BACKGROUND
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of intimate apparel, and more particularly to a brassiere having easily detachable and interchangeable cups.
2. Description of the Related Art
Brassieres themselves are a very mature art, dating to the early 19th century in the US alone. However, there remains a need in the art for a brassiere having removable cups and a set including a brassiere frame to which one of several removable cups may be attached, to select among various fashion selections, and/or chose from among plural size and shapes of cup for the various effects these provide to the wearer.
BRIEF SUMMARY
It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a brassiere garment having interchangeable cup portions. Cups may be interchanged in order to provide alternate shaping options that a variety of cups can provide, or alternate fashion options, without the need to produce and purchase an entire different and new brassiere structure.
Therefore, according to the present disclosure, an intimate apparel apparatus includes a brassiere frame with a chest band for securing the brassiere frame to the wearer, and a first arcuate recess in the brassiere frame for receiving a first detachable brassiere cup. A first arcuate channel is located along the edge of first arcuate recess. A first detachable brassiere cup has a first arcuate latch at a perimeter thereof. The first arcuate latch and the first arcuate channel are slidably engageable with one another, and have substantially identical cross sections, such that the first arcuate latch and the first arcuate channel resist transverse separation from each other when slidably engaged. The arcuate latch and the arcuate channel are optionally concealed or concealable, in a front view, by material of the brassiere frame or the first detachable brassiere cup.
The cross section of the first arcuate latch and the first arcuate channel may include a spiral portion, optionally having a lip relatively greater thickness at its end. The cross section may alternately include a pair of substantially parallel walls, optionally having a closed end to which the substantially parallel walls are each attached. A lip section of relatively greater thickness may be provided at an end of at least one of the substantially parallel walls. Where a closed end and a lip are provided, the lip section may extend into an area bounded by the closed end and the substantially parallel walls. The distance between the nearest points of the substantially parallel walls, including any lip, may be set to no greater than about the largest thickness of either of the substantially the parallel walls, including any lip.
The engageable ends of the first arcuate latch and/or the first arcuate channel may be provided with a surface treatment to enhance their visibility, for example contrasting color, thereby facilitating their sliding engagement. A similar color may be applied to both engageable ends. The color applied to the engageable ends of the first and second detachable cups and corresponding channels may be distinguished from each other, but similar between the matched latch and channel.
Further provided according to the instant disclosure is an intimate apparel set, including at least one brassiere garment as described above, and additionally having further pair or pairs of detachable brassiere cups, interchangeable with those already described. The plurality of detachable brassiere cup pairs may each comprise a distinguished style, size, shape, color material, or pattern from the other detachable brassiere cup pairs in the set.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)
These and other features, benefits and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of the invention which refers to the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to like structures across the several views, and wherein:
FIG. 1 illustrates a boxed brassiere set according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 illustrates a brassiere according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 3 illustrates the brassiere according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure in an alternate configuration having one brassiere cup removed
FIG. 4 is an end view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;
FIGS. 5
a, 5b, 5c and 5d illustrate a progression of engaging a detachable brassiere cup with the brassiere frame according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 6, illustrates a rear view of a detachable brassiere cup according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 7 illustrates a latch according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 8 illustrates a channel according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 9
a and 9b illustrate the engagement of a latch and channel with one another according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating unattached and attached states, respectively;
FIG. 10 illustrates a front elevation view the brassiere according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, having one detachable brassiere cup removed;
FIGS. 11
a and 11b illustrate a first alternate configurations for the latch and channel, in unattached and attached states, respectively;
FIGS. 12
a and 12b illustrate a second alternate configuration for the latch and channel, in unattached and attached states, respectively;
FIGS. 13
a and 13b illustrate a third alternate configuration for the latch and channel, in unattached and attached states, respectively;
FIG. 14 illustrates a partial front elevation view of a further embodiment of a brassiere according to the present disclosure;
FIG. 15
a illustrates a front elevation view of a pair of detachable brassiere cups in a first style;
FIG. 15
b illustrates a front elevation view of the first style of detachable brassiere cups installed in a brassiere frame;
FIG. 15
