Bra Band Tightening Clip

Abstract

This invention relates to bra fitment using a bra band tightening device to draw the band of a bra tighter when worn by a user. The bra fitment device is a flat, semi-rigid material with a plurality of slots and bars to be used in methods to thread the end of a bra band through to maintain the bra band in a folded position while using the bra's existing clasp hardware. The opposing end wing slots and wing bars of the device are typically taller in shape than the center slots to accommodate bra bands of varying back styles. The folded bra band is shorter and therefore tighter and better fitting for said user.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to bra fitment, and, more particularly, to methods for providing the ability to increase the flexibility of a bra's fitment.

A bra or brassiere is a form-fitting garment designed to support a person's breasts. Bras are not anatomically required, but are typically worn in response to cultural influences to achieve a desired positioning and shape for the breasts. A proper fitting bra can also increase comfort for the user by transferring the weight of the breasts to the user's back via the band.

Proper bra fitment is a problem. Humans are of infinitely variable shapes and sizes. Body shapes also vary throughout time with weight gain and weight loss. However, mass-produced bras typically have a limited number of closure settings to determine tightness around the torso. Fluctuation in body size necessitates a tighter and looser bra fitment at different times. A dramatic example of this fluctuation is during the postpartum period when a person may be experiencing rapid changes in body size.

Proper bra fitment is made more complicated because bras are typically made of materials that stretch after normal wear and regular laundering.

Bras sizes are typically sold in a combination of band and cup sizes. The majority of manufacturers and retailers produce a standard range of sizes, whereas few manufacturers and retailers produce non-standard sizes. Consequently, users with non-standard body sizes may not be able to source a bra that is well-fitting and comfortable.

A bra that is too loose can cause discomfort for the user by not properly transferring the weight of breasts to their back and thus their breasts not being supported by the bra. A benefit of this support is that it can create a lifted appearance to the breasts. A loose band may make the bra not meet the desired aesthetic of the user.

Bras are relatively expensive. Replacement of an ill-fitting bra may be cost prohibitive for the user, especially if the user fluctuates in size rapidly.

For these reasons, among others, a need exists for device and method to increase the range of adjustability in bra band tightness for a user that is a more cost effective solution than replacing the bra. While the prior art has offered a means of correcting these problems, it has limitations.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a bra band tightening clip, designed to shorten the band of a bra for a user when their bra is too loose, effectively making it tighter. To use the clip, the user will thread the end of their bra band through the slots and around the bars so that the bra band is folded in an ‘S’ shape on itself. The clip maintains the bra band end in a folded position to preserve the desired degree of tightness for the user. The device can be a planer or any other type of flat piece with a plurality of narrow holes or slots that correspond to the height measurement of a bra band. The present invention uses the novel approach of having taller wing slots of different shapes on opposing sides to accommodate bra bands of different shapes, resulting in a device that can be used more universally than offered by the prior art. The embodiment can be made of a semi-rigid material that is flexible and discreet when worn under clothing. The user can increase or decrease the tightness by selecting different positions on the device and further multiply the adjustment by combining different positions of the clip with the existing positions of the bra closure. The clip is designed so that it will not damage the user's bra and may be removed to reverse the tightening effect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A illustrates a top perspective view of a tightening device in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 2B illustrates a bottom view perspective of a tightening device in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 2C illustrates a side perspective view of a tightening device in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 2D illustrates an alternate position view of a tightening device in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates the parts of a bra including details of the hook and eye closure.

FIG. 4 is a frontal perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a tightening device in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates the first step in using the bra band tightening clip. The user will take the end of the bra band 140 with the eye hardware 150 up from under the left wing bar 4 through the left wing slot 5.

FIG. 6 illustrates the second step in using the bra band tightening clip. The user will take the end of the bra band 140 stated above, thread it over the first center bar 3 and down through the next center slot 2.

FIG. 7 illustrates the third step in using the bra band tightening clip. The user will take the end of the bra band 140 stated above, thread it up through the wing slot 5 on the opposing side.

FIG. 8 illustrates the fourth step in using the bra band tightening clip. The user will take the end of the bra band 140 stated above and fold it back toward itself over the center bars 3.

FIG. 9 illustrates the fifth step in using the bra band tightening clip. The user will then thread the bra band end 140 down through one of the center slots 2, under and around one of the center bars 3. Which bar/slot combination is chosen will be determined by the user's desired level of tightness.

FIG. 10 illustrates the sixth step in using the bra band tightening clip. The user will take the opposite end of the bra band 140 with the hook hardware 150 under the right wing bar 4 and up through the right wing slot 5.

FIG. 11 illustrates the seventh step in using the bra band tightening clip. The user will join end of the bra band 140 to end of bra band 120 by engaging the hook 130 and eye 150 closure hardware.

