Patent Application
20070161329
Brassieres (bras) have been used by women since the late 1800s to provide support to a wearer's breasts. Over time, a series of sizing parameters have come to be commonly accepted. Typically, there are two sizing parameters: (1) band size and (2) cup size.
The band size or chest a measurement is measurement of the circumference of a wearer's rib cage directly beneath the breasts. For instance, the circumference around the rib cage might be 31 inches. To obtain the correct band size, a wearer adds five to this number if the number is odd, four if the number is even. For example, if the measurement around the rib cage is 31 inches, the band size is 31+5, or 36.
In addition to band size, a bra size also typically includes a cup size. The cup size is generally described as a measurement of a wearer's bust. Cup sizes are often referred to by letters. For example, a wearer might have an “A-sized” cup or a “C-sized” cup. To obtain a wearer's cup size, a wearer measures the circumference of the bust. This measurement is also usually taken in inches. A wearer then subtracts the bust measurement from the band size. Every inch of difference between the two numbers reflects an increase in cup size. For example, a one inch difference may correspond to an “A-sized” cup. As another example, a three inch difference may correspond to a “C-sized” cup.
Combining the two sizing parameters described above, a typical bra size lists the band size first and the cup size second. For example, if a wearer's band size is 34 and a wearer's cup size is a B, a wearer's bra size is 34-B.
The sizing system described above is based on the assumption that women's breasts are symmetrical. For example, in the bra described above, each cup would be the same size, a “B-sized” cup. However, many women do not have symmetrical breasts. For these women, bras in which both cups are substantially the same size will not fit properly.
An improperly fitting bra is dissatisfactory not only from a comfort standpoint but also from a health standpoint. In particular, a properly fitting bra offers support that can help reduce back problems and muscle tension while also improving posture.
Bras have been developed in which the cup size could be varied, but such bras are cumbersome and have not been readily accepted by the consumer. Thus, there exists a need for a brassiere assembly with different cup sizes.
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a brassiere including a first bra section which includes a first cup and a second bra section which includes a second cup. The second cup is of a different size than the first cup. The first bra section and the second bra section are adapted to be operatively connected together.
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a bra fastener system including a first fastener component and a second fastener component. The first fastener component is adapted to operatively couple a first bra section and a section bra section. The second fastener component is adapted to operatively couple the first bra section and the second bra section. The first fastener component is in the front of the operatively coupled first and second bra sections. The second fastener component is in the back of the operatively coupled first and second bra sections.
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method for providing a brassiere. The method includes providing a first bra section with a first bra cup and a second bra section with a second bra cup. The first bra section and the second bra section are provided separately.
The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, certain embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached drawings.
The right bra section 110 illustrated in
The portion of the front fastener component 180 included in the right bra section 110 includes a front male connecting component 182. The front male connecting component 182 included in the right bra section 110 includes at least one front fastener 184.
The portion of the back fastener component 190 included in the right bra section 110 includes a back male connecting component 192. The back male connecting component 192 included in the right bra section 110 includes at least one back fastener 194.
The left bra section 120 illustrated in
The portion of the front fastener component 180 included in the left bra section 120 includes a front female connecting component 183. The front female connecting component 183 includes at least one front attachment point 185.
The portion of the back fastener component 190 included in the left bra section 120 includes a back female connecting component 193. The back female connecting component 193 includes at least one back attachment point 195.
In the right bra section 110 of the brassiere assembly 100, the “B-sized” cup 130 is connected to the front male connecting component 182 of the front fastener component 180. The “B-sized” cup 130 is connected to the back male connecting component 192 of the back fastener component or system 190. The “B-sized” cup 130 is connected to the adjusting strap 114. The adjusting strap 114 is connected to the shoulder strap 112. The shoulder strap 112 is also connected to the “B-sized” cup 130.
In the left bra section 120, the “C-sized” cup 140 is connected to the front female connecting component 183 of the front fastener component 180. The “C-sized” cup 140 is connected to the back female connecting component 193 of the back fastener component 190. The “C-sized” cup 140 is connected to the adjusting strap 124. The adjusting strap 124 is connected to the shoulder strap 122. The shoulder strap 122 is also connected to the “C-sized” cup 140.
The at least one front fastener 184 of the front male connecting component 182 is adapted to operatively connect or couple with the at least one front attachment point 185 of the front female connecting component 183. The at least one back fastener 194 of the back male connecting component 192 is adapted to operatively connect or couple with the at least one back attachment point 195 of the back female connecting component 193.