c illustrates a rear elevation view of the first style of detachable brassiere cups installed in a brassiere frame;
FIG. 16
a illustrates a front elevation view of a pair of detachable brassiere cups in a second style;
FIG. 16
b illustrates a front elevation view of the second style of detachable brassiere cups installed in a brassiere frame;
FIG. 16
c illustrates a rear elevation view of the second style of detachable brassiere cups installed in a brassiere frame;
FIG. 17
a illustrates a front elevation view of a pair of detachable brassiere cups in a third style;
FIG. 17
b illustrates a front elevation view of the third style of detachable brassiere cups installed in a brassiere frame;
FIG. 17
c illustrates a rear elevation view of the third style of detachable brassiere cups installed in a brassiere frame;
FIG. 18
a illustrates a front elevation view of a pair of detachable brassiere cups in a fourth style;
FIG. 18
b illustrates a front elevation view of the fourth style of detachable brassiere cups installed in a brassiere frame;
FIG. 18
c illustrates a rear elevation view of the fourth style of detachable brassiere cups installed in a brassiere frame;
FIG. 19
a illustrates a front elevation view of a pair of detachable brassiere cups in a fifth style;
FIG. 19
b illustrates a front elevation view of the fifth style of detachable brassiere cups installed in a brassiere frame;
FIG. 19
c illustrates a rear elevation view of the fifth style of detachable brassiere cups installed in a brassiere frame;
FIG. 20 illustrates brassiere according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 21 illustrates a rear exploded assembly view of the third embodiment;
FIG. 22 shows a detachable brassiere cup according to the third embodiment;
FIG. 23 shows a detachable side and back panel of a brassiere according to the third embodiment; and
FIG. 24 shows a partial exploded assembly view of the brassiere cup and side and back panel of the third embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to FIG. 1, illustrated is a boxed brassiere set, generally 100, including a bra frame 102 matched sets of detachable brassiere cups 104a and 104b, 106a and 106b, 108a and 108b. In this instance, the set is packaged in a box 110, optionally transparent, as in this case, and further optionally including a hanger hook 112 for display and sale. Hanger hook 112 may be selectively removable. As will be explained in more detail herein, any of brassiere cups 104a and 104b, 106a and 106b, 108a and 108b are selectively attachable to or detachable from bra frame 102. Alternately, the brassiere according to the present disclosure may be sold as a complete individual unit, i.e. having a bra frame 102, a single pair of cups 104a and 104b, 106a and 106b, or 108a and 108b, and optionally a pair of straps 126a, 126b. Any part of the set 100, or matched parts such as cups or straps, may also be packaged and marketed separately.
Illustrated in FIG. 2 is a brassiere 120, according to the present disclosure. It includes a bra frame 122, to which a pair of detachable brassiere cups 124a, 124b are attached. Brassiere 120 also includes a pair of straps 126a, 126b, extending from the cups 124a, 124b, respectively, to a chest band wing panel 128a, 128b, respectively. Straps 126a, 126b are preferably selectively detachable from either or both the corresponding chest bands 128a, 128b, and/or cups 124a, 124b. Moreover straps 126a, 126b, if detachable, may be reconfigured in either crossover or halter fashion. Chest bands 128a, 128b may be secured to one another by corresponding hook 103b and eye 130a closure parts, or alternately hook-and-loop (e.g., VELCRO), button-and-eye, snaps, or the like.
Turning then to FIG. 3, illustrated is the brassiere 120 in an different configuration. Specifically, cup 124b is removed from frame 122, and strap 126b is detached from cup 124b. Also shown are the channel 132b, which is secured along and adjacent to an edge of the recess 134b of the bra frame 122, recess 134b being formed to receive the detachable cup 124b. Channel 132b slidably receives a latch 136b, latch 136b being secured along and adjacent to a lower edge of the cup 124b. Optionally, embedded within the cup 124b is a support underwire 138b (shown in hidden line). FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the channel 132b taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3. In particular, the channel 132b includes a lip 140 extending partially across the channel opening 142 from either or both sides of the inner channel wall 144. The lip 140 aids in engaging and retaining the corresponding latch 138b. The description of the this one side of the brassiere 120 will be understood as sufficient to describe the opposing side, e.g. cup which is generally symmetrical across a vertical plane bisecting the brassiere 120.
Turning now to FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c and 5d, the method of engaging the cup 124b with the bra frame 122. As shown in FIG. 5a, a first end 150b of latch 136b is brought into engagement with an opposite end 152b of the corresponding channel 132b. With reference to FIGS. 5b, 5c, the latch 136b is slidably inserted into the channel 132b by generally rotating the cup 124b. With reference to FIG. 5d, the cup 124b is in position when the first end 150b is brought into alignment with a corresponding end 156 of the channel 132b.
Referring now to FIG. 6, illustrated is a rear side of cup 124b. Visible from the rear is a loop 160b by which the strap 126b is removably attached. Underwire 138b (shown in hidden line) is contained within a fabric casing 162b. Latch 138b may be secured to the cup 124b by stitching between the casing 162b and the cup fabric 166b. As shown in FIG. 6, pre-formed holes 164b may be provided in the latch 136b to facilitate the stitching. Alternately, the latch 136b may be secured by thermal or adhesive joining means, or any suitable joining technique as used in garment manufacture.
