The present disclosure generally relates to garments, for example, brassieres, and to method of manufacturing the same.
A large variety of garments are worn by individuals, including outer garments and under garments. Garments may cover all or a portion of an upper body (e.g., torso), cover all or a portion of a lower body (e.g., hips and/or legs), or may cover all or a portion of an entire body.
Some garments provide support for the body or a portion thereof, and are commonly referred to as foundation garments. One ubiquitous type of foundation garment is a brassiere, commonly referred to as a “bra” in the United States. Other foundation garments include, but are not limited to: bodysuits, corsets, bustier, control panties, garter belts, girdles, body briefs, compression pants or shorts, control slips, and control camisoles or leotards.
Many garments employ materials that may irritate or may even be hazardous over time to the wearer. For example, various materials may slowly leach small amounts of man-made chemicals or other toxins into the skin of a wearer over time, or may include one or more materials (e.g., metals) that produce undesired affects in all humans or a subset of humans that are sensitive to certain substances.
In light of such, non-toxic, natural, and, or organic textile or fabrics may be advantageously employed in producing garments, particularly garments that come in contact or close proximity to the skin when worn. Such non-toxic, natural, and, or organic textiles or fabrics avoid the use or inclusion of synthetic chemicals, additives or treatments. In some instances, natural or organic material (e.g., bamboo) may be processed, yet produce a non-toxic bamboo fiber textile or fabric. The use of non-toxic, natural, and, or organic textiles or fabrics not only reduces direct skin exposure to synthetics and associated chemicals, but also reduces the possibility emitting toxics into the environment during manufacture of the garments or materials from which the garments are produced.
Non-toxic materials or fabrics, preferably organic, take a variety of forms, for example organic cotton, linen, silk, and bamboo fiber textiles. Support garments typically rely on an inclusion of an elastomer. One non-toxic elastomer is silicone, an inert synthetic material.
A brassiere may be summarized as including: at least one non-toxic elastomeric sheet, at least one non-toxic textile sheet, and a plurality of stitches that physically couple the at least one non-toxic elastomeric sheet with the at least one non-toxic textile sheet, the at least one non-toxic elastomeric sheet and the at least one non-toxic textile sheet which form a front bust portion and a band, the front bust portion which includes at least one panel sized and dimensioned to retain a pair of breasts when the brassiere is worn, and the band which physically couples opposed laterally spaced apart ends of the front bust portion together when the brassiere is worn.
The at least one non-toxic elastomeric sheet may form a multiple ply elastomeric sling, with a pair of concave portions that extend along a bottom edge of the front bust portion, and which concave portions of the multiple ply sling underlie and support respective breasts when the brassiere is worn. The at least one non-toxic elastomeric sheet may be a silicone sheet. The at least one non-toxic elastomeric sheet may be at least one compressed silicone sheet. The at least one compressed silicone sheet may form a multiple ply silicone sheet frame that includes multiple plies of silicone sheet. The at least one compressed silicone sheet may form a multiple ply silicone sheet frame that includes multiple, e.g., overlapping, plies of silicone sheet without any underwire. The at least one compressed silicone sheet may include a first compressed silicone sheet and a second silicone sheet, the first compressed silicone sheet which forms a frame of multiple plies of silicone sheet without any underwire, and the second compressed silicone sheet which extends upward to a pair of spaced apart apexes. The at least one compressed silicone sheet may include a first compressed silicone sheet, a second compressed silicone sheet, and a third compressed silicone sheet, the first compressed silicone sheet which forms a frame of multiple plies of silicone sheet without any underwire, the second compressed silicone sheet which extends upward to a first apex, and the third compressed silicone sheet which extends upward to a second apex, the second apex spaced laterally apart from the first apex at least when the brassiere is worn. The first, the second and the third compressed silicone sheets may each be seamless. The brassiere may further include: at least a first strap, the first strap which extends from the first apex to the band. The at least one compressed silicone sheet may include a first compressed silicone sheet, a second compressed silicone sheet, a third compressed silicone sheet, and a fourth compressed silicone sheet, the first compressed silicone sheet which forms a multiple ply frame of multiple plies of silicone sheet without any underwire, the second compressed silicone sheet which extends upward to a first apex to at least partially cover a first breast when worn, and the third compressed silicone sheet which extends upward to a second apex to at least partially cover a second breast when worn, the second apex spaced laterally apart from the first apex at least when the brassiere is worn, and the fourth compressed silicone sheet which forms the band. The at least one non-toxic textile sheet may include a self sheet and a lining sheet, the at least one silicone sheet is sandwiched between the self sheet and the lining sheet. The at least one non-toxic textile sheet may be a natural material, and, or an organic material. The at least one non-toxic textile sheet may comprise any one or more of silk, linen, organic cotton, and bamboo. The front bust portion may include a first cup and a second cup, the first and the second cups being non-molded cups. The front bust portion may include a bridge that physically couples the first and the second cups together. The brassiere may further include: at least one selectively releasable fastener positioned in the front bust portion between the breasts. The brassiere may further include: at least one selectively releasable fastener positioned in the band. The front bust portion and the band may provide a continuous piece without a closure. The entire brassiere may be devoid of any metal and devoid of any toxic materials, and may further include at least one breast prosthetic.
