Patent Application
20230071873
The present disclosure relates to an insertable brassiere pad, a brassiere and other garments having a pocket for receiving an insertable brassiere pad.
Brassiere pads, also referred to as bra pads or breast pads, are a material used in a brassiere to provide a desired effect. One desired effect of brassiere pads may be to conceal the wearer's nipples, which may otherwise form a visible impression in the brassiere or clothing worn over the brassiere. Another desired effect of the brassiere pads may be to accentuate the appearance of the breasts. For example, brassiere pads may have a contour or thickness that will lift the breasts in the same manner as a push up brassiere. Still further, brassiere pads may provide a desired effect of providing support and comfort for the breasts. Brassiere pads may even provide moisture-wicking away from the skin. These and other possible benefits have led to brassiere pads being a common feature of many brassieres, including sports brassieres that are specifically designed to provide a beneficial amount and type of breast support during physical exercise. Sports brassieres are a garment that are typically made from high-performance fabrics.
Some embodiments provide an apparatus comprising a flexible brassiere pad having a first side and a perimeter edge. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of first interlockable discs secured to the flexible brassiere pad, wherein each of the first interlockable discs has a first interlockable member directed to the first side of the flexible brassiere pad. Still further, the apparatus comprises a plurality of second interlockable discs, wherein each of the second interlockable discs has a second interlockable member that is disconnectably connectable to the first interlockable member of one of the first interlockable discs.
Some embodiments provide an apparatus comprising a flexible brassiere pad having a first side. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of first interlockable discs secured to the flexible brassiere pad, wherein each of the first interlockable discs has a first interlockable member directed to the first side of the flexible brassiere pad. Still further, the apparatus comprises a plurality of second interlockable discs, wherein each of the second interlockable discs has a second interlockable member that is disconnectably connectable to the first interlockable member of one of the first interlockable discs.
Some embodiments of the flexible brassiere pad may be made from various materials, such as a fabric, a compressible polymeric foam pad, and/or silicone. Non-limiting examples of the fabric include nylon, polyether-polyurea copolymer, polyamide, polyester or nylon microfiber, cotton or cotton-like materials. Fabrics made with polyether-polyurea copolymers may have exceptional elasticity are sometimes referred to as spandex, LYCRA (a trademark of The Lycra Company), or elastane. A suitable polymeric foam may be with a thermoplastic foam.
Some embodiments of the flexible brassiere pad may be either flat or cup-shaped with an inner surface having contour that may be similar to a portion of a breast. For example, the flexible brassier pad may have a surface that is concave to fit over or receive a portion of a breast. Furthermore, the flexible brassier pad may have various shapes, such as triangular, rounded triangular, round and oval shapes. The thickness of the flexible brassiere pad may be thin, thick and variable thickness. The dimensions of the flexible brassiere pad may also vary, but should fit within a pocket of a brassiere, such as a sports brassiere, with the first side of the flexible brassiere pad directed against the inner fabric layer.
In some embodiments, a first interlockable disc and a second interlockable disc form a fastener commonly referred to as a snap or snap fastener. A snap may be described as having two main components that are disconnectably connectable to each other with a manual force. The two main components of a snap may be referred to as a stud and a socket. In one option, each of the first interlockable discs may include a stud and each of the second interlockable discs may include a socket. In another option, each of the first interlockable discs may include a socket and each of the second interlockable discs may include a stud. Still further, the first plurality of interlockable discs may include some combination of studs and sockets, and the second plurality of interlockable discs may include a complementary set of sockets and studs, wherein the complementary set of sockets and studs includes a socket for each of the studs in the first plurality of interlockable discs and stud for each of the sockets in the first plurality of interlockable discs.
In some embodiments, a connection may be formed by pushing the stud into the socket, such that the stud will remain secured within the socket unless and until there is a sufficient force to withdraw the stud from the socket. In various embodiments, the stud may be retained by friction and/or flexing of the stud and socket, or by a wire spring that forms part of the socket. Both the stud and the socket may be secured to another material, such as the flexible brassiere pad and/or the inner fabric layer of a sports brassiere, using any of available manner of connection. Non-limiting examples of connections include sewing, prongs and posts. In one option, each first interlockable disc includes a first backing member having a post that extends through a first material or fabric to engage and secure to a second member that includes the first interlockable member, and each second interlockable disc includes a first member having a post that extends through a second material or fabric piece to engage and secure to a second member that includes the second interlockable member. In another option, each first interlockable disc includes a first backing member having a set of prongs that extend through the first material or fabric to engage and secure to a second member that includes the first interlockable member, and each second interlockable disc includes a first backing member having a set of prongs that extend through the second material or fabric piece to engage and secure to a second member that includes the second interlockable member. Optionally, any of the interlockable members may be made from a metal or a plastic.