FIG. 12A illustrates an alternate perspective view of the path of the bra band through the device.

FIG. 12B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the path of a bra band through the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a bra band tightening clip where 1 is a flat piece of semi-rigid material with little depth comprised of 2 a plurality of narrow slots that correspond to bra band height measurement. Between the slots are bars 3 that are used to thread the end of a bra band through around to create a shorter distance between the bra strap 110 and the end of the bra band 140. The wing bars on the opposing left and right ends of the clip or 4 may be of varying sizes and shapes to accommodate bra bands of varying heights and shapes for ease of use and aesthetic purposes. The wing slots 5 on the opposing left and right ends of the clip may also therefore be of varying sizes and shapes for ease of use and aesthetic purposes. The objective of the device is to maintain the bra band in a folded position.

As a result of the bra band 140 being shorter as wrapped around the clip 1, the overall circumference of the bra when closed via hook 130 and eye 150 clasps is less than before use of the clip. The shorter circumference therefore is tighter for the wearer.

While it is within the scope of the present invention to make the embodiment from any flexible or semi-flexible material, the preferred materials are plastic, rubber, or silicone. The device can be made via 3D printing, injection molding, laser cutting, or any other process that can produce a flat, semi-rigid shape.

The bra band tightening clip is intended for use with bras that have a back hook and eye closure. The objective of the invention is to thread the end of the bra band 140 with the eye hardware 150 through the center slots 2 and around the center bars 3 to create a compressed “S” shape fold where the end of the band is folded against itself. The wing slots 5 on opposing ends of the clip are designed to keep the wing bars 4 on the outside of the bra band ends 120 & 140 and away from the skin of the user.

Prior to putting on the bra 100, the user should have an awareness of how much tighter they would prefer their bra band 120 & 140.

FIG. 5 In order to ensure the majority of the clip is positioned on the outside of the band and away from the user's skin, the user first takes the end of the bra band 140 with the eye closure 150 and thread it under the left most wing bar 4 and up through the left most wing slot 5.

FIG. 6 The user then folds the band 140 over the closest center bar 3 and down through the closest center slot 2. The user should slide the clip 1 over the bra band 140 to get it snug against where the bra strap 110 attaches to the band 140.

FIG. 7 The band 140 is then pulled under the center bars 3 and up through the right most wing slot 5.

FIG. 8 Fold the band 140 back towards the center bars 3. From this position the user can choose the amount of tightness they prefer by selecting different center bars 3. The left most center bar 3 will result in the tightest setting while the right most center bar will result in only a slightly tighter setting. The exact tightness of the bra band can be adjusted to the user's desired level by simply choosing different positions. Once they've selected the amount of tightness required, the user will thread the band 140 under the center bar 3.

FIG. 9 The user will pull the slack at end of the band 140 from underneath the center bar 3 and fold it back to the right.

FIG. 10 The user will begin to put their bra around their torso as usual. When they go to connect the two ends of the bra band 120 & 140 together using the hook 130 and eye 150 hardware, the user will thread the bra band end 120 with the hook hardware 130 under the right most wing bar 4 and up through the right most wing slot 5.

FIG. 11 The user will connect the hooks 130 around the eyes 150 and clasp the bra band ends 120 & 140 together.

The device is typically worn underneath clothing and lays flat against the back of the wearer. When used as intended, the opposing wing bars are positioned on the outside of the folds and spaced away from the user's back. The thin flexible material is unnoticeable by the user while wearing and discreet when worn under clothes. The multiple tightness positions can be multiplied by pairing different configurations of bra's existing hook and eye closures.

The present invention resolves shortcomings of the existing device available for reducing girth of bra bands. Prior art accomplishes the same goal as the present invention, however, the apparatus has pointed teeth to grip the bra band fabric and can cause damage to delicate fabric. The present invention does not have any sharp edges and will not harm the bra's material.

Prior art requires user's existing bra to match the exact dimensions of placement of hook and eye hardware to work successfully, whereas the present invention can accommodate a variety of positioning of clasp hardware without being an exact match to the user's bra.

The existing technology cannot be used successfully with bra bands of increasing height of band where bra straps meet band as in bras with a “U-shape” or “V-shape” back. The variable shapes and increased height of the wing bars on the outer edges can accommodate bras of various styles and can therefore be used universally for all bra shapes.

Claims

1. A clip, comprising: a flat piece of semi-rigid material having a plurality of narrow center slots thereon wherein said clip having transversely opposite end wing slots.

2. The clip according to claim 1 wherein said center slots and said wing slots correspond to the height measurement of a band or strap.

3. The clip according to claim 1 wherein said wing slots are of equal or greater height to the center slots.