 15 L.
In FIG. 15, As one draws the ends 15 R and 15 L closer towards the middle of centrepiece 17 it ensures a tighter fit around the torso and conversely is true. The straps may vary on this design as well from straight, to criss cross to strapless and may be incorporated into strapless bras, underwire bras, non-underwire bras, sports bras, posture bras, minimizer bras, swim wear, 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 within this present invention.
Preferably the back bands 15R and 15L and 17 the centrepiece are made of woven or knit fabric, synthetic, modal, elastane, foam, cotton, silk, polyester, microfiber, elastic, linen, lycra, nylon, modal, elastyne, spandex, memory foam, cashmere, lace, satin, tencel , bamboo or other suitable materials.
FIG. 16 is an alternative embodiment not so distinct as it has the centrepiece 20 with two free ends 18 R and 18L going thru each respective side buckle connecting 16 R and 16L and each end hooking or being buttoned onto 20 as 20 contains the rows of tunnels or buttons and 18 R and 18 L the large hooks 19R and 19L or buttonholes. For simplicity it is just shown with hooks and tunnels but other means of attachment are also protected within the scope of this invention say buckles & tunnels, snaps, clasps, clamps, buttons, rings, ties, zippers, metal slide or clips or even velcro may be used instead. FIG. 16 shows the hooks 19R and 19L in detail as well as the tunnels on 20 with 10 being the buckles. The buckles may vary and be made out of metal or plastic or titanium or other suitable material and still covered under the scope of this design. It may also be a clasp of sorts to attach 18R and 18L to 16R and 16 L.
In FIG. 16, As one draws the ends 18 R and 18 L closer towards the middle of centrepiece 20, it ensures a tighter fit around the torso and conversely is true. This figure incorporates the double buckle but with large hooks and tunnels for fastening rather than buttons (FIG. 10) or “hooks and loops” as in FIG. 15 . The tunnels, buttons and “hooks and loops” are all covered under this figure and scope of invention. The straps may vary on this design as well from straight, to criss cross to strapless and may be incorporated into strapless bras, underwire bras, non-underwire bras, sports bras, posture bras, minimizer bras, swim wear, 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 within this present invention.
Preferably the back bands 18R and 18L and 20, the centrepiece , are made of woven or knit fabric, synthetic, modal, elastane, foam, cotton, silk, polyester, microfiber, elastic, linen, lycra, nylon, modal, elastyne, spandex, memory foam, cashmere, lace, satin, tencel , bamboo or other suitable materials, natural or unnatural.
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.
The expression of the invention is within both the claims and description and both must be considered in detail in defining it along with the accompanying figure drawings.
Patent Application
20200383390