In some embodiments, a first interlockable disc and a second interlockable disc form a fastener commonly referred to as a magnetic snap or fastener. A magnetic snap may be described as having two main components that are disconnectably connectable to each other via a magnetic force. The two main components of the magnetic snap may both be magnets, or one component may be a magnet and the other component may be a ferrous metal. Since the magnetic snap forms a connection using magnetic attraction, the magnet snap does not rely upon friction or spring forces to secure the discs together. In fact, a magnetic snap may have first and second interlockable discs that have flat and/or smooth surfaces at an interface therebetween. However, some magnetic snaps may still include a stud and a socket for the purpose of alignment with each other and/or to increase a grip on the inner fabric layer. In one option, each of the first interlockable discs may include a magnetic disc with a stud and each of the second interlockable discs may include a ferrous metal socket. In another option, each of the first interlockable discs may include a magnetic disc with a socket and each of the second interlockable discs may include a ferrous metal stud. Still further, the first plurality of interlockable discs may include some combination of magnetic and ferrous metal discs, and the second plurality of interlockable discs may include a complementary set of magnetic and ferrous metal discs. A magnetic connection may be formed by positioning a first interlockable disc in close proximity to a second interlockable disc until the magnetic attraction pulls the first and second interlockable discs together to complement the connection. The magnetic connection between the first and second interlockable discs will remain connected unless and until there is a sufficient force to overcome the magnetic attraction. Furthermore, if the magnetic connection is formed between first and second interlockable discs that include a stud and a socket, then stud and socket may prevent purely lateral forces from dislodging the discs and overcoming the magnetic attraction. Accordingly, in the case of a magnetic connection between a pair of discs having a stud and a socket, the force required to overcome the magnetic attraction must be at least partially directed in an axial direction defined by the stud and socket. Since the sports brassiere or other garment may keep the magnetic connection in compression against the wearer's skin, the magnetic connection is unlikely to become accidentally disconnected. The two components or sides of a magnetic snap (i.e., the first and second interlockable discs) may themselves be secured to another material, such as the flexible brassiere pad, the fabric piece and/or the inner fabric layer, using any available manner of connection. Non-limiting examples of connections include sewing, prongs and posts as described in greater detail in reference to a mechanical snap or interlocking discs.
In some embodiments, the flexible brassiere pad has a perimeter edge, and the plurality of first interlockable discs are secured to the flexible brassiere pad near the perimeter edge of the flexible brassier pad. Without limitation, a first interlockable disc that is “near” or “adjacent” the perimeter edge of the flexible brassier pad may be within about 2 inches of the perimeter edge, within about 1 inch of the perimeter edge, or within about 0.5 inch of the perimeter edge. Positioning the first interlockable discs near the perimeter edge of the flexible brassiere pad provide the advantage of keeping the flexible brassiere pad spread out, such that the pad, or a perimeter edge of the pad, does not become folded or wadded up.
In one specific embodiment, a perimeter edge of the flexible brassiere pad forms a rounded triangular shape having three vertices. Optionally, the plurality of first interlockable discs may include three of the first interlockable discs secured to the flexible brassiere pad near the perimeter edge of the flexible brassiere pad, wherein, for each of the first interlockable discs, the interlockable disc is positioned proximate a separate one of the vertices.
Some embodiments of the apparatus may be used with a sport brassiere, regular brassiere, swimsuit, bikini top, shirts, dresses or any other type of garment having a pocket formed in the area of a breast cup for the purpose of receiving flexible brassiere pad. The embodiments and descriptions herein may refer to a sports brassiere, but such reference to a sports brassiere is a representative example of all types of garments that may have a pocket for receiving a flexible brassiere pad and the reference should be understood to be equally applicable to many other types of garments that may similarly include a breast cup pocket for receiving a flexible brassier pad. In one example, the apparatus may form a kit that includes the flexible brassiere pad with a plurality of the first interlockable discs secured near the perimeter edge of the flexible brassiere pad, wherein each of the first interlockable discs have a first interlockable member directed to a first side of the flexible brassiere pad. The kit may further include a plurality of second interlockable discs, wherein each of the second interlockable discs has a second interlockable member that is disconnectably connectable to the first interlockable member of one of the first interlockable discs. A person may use the kit in combination with any sports brassiere or any other type of garment in order to secure the flexible brassiere pad in a desired position. Specifically, the flexible brassiere pad provided in the kit may be inserted into a pocket of the sports brassiere or other type of garment and positioned so that the first interlockable members are directed against the inner fabric layer of the pocket. Then, with the flexible brassier pad in the desired position, each of the second interlockable discs provided in the kit may be independently axially aligned and connected with one of the first interlockable discs by pressing the first and second interlockable members together with an interlockable force. The inner fabric lies between the first and second interlockable discs and is secured by the connection formed between the first and second interlockable members. A preferred kit may include a pair of the flexible brassiere pads and at least as many second interlockable discs as there are first interlockable discs secured to the pair of flexible brassiere pads.
Some embodiments of the apparatus may include the sports brassiere, regular brassiere, swimsuit, bikini top, shirts, dresses or any other type of garment. For example, the apparatus may include the sports brassier, at least a pair of the flexible brassiere pads with first interlockable discs, and a set of second interlockable discs to connect with the first interlockable discs. The sports brassiere may form a pair of breast cups, where each breast cup forms a pocket between an outer fabric layer and an inner fabric layer, and where each pocket is configured to receive one of the flexible brassiere pads. Unless covered by another layer of clothing, the outer fabric layer of the sports brassiere may be outwardly viewed when the sport brassiere is being worn by a person. The inner fabric layer is directed inward toward the person wearing the sports brassiere and may lay directly against the skin of the breast. Embodiments of the apparatus that includes the sports brassier along with the flexible brassier pads with first interlockable discs and second interlockable discs may include any aspect of the kits and/or sports brassieres described herein as being separately provided.