FIG. 7 illustrates a latch 136b. Latch 136b is generally arcuate in shape and has a span dimension 165, a depth dimension 167, and a circumferential dimension 169. In an exemplary embodiment, span dimension 165 is about 5.25 inches, depth dimension 167 is about 2.5 inches, and circumferential dimension 169 is about 7.5 inches. These specific dimensions are, of course, subject to change with various sizes of bra 120 and specifically cup 124b, or to change in general without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
FIG. 8 illustrates a sample channel 132b. Channel 132b may also include pre-formed holes 168b to facilitate stitching, and/or be secured to the bra frame 122 by other suitable joining technique already mentioned with respect to the latch 136b. Both latch 136b and channel 132b (and their counterparts latch 136a and channel 132a of the opposing cup 124a) are preferably positioned to be concealed by the material of cup 124b and/or frame 122, for example inward with respect to the wearer's body and behind, when the latch 136b and channel 132b are engaged with one another, in order to provide a pleasing overall appearance. This is illustrated, for example, in FIG. 14.
In certain embodiments end 150b of the latch 136b and end 152b of channel 132b may given a surface treatment to visually distinguish them from the remainder of the structure. One such surface treatment may be color-coding, for example like-colored, in order to indicate their attachment to engage the cup 124b with the bra frame 122, and distinguished from the colored ends of the opposing cup 124a, which are themselves color-matched with one another. Alternately, the color may be simply to distinguish from the surrounding material of the bras 120 and its parts in order to facilitate visual alignment and engagement of the latch 136b and channel 132b. Further, a locking mechanism, such as a tab, hasp, or the like, may be provided to secure the latch 136b within the channel 132b when they are fully engaged with one another, i.e., end 150b positioned adjacent end 156b with latch 136b slidably engaged with channel 132b. A pressure on the locking a tab, hasp, or the like, or alternately on the channel 132b of latch in the vicinity of the a tab, hasp, or the like, would be sufficient to release the latch from the channel and permit the disengagement latch 136b from the channel 132b, and thus the cup 124b from the bra frame 122.
Turning to FIGS. 9a and 9b, illustrated generally is the engagement of the latch 136b and the channel 132b with one another, by illustrating both unattached and attached states, respectively.
Turning now to FIG. 10, illustrated in a front elevation view is the brassiere 120 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, having one cup 124b removed. The cup 124b is attached generally as described above with reference to FIGS. 4a-4d. Also visible in FIG. 9 is a rear loop 170b, where a strap 126b (not shown) may be removably attached to the chest band 128. A similar loop (obscured by cup 124a) may be provided on an opposing side of the chest band 128 from the detachable attachment of strap 126a thereto. Shown for the first time in FIG. 10 is an optional center front closure 172. With the provision of a center front closure 172, hook 103b and eye 130a closure parts (or their substitutes) may be optionally omitted, and a unitary chest band 128 formed in place of divided wing panels 128a, 128b.
In addition to FIGS. 9a and 9b, FIGS. 11a-11b, 12a-12b, and 13a-13b illustrate a variety of configurations for the latch and channel, in corresponding unattached and attached positions, respectively. In FIGS. 11a-11b, latch 236 and channel 232 are essentially identical, distinguished primarily by their placement, whether attached to brassiere cup 124a, 124b, or bra frame 122. Latch 236 (and channel 232) exhibit a flange 280 to facilitate connection with the corresponding cup 124a, 124b or bra frame 122. A generally u-shaped channel includes parallel walls 282, 284, each attached to a closed end 283. A lip 286 extends inward from the walls 282, 284, and preferably, as in this case, into the channel as well. The gap between the walls 282, 284, including any lip 286, in preferably no greater than the thickness of the wall 282, 284 of the counterpart latch or channel, including any lip 286. Thereby, the latch and the channel, once slidably engaged, resist transverse separation from each other. The material of the latch 236 and channel 232 is resilient, having some degree of flexibility, for example plastic or metal.
FIGS. 12
a-12b illustrate latch 332 having a generally polygonal cross-section, in this case triangular, prismatically extended. Corresponding channel 336 includes side walls 384 angled inward towards a vertical centerline of the cross-section, preferably also including an inwardly extending lip 386. Other polygonal shapes aside from triangular may be substituted, for the latch 332, with corresponding adjustment to the shape of the channel 336. Latch 332 and channel 336 may be interchangeably located on either the cup portion or the bra frame portion.
