Convertible Brassiere System With Interchangeable Components

Abstract

Disclosed is a convertible brassiere system with interchangeable components comprising: a right bra cup, wherein the right bra cup comprises a plurality of right cup attachment points; a left bra cup, wherein the left bra cup comprises a plurality of left cup attachment points; a first strap; a left-right bra cup attachment means for attaching the right bra cup to the left bra cup; at least one first strap-right bra cup attachment means for attaching the first strap to the right bra cup; and, at least one first strap-left bra cup attachment means for attaching the first strap to the left bra cup. The system may further comprise: a second strap; at least one second strap-right bra cup attachment means for attaching the second strap to the right bra cup; and, at least one second strap-left bra cup attachment means for attaching the second strap to the left bra cup.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One of the most common issues women experience with their bras is that the back band and the shoulder straps become stretched out with wear, improper care or excessive use, rending the bra ineffective, old, or just plain ratty. Another common issue is finding the right style of bra to wear under different types of garments.

Furthermore, a survey of brassiere users found that users identified important features as having an adjustable band size and convertible straps. The survey further found that users would buy new bras when the shoulder straps became worn and stretched out, desire to refresh or update their bras, the underband is stretched out, looking for the perfect cup size, desire for a new bra style, need for a specific bra style for a particular top or dress, and/or looking for the perfect underband size and fit.

The present invention solves these problems, among others. The present invention also meets the needs of brassiere users. All components of the present invention are interchangeable and replaceable, allowing women the option to replace stretched out straps with new ones, or to simply refresh the look of their bra with the change of a strap. They can also switch between cup styles to satisfy their wardrobe needs. The straps can be reconfigured into various styles (over-the-shoulder, halter, racerback) and attached to different cup styles (soft, push-up, t-shirt, nursing) to create endless combinations. The individual components may be interchanged or replaced, instead of having separate bras for differents purposes, which is more economical and environmentally friendlier in reducing the amount of waste. In essence, it is single solution bra system that serves as the foundational basis for the modern woman's wardrobe.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is a convertible brassiere system with interchangeable components comprising: a right bra cup, wherein the right bra cup comprises a plurality of right cup attachment points; a left bra cup, wherein the left bra cup comprises a plurality of left cup attachment points; a first strap; a left-right bra cup attachment means for attaching the right bra cup to the left bra cup; at least one first strap-right bra cup attachment means for attaching the first strap to the right bra cup; and, at least one first strap-left bra cup attachment means for attaching the first strap to the left bra cup.

Another object of the present invention is a convertible brassiere system with interchangeable components further comprising: a second strap; at least one second strap-right bra cup attachment means for attaching the second strap to the right bra cup; and, at least one second strap-left bra cup attachment means for attaching the second strap to the left bra cup.

Another object of the present invention is a convertible brassiere system with interchangeable components further comprising: at least one first strap length adjusting means for adjusting the length of the first strap; and, at least one second strap length adjusting means for adjusting the length of the second strap.

Yet a further object of the present invention is a convertible brassiere system with interchangeable components comprising: a right bra cup, wherein the right bra cup comprises a plurality of right cup attachment points; a left bra cup, wherein the left bra cup comprises a plurality of left cup attachment points; a first strap; wherein the right bra cup and left bra cup are integrally formed; at least one first strap-right bra cup attachment means for attaching the first strap to the right bra cup; and, at least one first strap-left bra cup attachment means for attaching the first strap to the left bra cup.

Another object of the present invention is a convertible brassiere system with interchangeable components further comprising: a second strap; at least one second strap-right bra cup attachment means for attaching the second strap to the right bra cup; and, at least one second strap-left bra cup attachment means for attaching the second strap to the left bra cup.

Yet another object of the present invention is a convertible brassiere system with interchangeable components further comprising: at least one first strap length adjusting means for adjusting the length of the first strap; and, at least one second strap length adjusting means for adjusting the length of the second strap.

Yet another object of the present invention is a convertible brassiere system with interchangeable components comprising: a right bra cup, wherein the right bra cup comprises a plurality of right cup attachment points; a left bra cup, wherein the left bra cup comprises a plurality of left cup attachment points; a first strap; a second strap; a left-right bra cup attachment means for attaching the right bra cup to the left bra cup; a plurality of first strap-right bra cup attachment means for attaching the first strap to the right bra cup; and, a plurality of second strap-left bra cup attachment means for attaching the second strap to the left bra cup.

Another object of the present invention is a convertible brassiere system with interchangeable components further comprising: at least one first strap length adjusting means for adjusting the length of the first strap; and, at least one second strap length adjusting means for adjusting the length of the second strap.