In operation, the right bra section 110 is adapted to be operatively connected or coupled to the left bra section 120. More specifically, a user places the shoulder strap 112 of the right bra section 110 onto the wearer's right shoulder. A user places the shoulder strap 122 of the left bra section 120 onto the wearer's left shoulder. A user takes the back male connecting component 192 of the back fastener component 190 and couples or connects the at least one back fastener 194 to the at least one back attachment point 195 of the back female connecting component 193. A user takes the front male connecting part 182 of the front fastener component 180 and couples or connects the at least one front fastener 184 to the at least one front attachment point 185 of the front female connecting part 183.
Note that one or more of the above actions by a wearer may occur in a different order than discussed above. For example, a wearer may place the shoulder strap 122 of the left bra section 120 onto the wearer's left shoulder prior to placing the shoulder strap 112 of the right bra section 110 onto the wearer's right shoulder. As another example, a user may connect or couple the front fastener component 180 and/or the back fastener component 190 before wearing the brassier assembly 100.
A user may adjust the tightness of the fit of the brassiere assembly 100 illustrated in
In certain embodiments of the present invention, the left bra cup 140 is a different size from the right bra cup 130. As illustrated in
In certain embodiments, the front female connecting component 183 and the back female connecting component 193 may be connected to the right bra section 110 instead of the left bra section 120. Similarly, in certain embodiments, the front male connecting component 182 and the back male connecting component 192 may be connected to the left bra section 120 instead of the right bra section 110. That is, one or both of the front and back female and male connecting components may be reversed from the embodiment illustrated in
In certain embodiments, the right bra section 110 and the left bra section 120 may be adapted to be operatively connected or coupled together. The right bra section 110 and the left bra section 120 may be operatively connected or coupled through the front fastener component 180 and/or the back fastener component 190.
In certain embodiments, the front fastener component 180 may include a hooking system. The at least one front fastener 184 may include a hook and the at least one front attachment point 185 may include a latch or a loop. The hook may be adapted to operatively connect or couple with the latch or loop. The latch or loop may be adapted to operatively connect or couple with the hook.
In certain embodiments, the front fastener component 180 may include a hooking system with more than one hook and more than one latch. The front fasteners 184 may include hooks that are aligned parallel to each other, for example. The hooking system may also include one or more front attachment points 185. The front attachment points 185 may include latches or loops aligned parallel to each other, for example. Each hook may have a corresponding latch or loop. When used properly, each hook may be adapted to be operatively connected or coupled with a corresponding latch or loop. This may produce a stronger front fastener component 180, for example.
In certain embodiments, the front fastener component 180 may include one or more snaps. For example, the front male connecting component 182 may include a snap that is adapted to operatively couple or connect with the front female connecting component 184.
In certain embodiments, the front fastener component 180 may include a material where the material has complementary parts that adhere to each other when pressed together. For example, in certain embodiments, the front fastener component 180 may include VELCRO™ or other similar material.
In certain embodiments, the front fastener component 180 may include one or more buttons. The front male connecting component 182 may include one or more buttons and the front female connecting component 183 may include one or more slits that a user may slip the button(s) through, for example. Specifically, the button may be adapted to operatively couple or connect with the slit.
In certain embodiments, the front fastener component 180 may include a magnet. For example, both the front female connecting component 183 and the front male connecting component 182 may include magnets, wherein each magnet is of a different polarity. For example, when a user puts the brassiere assembly 100 on, a user may place the front female connecting component 183 and the front male connecting component 182 near each other and the magnetic force of the magnets may pull the front female connecting component 183 and the front male connecting component 182 together. The magnets may be selected such that the magnetic force is strong enough to hold the front male connecting component 182 and the front female connecting component 183 together while the brassiere assembly 100 is worn by a user, for example.
In certain embodiments, the front fastener component 180 may include a zipper.
In certain embodiments, the front fastener component 180 may include one or more staples or a series of staples. For example, a staple or series of staples may be used to operatively connect the front male connecting component 182 to the front female connecting component 183.
In certain embodiments, the front fastener component 180 may include a tie system. For example, the front male connecting component 182 may include string or lace. The front female connecting component 183 may include a hole or a series of holes. The string or lace may be adapted to operatively connect or couple with the hole. A user may take the string or lace and place it through the hole, for example. The user may tie the string or lace to maintain the connection between the left 120 and right 110 bra sections while a user is wearing the brassiere assembly 100.
In certain embodiments, the front fastener component 180 may include one or more buckles. For example, the front male connecting component 182 may include one or more buckles and the front female connecting component 183 may include one or more receiving points for the buckle. The buckle may include a release tab, for example. A user may slide the buckle into the receiving point until the buckle engages the receiving point. To release the buckle, a user may push on the release tab of the buckle.