FIGS. 13
a-13b illustrate a further embodiment of the latch and channel. In this embodiment, latch 436 and channel 432 are essentially identical, distinguished essentially by their placement, whether cup 124a, 124b or bra frame 122. Latch 436 (and channel 432) also exhibit a flange 480 to facilitate connection with the corresponding cup 124a, 124b or bra frame 122. The flange extends into an inward spiral 488, optionally with a lip 486 of greater thickness. Channel 432 and latch 436 are again engaged with one another slidably, as generally described above, while resisting their transverse separation once slidably engaged. The embodiments of FIGS. 11a-11b, and 13a-13b have as advantages that they are essentially identical for both sides of the connection, reducing the manufacturing costs by reducing the number of parts that must be manufactured.
Turning now to FIGS. 15a-15c, 16a-16c, 17a-17c, 18a-18c, and 19a-19c, illustrated are a variety of support and fashion choices that can be present by various interchangeable cup designs with a single bra frame. For example, FIGS. 15a-15c shows an lightly padded cup style, cups 224a, 224b. FIG. 15a shows cups 224a, 224b. FIG. 15b shows cups 224a, 224b, the cups attached to the bra 120 in front elevation view. FIG. 15c shows the cups 224a, 224b attached to the bra 120 in rear elevation view. This view convention continues for FIGS. 16a-16c, 17a-17c, 18a-18c, and 19a-19c. FIGS. 16a-16c show sheer moulded cups 324a, 324b, including a scalloped edge finish 325a, 325b, respectively, at the upper edge of each cup 324a, 324b. FIGS. 17a-17c illustrate a so-called balconette cup 424a, 424b. Balconette cups 424a, 424b each including removable ‘cookies’, e.g., 426a, or pads which the wearer can choose to insert or remove from the cup, e.g., cup 424a, through opening e.g. 428a, as desired. The opposing cup 424b would be provided with similar cookie (not shown) and opening 428b. FIGS. 18a-18c illustrate padded push-up cups 524a, 524b, i.e., having more padding and consequently more lift than the lightly padded cups 224a, 224b of FIGS. 15a-15c. FIGS. 19a-19c illustrate demi cups 624a, 624b, e.g., one having a lower cut of neckline than other full cup styles.
Referring now to FIG. 20, an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. In this embodiment, brassiere 720 includes a cup assembly 721, including a pair of brassiere cups 724a, 724b, connected with one another by a bridge 725, alternately or additionally having a releasable front center closure 770. On an inside (with respect to the wearer) of an lateral outer edge of each cup 724a, 724b, a plurality of closures 736a, 736b connect the cup assembly 721 with a seamless tubular back 728. Straps 726a, 726b, selectively detachable from either or both cup assembly 721 and seamless tubular back 728, may also connect the cup assembly 721 generally at a top of each cup 724a, 724b, with the tubular back 728. Alternately, back portion 728 may also include a conventional closure (not shown), for example hook-and-eye or alternative described elsewhere herein.
Turning then to FIG. 21, the cup assembly 721, with straps 726a, 726b still attached thereto, is shown detached from the back portion 728 of the brassiere 720. The back portion 728 may include a loops 770a, 770b for receiving the releasable straps 726a, 726b, as described with respect to earlier embodiments. Closures 736a, 736b are illustrated as snaps connecting the cup assembly 721 to the back portion 728 with corresponding structure 732a, 732b, which can be substituted for hook-and-eye closures, other closure styles noted elsewhere, or a zipper.
Turning then to FIG. 22, note that the snaps 736b connecting the cup assembly 721 with the back portion 728 may be integrated along an underwire channel 762b. Four snaps are illustrated, though more or fewer may be suitable or desired. FIG. 22 also shows a loop 760 at the cup 724b for receiving the releasable strap 726b. Alternately, a snap, hook-and-eye, or other releasable closure (e.g., hook-and-loop, known by the trade name VELCRO) may be substituted in this or other embodiments.
Referring now to FIGS. 23 and 24, the manner of attaching the back portion 728 to the cup assembly 721 is shown. Notwithstanding the curvature of the cup 724a, 724b, the underwire, or the curved nature of the snaps, hooks, etc., located thereon, the back portion 728 may simply rectangular. Elasticity of the back portion 728 can account for the difference in shapes at the joining. Alternately, the cup assembly 721 and the back portion 728 may be tailored to fit with one another. The snaps on the back portion 728 may be located on an outward surface thereof, with respect to the wearer, to meet the inner surface of the cup assembly 721 having the corresponding closure structure 736a, 736b. Thereby, the snaps are prevented from causing any discomfort to the wearer.
Although the present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is preferred, therefore, that the present invention be limited not by the specific disclosure herein.
Patent Grant
8123587