Yet another object of the present invention is a convertible brassiere system with interchangeable components comprising: a right bra cup, wherein the right bra cup comprises a plurality of right cup attachment points; a left bra cup, wherein the left bra cup comprises a plurality of left cup attachment points; a first strap; a second strap; wherein the right bra cup and left bra cup are integrally formed; a plurality of first strap-right bra cup attachment means for attaching the first strap to the right bra cup; and, a plurality of second strap-left bra cup attachment means for attaching the second strap to the left bra cup.

Another object of the present invention is a convertible brassiere system with interchangeable components further comprising: at least one first strap length adjusting means for adjusting the length of the first strap; and, at least one second strap length adjusting means for adjusting the length of the second strap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

The advantages and features of the present invention will be better understood as the following description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 9a-b are front (a) and rear (b) perspective views of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 10a-b are front (a) and rear (b) perspective views of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 11a-b are front (a) and rear (b) perspective views of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 12a-b are front (a) and rear (b) perspective views of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 13a-d are front (a), side (b), rear-side (c), and rear (d) perspective views of an embodiment of the present invention, as worn by a user.

FIGS. 14a-d are front (a), side (b), rear-side (c), and rear (d) perspective views of an embodiment of the present invention, as worn by a user.

FIGS. 15a-d are front (a), side (b), rear-side (c), and rear (d) perspective views of an embodiment of the present invention, as worn by a user.

FIGS. 16a-d are front (a), side (b), rear-side (c), and rear (d) perspective views of an embodiment of the present invention, as worn by a user.

FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 19a-b are front (a) and rear (b) perspective views of an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The figures show various embodiments of the present invention. The convertible brassiere system 100 comprises various interchangeable components including a right bra cup 101, a left bra cup 102, a first strap 103, a second strap 104, a plurality of right cup attachment points 111; a plurality of left cup attachment points 112; a left-right bra cup attachment means 113 for attaching the right bra cup 101 to the left bra cup 102; at least one first strap-right bra cup attachment means 114 for attaching the first strap 103 to the right bra cup 101; and, at least one first strap-left bra cup attachment means 115 for attaching the first strap 103 to the left bra cup 102; at least one second strap-right bra cup attachment means 116 for attaching the second strap 104 to the right bra cup 101; at least one second strap-left bra cup attachment means 117 for attaching the second strap 104 to the left bra cup 102; at least one first strap length adjusting means 118 for adjusting the length of the first strap 103; and, at least one second strap length adjusting means 119 for adjusting the length of the second strap 104.

FIGS. 1-16 illustrate the convertible brassiere system 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 with interchangeable components comprising a right bra cup 101, wherein the right bra cup 101 comprises a plurality of right cup attachment points 111; a left bra cup 102, wherein the left bra cup 102 comprises a plurality of left cup attachment points 112; a first strap 103; a left-right bra cup attachment means 113 for attaching the right bra cup 101 to the left bra cup 102; at least one first strap-right bra cup attachment means 114 for attaching the first strap 103 to the right bra cup 101; and, at least one first strap-left bra cup attachment means 115 for attaching the first strap 103 to the left bra cup 102.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17 and 18, the convertible brassiere system 100, 200, 300, 400, 600 with interchangeable components may further comprise: a second strap 104; at least one second strap-right bra cup attachment means 116 for attaching the second strap 104 to the right bra cup 101; and, at least one second strap-left bra cup attachment means 117 for attaching the second strap 104 to the left bra cup 102.

The convertible brassiere system 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 with interchangeable components may further comprise: at least one first strap length adjusting means 118 for adjusting the length of the first strap 103; and, at least one second strap length adjusting means 119 for adjusting the length of the second strap 104. FIG. 2 illustrates the back view the right bra cup 101 and the left bra cup 102.

FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the convertible brassiere system 600 with interchangeable components may comprise: a right bra cup 101, wherein the right bra cup 100 comprises a plurality of right cup attachment points 111; a left bra cup 102, wherein the left bra cup 102 comprises a plurality of left cup attachment points 112; a first strap 103; wherein the right bra cup 101 and left bra cup 102 are integrally formed; at least one first strap-right bra cup attachment means 114 for attaching the first strap 103 to the right bra cup 101; and, at least one first strap-left bra cup attachment means 115 for attaching the first strap 103 to the left bra cup 102. This embodiment of the convertible brassiere system 100 with interchangeable components may further comprise: a second strap 104; at least one second strap-right bra cup attachment means 116 for attaching the second strap 104 to the right bra cup 101; and, at least one second strap-left bra cup attachment means 117 for attaching the second strap 104 to the left bra cup 102. The convertible brassiere system 100 with interchangeable components may further comprise: at least one first strap length adjusting means 118 for adjusting the length of the first strap 103; and, at least one second strap length adjusting means 119 for adjusting the length of the second strap 104.