In certain embodiments, the front fastener component 180 may include a combination of one or more of the fastener systems described above. For example, the front fastener component 180 may include one or more of the following: a hook system; a snap system; a VELCRO™ system; a button system; a magnet system; a zipper system; a buckle system; a staple system; and/or a tie system.
In certain embodiments, the back fastener component 190 may be similar to one or more of the various embodiments of the front fastener component 180 described above.
In certain embodiments, the back fastener component 190 and the front fastener component 180 may include similar systems. For instance, both the back fastener component 190 and the front fastener component 180 may include a hook system, as described above. As another example, the front fastener component 180 and the back fastener component 190 may include a button system, as described above.
In certain embodiments, the back fastener component 190 and the front fastener component 180 may include different systems. For example, the back fastener component 190 may include a hook while the front fastener component 180 may include a snap. As another example, the front fastener component 180 may include VELCRO™ while the back fastener system 190 may include a button.
In certain embodiments, the right bra section 110 and the left bra section 120 may be adapted to be removeably connected. For example, the right bra section 110 and the left bra section 120 may be adapted so that a user can connect and disconnect the right bra section 110 and the left bra section 120 more than one time.
In certain embodiments, the right bra section 110 and the left bra section 120 are adapted to be removeably connected or coupled through the front fastener component 180 and/or the back fastener component 190. For example, the front fastener component 180 may be adapted to be removeably connected or coupled together. That is, the front fastener system 180 may be connected or disconnected more than one time. This connection may take place between the front male connecting component 182 and the front female connecting component 183.
In certain embodiments, the right bra section 110 and the left bra section 120 may be adapted to be fixedly connected or coupled together. That is, the right bra section 110 and the left bra section 120 may be adapted to be operatively coupled or connected only one time. This fixed connection or coupling may take the form of a rigid connection or a permanent connection.
In certain embodiments, the right bra section 110 and the left bra section 120 may be adapted to be fixedly connected or coupled together through the front fastener component 180 and/or the back fastener component 190. For example, the front fastener component 180 may be adapted to be fixedly connected or coupled together. That is, the front fastener component 180 may be adapted to be operatively coupled or connected only one time. This coupling or connection may take the form of a rigid connection or a permanent connection. This coupling or connection may occur between the front fastener 184 and the front attachment point 185,
For example, the right bra section 110 and the left bra section 120 may be initially separated. A user may take the front fastener 184 and may place it in contact with the front attachment point 185. Upon coupling together, the front fastener 184 and the front attachment point 185 may be designed to stay attached so that a user does not have to undo the front fastener component 180 to take the brassiere assembly 100 on or take the brassiere assembly 100 off.
As another example, the front fastener component 180 may include a strip of material that has an adhesive embedded in the strip of material or applied on top of the strip of material. This strip of material may be included on the front male connecting component 182, for example. The strip of material may be covered with a protective, removable tape or cover, for example. A user may peel off the removable tape or cover to expose the adhesive. A user may place the front male connecting component 182 with the exposed adhesive in contact with the front female connecting component 183. Upon contact, the chemical compound may form a bond between the front male connecting component 182 and the front female connecting component 183. The adhesive may be a glue or contact cement, for example.
As another example, the front fastener component 180 may include a hook system similar to the hook system described above. The hook system may be designed so that it may be closed shut. For instance, a user may couple the front fastener 184 with the front attachment point 185. Once the front fastener 184 and the front attachment point 185 are coupled, a user may exert force on the front fastener 184 so that the front fastener 184 bends. A user may bend the front fastener 184 so that the front fastener 184 cannot uncouple or disconnect from the front attachment point 185. For example, the front fastener 184 may be bent or closed shut with a pair of pliers.
As another example, the front fastener component 180 may include a snap system. The front male connecting component 182 may include one or more snaps and the front female connecting component 183 may include one or more receiving points. The front connecting component 180 may be adapted so that when the front male connecting component 182 connects or couples with the front female connecting component 183, the snap may be fixedly or permanently engaged with the receiving point.
As another example, the front fastener component 180 may be designed so that the front male connecting component 182 and the front female connecting component 183 may be sewn together to form a fixed, rigid and/or permanent connection.
In certain embodiments, the back fastener component 190 may be designed or adapted to be fixedly connected or coupled together. This may take the form of a rigid connection or a permanent connection between the back fastener 194 and the back attachment point 195, for example. The back fastener component 190 may be similar to the front fastener component 180 that is designed to be fixedly connected or coupled together, described above, for example.