In some embodiments, each of the plurality of second interlockable discs may be disconnectably connected to one of the first interlockable discs with the inner fabric layer disposed between the first interlockable disc and the second interlockable disc. In one option, each of the second interlockable discs may have a first side that includes a second interlockable member and a second side that is covered with a fabric or foam material. Alternatively, the second side may have a smooth surface regardless of whether the exposed surface is metal, plastic, fabric, foam or other material. During use, the first side of the second interlockable disc may be outwardly directed for forming a connection with a first interlockable disc and the second side of the second interlockable disc may be inwardly directed, such that the second side may be in contact with the skin of a person when the sports brassiere is being worn.
In some embodiments, the flexible brassiere pad may be held in a fixed position within the pocket by the connections formed between the plurality of first interlockable discs and the plurality of second interlockable discs. For example, when inner fabric layer of the pocket is captured between the stud and socket of the interlockable discs, friction between the interlockable discs and the fabric prevents the flexible brassiere pad from moving around within the pocket relative to the inner fabric layer. Furthermore, each connection between a first interlockable disc and a second interlockable disc may remain connected in the absence of a user manually disconnecting the second interlockable disc. In other words, the flexible brassiere pad may be secured in a desired position within the pocket of the sports brassiere prior to use and the flexible brassiere pad will remain in that position while the sports brassiere is being worn. Then, after taking off the sports brassiere, the second interlockable discs may be manually disconnected from the first interlockable discs and the flexible brassiere pad may then be removed from the pocket, such as for washing and drying. Alternatively, the flexible brassiere pads may be kept in place during washing and drying by the connection between the first and second interlockable discs. Securing the flexible brassiere pads to the inner fabric layer with the connections formed the first and second interlockable discs will prevent the flexible brassiere pads from becoming displaced when wearing, washing and/or drying the sports brassiere.
Accordingly, the flexible brassiere pads will not move around within the pack of the sports brassiere, will not become wadded or folded during washing or drying, and will not be otherwise displaced or lost.
In some embodiments, each of the first interlockable discs may include a backing member having a set of prongs that extend through the flexible brassiere pad to engage and secure to a second member that forms the first interlockable member. Similar, each of the second interlockable discs may also include a backing member having a set of prongs that extend through a first fabric piece to engage and secure to a second member that forms the second interlockable member. In some options, the backing members form circular rings or plates from which the set of prongs extend. The set of prongs are directed toward the flexible brassiere pad or fabric piece, and the backing member is then pressed toward the second member such that the prongs pierce through the flexible brassiere pad or fabric piece before engaging and bending into the second member to form a secure connection. The backing member and second member may be aligned and pressed together to form the secure connection using a pair of pliers, such as specialized snap fastener pliers. In embodiments where the backing member includes a post instead of prongs, a punch tool may be used to splay the post to form a riveted connection.
In some embodiments, the second interlockable disc has a soft and/or smooth second side surface opposite of the second interlockable member, such that the soft and/or smooth surface is directed toward the user during use and may be gentle on the skin. In one option, the first fabric piece may wrap around a second side of the second interlockable disc. For example, a second fabric piece may cover the second side of the second interlockable disc and may be secured to the first fabric piece, such as by sewing or adhering. More specifically, the second fabric piece may be secured to the first fabric piece by a thread stitching together the perimeter edge of the first and second fabric pieces. Alternatively, the surface of the second side may be an exposed metal or plastic surface that has no sharp edges.
In some embodiments, the flexible brassiere pads may be any size, color or pattern, thickness or breast support level. Optionally, the back of the second interlockable disc may be a metal, plastic, foam or fabric having a size, color or pattern that matches or coordinates with the color, pattern or material of the flexible brassiere pads. Furthermore, the interlockable discs may be made of metal or plastic, and any number of interlockable discs may be used to secure the flexible brassiere pads into the pockets. The flexible brassier pads may be used in conjunction with sports brassieres having a wide variety of styles and features, such as various strap types and varying degrees of encapsulation and compression. Still further, the sports brassiere may be pulled over the wearer's head or have a closure, such as a hook, clasp or zipper, in the front or back.
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The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims. As used herein, the term “about” may be used synonymously with “approximately” to mean that an amount is not exact and that some variation is contemplated, perhaps due to measurement error or unintentional variations in the concentration of sourced components. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The terms “preferably,” “preferred,” “prefer,” “optionally,” “may,” and similar terms are used to indicate that an item, condition or step being referred to is an optional (not required) feature of the embodiment.
The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or steps plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but it is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading this disclosure. The disclosed embodiments were chosen and described as non-limiting examples to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand these embodiments and other embodiments involving modifications suited to a particular implementation.