As illustrated in FIGS. 19a and b, the convertible brassiere system 700 with interchangeable components comprises: a right bra cup 101, wherein the right bra cup 101 comprises a plurality of right cup attachment points 111; a left bra cup 102, wherein the left bra cup 102 comprises a plurality of left cup attachment points 112; a first strap 103; a second strap 104; a left-right bra cup attachment means 113 for attaching the right bra cup 101 to the left bra cup 102; a plurality of first strap-right bra cup attachment means 114 for attaching the first strap 103 to the right bra cup 101; and, a plurality of second strap-left bra cup attachment means 117 for attaching the second strap 104 to the left bra cup 102. The convertible brassiere system 700 with interchangeable components may further comprise: at least one first strap length adjusting means 118 for adjusting the length of the first strap 103; and, at least one second strap length adjusting means 119 for adjusting the length of the second strap 104.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention that is not illustrated, the convertible brassiere system with interchangeable components comprising: a right bra cup, wherein the right bra cup comprises a plurality of right cup attachment points; a left bra cup, wherein the left bra cup comprises a plurality of left cup attachment points; a first strap; a second strap; wherein the right bra cup and left bra cup are integrally formed; a plurality of first strap-right bra cup attachment means for attaching the first strap to the right bra cup; and, a plurality of second strap-left bra cup attachment means for attaching the second strap to the left bra cup. The convertible brassiere system with interchangeable components may further comprise: at least one first strap length adjusting means for adjusting the length of the first strap; and, at least one second strap length adjusting means for adjusting the length of the second strap.

Among the advantages of the present invention is the ability of the user to configure the style of the brassiere to various forms with the same components. Examples of the traditional or classic configuration 200 are illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 9, 13, 17 and 18. The traditional or classic configuration has standard over the shoulder straps.

Examples of the racerback or criss-cross configuration 300 are illustrated in FIGS. 6, 10 and 14. The racerback or criss-cross configuration has straps that cross over one another in an “X” shape and angle in towards the center of the user's back.

Examples of the halter configuration 400 are illustrated in FIGS. 7, 11 and 15. The halter configuration has one strap around the neck and the other strap encircles the mid-back for support. The center of the user's back is exposed.

Examples of the strapless configuration 500 are illustrated in FIGS. 8, 12 and 16. The strapless configuration has one strap to encircle the user's mid-back for support.

Examples of the embodiments wherein the right bra cup and left bra cup are integrally formed 600 are illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18.

Examples of the backless configuration 700 are illustrated in FIGS. 19a and b. The backless configuration has one strap encircling around one of the user's arm and shoulder and the other strap encircling around one of the user's other arm and shoulder.

The options for different strap configurations are vast and not all variations are illustrated and described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art understands the alternative strap configurations that is within the scope of the present invention.

The present invention may be practiced with only one strap, such as the strapless configuration 500, or two straps, such as the traditional or classic configuration 200, the racerback or criss-cross configuration 300, and the halter configuration 400. However, one of ordinary skill in the art understands that the present invention may be practiced with three or more straps. Furthermore, the illustrated strapless configuration 500 shows one strap. But, one of ordinary skill of the art understands that a second (or more) strap may be utilized for added support, stabilization and/or stylistic reasons. One of ordinary skill in the art further understands that for the illustrated configurations that utilize two straps (traditional or classic configuration 200, the racerback or criss-cross configuration 300, and the halter configuration 400) may be practices with a one longer strap. Alternatively, for these configurations, like the strapless configuration 500, additional straps may be utilized for added support, stabilization and/or stylistic reasons. The straps 103, 104 are preferably made of an elastic material.

One of ordinary skill in the art further understands that the present invention may be practiced with any bra cup style. Different bra cup styles include, but are not limited to, full (bra cup full covers the breast); three-quarters (cup covers three-quarters of the breast; demi (cup covers half of the breast); balconette (low demi cup that offers the least amount of breast coverage); push-up (cup is padded at the bottom to push and lift the breast up; t-shirt (cup is thin and gently contoured to lend a smooth shape under clothing); triangle (triangular shaped fabric, usually without any underwire or molded cup); soft (fabric only without any underwire, padding or molded cups); sport (generally fabric only and designed to provide support and comfort for physical activity); and, minimizer (full coverage cup designed to reduce the appearance of bust). Furthermore, the figures illustrate what is sometimes called “side bands” that extend from the right bra cup 101 and left bra cup 102 away from the center of the user's chest or sternum. The terms “right bra cup” and “left bra cup” would include any bra cup styles that may or may not utilize side bands. Examples of brassiere styles that typically do not use side bands are bralettes and triangle brassieres.