In certain embodiments, the adjusting straps 114 and 124 and the shoulder straps 112 and 122 may not be included. For example, the brassiere assembly 100 may be a strapless bra.
As shown in
In operation, a user may hold the back male connecting component 192 in one hand and the back female connecting component 193 in the other hand. The user may then connect or couple the at least one back fasteners 194 to the at least one back attachment point 195.
The back fastener component 190 may be similar to one or more of the various embodiments of the front fastener component 180, described above with reference to
As shown in
In operation, a user may hold the front male connecting component 182 in one hand and the front female connecting component 183 in the other hand. The user may then connect or couple the at least one front fastener 184 to the at least one front attachment point 185.
The front fastener component 180 may be similar to one or more of the various embodiments of the front fastener component 180, described above with reference to
As illustrated in
As described above, in the brassiere assembly 100, the front male connecting component 182 is adapted to operatively couple or connect with the front female connecting component 183. As illustrated in
As described above, in the brassiere assembly 100, the back male connecting component 192 is adapted to operatively couple or connect with the back female connecting component 193. As illustrated in
The front fastener component 180 and the back fastener component 190 may be similar to one or more of the various embodiments of the front fastener component 180, described above with reference to
At step 510, a first bra section with a first bra cup is provided. The first bra section may be similar to the left bra section 120 and/or the right bra section 110, described above, for example. The first bra cup may be similar to the bra cup 130 and/or 140, described above, for example.
At step 520, a second bra section with a second bra cup is separately provided. The second bra section may be similar to the left bra section 120 and/or the right bra section 110, described above, for example. The second bra cup may be similar to the bra cup 130 and/or 140, described above, for example.
The second bra section is provided separately from the first bra section. For example, the first bra section and the second bra section may be sold separately. As another example, the first bra section and the second bra section may be sold together, but selected by a purchaser as a mix-and-match set.
In certain embodiments, the first bra cup is a different size from the second bra cup. For example, the first bra cup may be a “B-sized” cup and the second bra cup may be an “A-sized” cup.
In certain embodiments, the provided first bra section and the provided second bra section are adapted and/or designed to be operatively connected or coupled together. For example, the first bra section and the second bra section may further include a front fastener component and/or a back fastener component. The front fastener component may be similar to the front fastener component 180 described above, for example. The back fastener component may be similar to the back fastener component 190 described above, for example.
The provided first bra section and/or second bra section may be provided by a manufacturer, for example. As another example, the provided first bra section and/or the second bra section may be provided by a retail store. As another example, the provided first bra section and/or the second bra section may be provided by a distributor.
In certain embodiments, the provided first and/or second bra sections may further include one or more shoulder straps and/or adjustable straps. The shoulder straps may be similar to the shoulder straps 122 or 112, described above, for example. The adjustable straps may be similar to the adjustable straps 114 and/or 124, described above, for example.
In certain embodiments, the provided first and second bra sections may further include a front fastener component. The front fastener component may be similar to the front fastener component 180, described above, for example. In certain embodiments, the front fastener component may be adapted to be coupled or connected only one time. For example, the front fastener component may be adapted to be fixedly coupled/connected or permanently coupled/connected. In certain embodiments, the front fastener component may be adapted to be removeably coupled/connected.
In certain embodiments, the front fastener component may include a one or more of the following fastener systems: a hook system; a snap system; a VELCRO™ system; a button system; a magnet system; a zipper system; a buckle system; a staple system; and/or a tie system. These systems may be similar to the systems described above, for example.
In certain embodiments, the provided first and second bra sections may further include a back fastener component. The back fastener component may be similar to the back fastener component 190 described above, for example. In certain embodiments, the back fastener component may be adapted to be coupled or connected only one time. For example, the back fastener component may be adapted to be fixedly coupled/connected or permanently coupled/connected. In certain embodiments, the back fastener component may be adapted to be removeably coupled/connected.
In certain embodiments, the back fastener component may include a one or more of the following fastener systems: a hook system; a snap system; a VELCRO™ system; a button system; a magnet system; a zipper system; a buckle system; a staple system; and/or a tie system. These systems may be similar to the systems described above, for example.
Certain embodiments of the present invention may omit one or more of these steps and/or perform the steps in a different order than the order listed. For example, some steps may not be performed in certain embodiments of the present invention. As a further example, certain steps may be performed in a different temporal order, including simultaneously, than listed above.
While the invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60734933 | Nov 2005 | US |