In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar elements or acts. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements and angles are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some of these elements may be arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve drawing legibility. Further, the particular shapes of the elements as drawn, are not necessarily intended to convey any information regarding the actual shape of the particular elements, and may have been solely selected for ease of recognition in the drawings.
In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures associated with garments, including fasters and decorative features, have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments.
Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as “comprises” and “comprising,” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, as “including, but not limited to.”
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
The headings and Abstract of the Disclosure provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments.
Referring in particular to
The front bust portion 102 includes a frame 110 and at least one panel 112 that is sized and dimensioned to retain a pair of breasts when the brassiere is worn. The at least one panel 112 extends generally upward from the frame 110 and, or band 105, and may terminate in a pair of apexes 114a, 114b (collectively 114). The apexes 114 may be laterally spaced from one another across the front bust portion 102.
The wings 104 physically couple opposed laterally spaced apart ends 116a, 116b (collectively 116) of the front bust portion 102 together when the brassiere 100 is worn. The wings 104 along with the band 105 may form a continuous, closed loop or closed band, with no opening and no closure or fasteners. Alternative, some implementations may include an opening and selectively releasable fasteners, for instance at the back or front, as illustrated and discussed with reference to
The straps 108 typically extend from the apexes 114 of the front bust portion 102 to the wings 104, proximate a back or rear of the brassiere 100. In the implementation illustrated in
With reference in particular to
The inert, non-toxic, biocompatible elastomer layer 120 may include one or more inert and, or non-toxic, and, or biocompatible elastomer panels or sheets, for example silicone (e.g., medical grade silicone, food grade silicone, silicone, rubber, polydimethylsiloxane) panels or sheets, and more advantageously compressed silicone panels or sheets 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d (
The natural textile or fabric layers 122a, 122b include one or more natural, non-toxic, textile or fabric panels or sheets 126a, 126b, 126c, 128a, 128b(
While
With continuing reference to
As previously noted, the least one inert, non-toxic elastomeric sheet may advantageously take the form of one or more silicone panels or sheets, for example at least one compressed silicone panel or sheet, although other inert or non-toxic elastomeric materials can be employed.
With reference to
The entire brassiere 100 may advantageously be devoid of any metal and devoid of any toxic materials.
While not illustrated, in some implementations, the brassiere 100 may further include one or more breast prosthetics, preferably breast prosthetics of inert or non-toxic materials. The breast prosthetics may be inserted between the chest and the front bust portion of the brassiere 100 after the brassiere 100 is put on, or the brassiere 100 may alternative include one or more pockets sewn therein in which the breast prosthetics may be removably placed or permanently sewn into place.
The brassiere 200 has a front bust portion 102, wing portion 104, band 105, stitching 106, and straps 218a, 218b.
In contrast to the brassiere 100, the brassiere 200 includes distinct first and second cups 240a, 240b (collectively 240) in the front bust portion 102. The first and the second cups 240a, 240b are typically non-molded cups, although some implementations can employ molded cups. The front bust portion 102 includes a bridge 242 that physically couples the first and the second cups 240a, 240b together at the front of the brassiere 200.
With particular reference to
With reference to
With reference to
The brassiere 300a has a front closure 350a where there is a selectively closeable break in the front bust portion 102 and, or the frame, for example at a bridge 242. The front closure 350a includes one or more selectively releasable fasteners 352a, 352b, for example fabric hook and loop fastener. The fasteners 352a, 352b are preferably of an inert, non-toxic material, for instance various natural fibers or cellulose.