The figures illustrate the right bra cup 101 having three right cup attachment points 111 and the left bra cup 102 having three left cup attachment points 112. However, the present invention is not limited to embodiments where the right bra cup 101 having three right cup attachment points 111 and the left bra cup 102 having three left cup attachment points 112. The present invention may have more than three right cup attachment points 111 and more than three left cup attachment points 112. One of ordinary skill of the art understands that not all attachment points 111, 112 are utilized at all times due to the versatility of the present invention. For example, not all attachment points 111, 112 are utilized in the strapless configuration 500 illustrated in FIGS. 8, 12 and 16. Furthermore, one of ordinary skill in the art understands that the attachment points 111, 112 are not limited to being placed as illustrated in the figures.

Each of the left-right bra cup attachment means 113, the first strap-right bra cup attachment means 114, the first strap-left bra cup attachment means 115, the second strap-right bra cup attachment means 116, the second strap-left bra cup attachment means 117 may be buckles, clasps, cords, clips, buttons, drawstrings, elastic band, frog fasteners, toggle fasteners, grommets and laces, hook and bars, hook and loop tape, hooks and eyes, magnets, pins, tape, poppas and eyelets, press studs, slip-through hoops, snap fasteners, straps, zippers, and other attachment means known to one of ordinary skill in the art, or combinations thereof. One of ordinary skill in the art understands that the attachment means 113, 114, 115, 116, 117 are not limited to those shown in the figures. FIGS. 13a and 13c illustrate an enlarged view of the hook and loop attachment means. FIG. 13c also illustrates an enlarged view of the slip-through hoop attachment means.

The first strap length adjustment means 118 and the second strap length adjustment means 119 include any length adjustment means known to one of ordinary skill of the art (such as those illustrated in enlarged portion of FIG. 13d), or combinations thereof.

Claims

1. A convertible brassiere system with interchangeable components comprising: a right bra cup, wherein the right bra cup comprises a plurality of right cup attachment points;a left bra cup, wherein the left bra cup comprises a plurality of left cup attachment points;a first strap;a left-right bra cup attachment means for attaching the right bra cup to the left bra cup;at least one first strap-right bra cup attachment means for attaching the first strap to the right bra cup; and,at least one first strap-left bra cup attachment means for attaching the first strap to the left bra cup.

2. The convertible brassiere system with interchangeable components of claim 1 further comprising: a second strap;at least one second strap-right bra cup attachment means for attaching the second strap to the right bra cup; and,at least one second strap-left bra cup attachment means for attaching the second strap to the left bra cup.

3. The convertible brassiere system with interchangeable components of claim 2 further comprising: at least one first strap length adjusting means for adjusting the length of the first strap; and,at least one second strap length adjusting means for adjusting the length of the second strap.

4. A convertible brassiere system with interchangeable components comprising: a right bra cup, wherein the right bra cup comprises a plurality of right cup attachment points;a left bra cup, wherein the left bra cup comprises a plurality of left cup attachment points;a first strap;wherein the right bra cup and left bra cup are integrally formed;at least one first strap-right bra cup attachment means for attaching the first strap to the right bra cup; and,at least one first strap-left bra cup attachment means for attaching the first strap to the left bra cup.

5. The convertible brassiere system with interchangeable components of claim 4 further comprising: a second strap;at least one second strap-right bra cup attachment means for attaching the second strap to the right bra cup; and,at least one second strap-left bra cup attachment means for attaching the second strap to the left bra cup.

6. The convertible brassiere system with interchangeable components of claim 5 further comprising: at least one first strap length adjusting means for adjusting the length of the first strap; and,at least one second strap length adjusting means for adjusting the length of the second strap.

7. A convertible brassiere system with interchangeable components comprising: a right bra cup, wherein the right bra cup comprises a plurality of right cup attachment points;a left bra cup, wherein the left bra cup comprises a plurality of left cup attachment points;a first strap;a second strap;a left-right bra cup attachment means for attaching the right bra cup to the left bra cup;a plurality of first strap-right bra cup attachment means for attaching the first strap to the right bra cup; and,a plurality of second strap-left bra cup attachment means for attaching the second strap to the left bra cup.

8. The convertible brassiere system with interchangeable components of claim 7 further comprising: at least one first strap length adjusting means for adjusting the length of the first strap; and,at least one second strap length adjusting means for adjusting the length of the second strap.