The brassiere 300b has a rear or back closure 354 where there is a selectively closeable break in the band 105 or wings 104. The rear or back closure 354 includes one or more selectively releasable fasteners 356a, 356b, for example hooks and eyes, snaps, or buttons and button holes. The fasteners 356a, 356b are preferably of an inert, non-toxic material, for instance various natural fibers or cellulose.
The brassiere 400 has a front bust portion 102, wing portion 104, under band 105, stitching 106, with an extended portion 102a of the front bust portion 102 attached to a Y-shaped back strap 418, with armholes 460a, 460b to receive a wearer's arms therethrough when the brassiere 400. The brassiere 400 resembles a halter top.
With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
Any of the above described implementations or embodiments may advantageously employ medical grade sheets (e.g., sheets of medical grade silicone) which can contact, or even directly adhere, to the skin, for example imposed between textile fabric and the skin. Such may advantageously promote healing of skin tissue, reducing or eliminating scars and/or wrinkles, and provide other therapeutic benefits. Such medical grade silicone sheets may self-adhere to skin or may include a layer of a pressure-sensitive adhesive. For example, silicone (e.g., polysiloxanes) gels securely adhere to skin, for instance a cured silicone sheet may be employed with a silicone gel layer, or a partially-cured silicone sheet may be employed. Also for example, various bio-compatible adhesives may be employed. The medical grade silicone sheets may be separate from the remainder of the garment. The medical grade silicone sheets may be selectively removably detachable from the remainder of the garment. For example, a garment kit may include one or more disposable or washable medical grade silicone sheets along with an instance of the remainder of the garment. Replacement medical grade silicone sheets may be sold separately. Alternatively, the medical grade silicone sheets may be integral to the garment.
The above description of illustrated embodiments, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the various embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. Although specific embodiments of and examples are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as will be recognized by those skilled in the relevant art.
The teachings provided herein can be applied to any style of brassiere, not just the styles illustrated. For example, the teachings can be applied to full-coverage brassieres, seamless brassieres, demi brassieres, push-up brassieres, minimizer brassieres, plunge brassieres, balconette brassieres, bralettes, strapless brassieres, bandeau brassieres, long-line brassieres, sports brassieres, adhesive brassieres, nursing brassieres, maternity brassieres, and, or mastectomy brassieres. The teachings provided herein can be applied to other garments, not just the various types of foundation garments and brassieres illustrated and described herein. For instance, the elastomer (e.g., silicone, compressed silicone) sheets may be used long pants, short pants, leggings, undergarments, etc.
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/552,219, filed Aug. 30, 2017, to which the present application claims priority, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary, to employ systems, circuits and concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to provide yet further embodiments.
These and other changes can be made in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the invention is not limited by the disclosure.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2018/048496 | 8/29/2018 | WO |
Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
WO2019/046394 | 3/7/2019 | WO | A |
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
563408 | Pfister | Jul 1896 | A |
2130906 | Jacob | Sep 1938 | A |
2249198 | Carter | Jul 1941 | A |
2264384 | Kneibler | Dec 1941 | A |
2385995 | Kneibler | Oct 1945 | A |
2553353 | Binder et al. | May 1951 | A |
2602928 | Franklin | Jul 1952 | A |
2623210 | Franklin | Dec 1952 | A |
D170721 | Rosner | Oct 1953 | S |
2687525 | Rutledge | Aug 1954 | A |
2792698 | Hampp | May 1957 | A |
3083710 | Rauser | Apr 1963 | A |
3174482 | Parrott | Mar 1965 | A |
3220410 | Gerald | Nov 1965 | A |
3525336 | Wadman | Aug 1970 | A |
3590823 | Pope | Jul 1971 | A |
4280229 | Stein | Jul 1981 | A |
4642818 | Dehnert et al. | Feb 1987 | A |
5131100 | Atwater et al. | Jul 1992 | A |
5351340 | Aldridge | Oct 1994 | A |
5403271 | Saunders et al. | Apr 1995 | A |
5533961 | Iwata | Jul 1996 | A |
5536246 | Saunders | Jul 1996 | A |
5611084 | Garry et al. | Mar 1997 | A |
5611722 | Osborne | Mar 1997 | A |
5758367 | Torrent et al. | Jun 1998 | A |
5954564 | Ganz | Sep 1999 | A |
6061832 | Morrison | May 2000 | A |
6066108 | Lundberg | May 2000 | A |
6108819 | Debaene et al. | Aug 2000 | A |
6205591 | Wheeler et al. | Mar 2001 | B1 |
6367086 | Woodard | Apr 2002 | B1 |
6704942 | Lazarian | Mar 2004 | B2 |
6922849 | Fedrick | Aug 2005 | B1 |
7124448 | Davenport | Oct 2006 | B2 |
D552328 | Smith et al. | Oct 2007 | S |
7426754 | Chun et al. | Sep 2008 | B2 |
D627133 | Hendrickson | Nov 2010 | S |
D631228 | Winstanley | Jan 2011 | S |
7862401 | Watrin | Jan 2011 | B2 |
7882574 | Arsenault et al. | Feb 2011 | B2 |
7900276 | Hendrickson et al. | Mar 2011 | B2 |
D644412 | Reuther | Sep 2011 | S |
D677036 | Adorna | Mar 2013 | S |
8990970 | Lee | Mar 2015 | B2 |
D728898 | Haeberle | May 2015 | S |
9044051 | Rydman et al. | Jun 2015 | B1 |
D742621 | Callahan | Nov 2015 | S |
9326552 | Hays et al. | May 2016 | B2 |
9433250 | Merchen | Sep 2016 | B2 |
9452100 | Bigelow | Sep 2016 | B2 |
20050268379 | MacGeorge | Dec 2005 | A1 |
20070186325 | Torrent et al. | Aug 2007 | A1 |
20090098803 | Reinisch | Apr 2009 | A1 |
20090138064 | Horn | May 2009 | A1 |
20100101586 | Frye | Apr 2010 | A1 |
20130019370 | Dweck et al. | Jan 2013 | A1 |
20130084777 | Starr | Apr 2013 | A1 |
20130185900 | Campbell | Jul 2013 | A1 |
20140004771 | Olumide | Jan 2014 | A1 |
20140154949 | Pagnon | Jun 2014 | A1 |
20140170934 | Palav | Jun 2014 | A1 |
20150071978 | Chang | Mar 2015 | A1 |
20150257963 | Prahm | Sep 2015 | A1 |
20150351465 | Duraku | Dec 2015 | A1 |
20160044971 | Randall et al. | Feb 2016 | A1 |
20160198775 | Crompton | Jul 2016 | A1 |
20170143047 | Howard et al. | May 2017 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country |
---|---|---|
2010200001 | Feb 2016 | AU |
2622591 | Mar 2007 | CA |
1741755 | Mar 2006 | CN |
2548461 | May 2016 | EP |
2004339683 | Dec 2004 | JP |
9623920 | Aug 1996 | WO |
2010017675 | Feb 2010 | WO |
2015124812 | Aug 2015 | WO |
2015173524 | Nov 2015 | WO |
Entry |
---|
8-Inch Zip-N-Trim Support Boxer Brief, retrieved from http://www.underworks.com/8-inch-zip-n-trim-support-boxer-brief on Jun. 16, 2017, in 7 pages. |
Golden Girl Tummy Control High Waist Panty Shaper Underwear + 1 Fancy Ladies PU Leather Belt, retrieved from http://www.amazon.in/Golden-Tummy-Control-Shaper-Underwear/dp/B00ZHWWRN4 on Jun. 16, 2017, in 4 pages. |
International Search Report and Written Opinion for International Application No. PCT/US2016/021534 dated Jun. 21, 2016 18 pages. |
International Search Report and Written Opinion for International Application No. PCT/US2018/048496 dated Apr. 17, 2019 14 pages. |
Lumbar Wear Men's Fly Front Brief, retrieved from http://www.painreliever.com/lumbar-wear-men-s-fly-front-brief-759514731-i.html on Jun. 16, 2017, in 3 pages. |
Lumbar-sacral support for women, retrieved from http://www.spikenergy.co.uk/spikenergy/lumbar-sacral-support-for-women.html on Jun. 16, 2017, in 3 pages. |
Mens Bodysculpt High Waist Trunks Shape Enhancer Lumbar Support Pants White M/L, retrieved from http://www.ebay.com/itm/MENS-BODYSCULPT-HIGH-WAIST-TRUNKS-SHAPE-ENHANCER-LUMBAR-SUPPORT-PANTS-WHITE-M-L-/171731377376 on Jun. 16, 2017, in 3 pages. |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20200229513 A1 | Jul 2020 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
62552219 | Aug 2017 | US |