METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR IMPEDING MOVEMENT OF BIOLOGICAL STRUCTURE

BACKGROUND

Some embodiments relate to methods and apparatus for impeding movement of a biological structure. Some of these embodiments relate to methods of using, methods of manufacturing, and apparatus that can be characterized as a garment configured to be worn by a human user. More particularly, some of these garments are configured to be worn by a human user, such as at or on the human user's torso. Still further, some of these garments are directed to a bra, including but not limited to a bra configured to be worn while the human user is performing an activity, such as exercise, sport, etc.

However, not all of the embodiments are limited to the above. For example, some embodiments can be configured to constitute other types of garments that can be worn at other parts of a human body other than a human's torso. Still further, some embodiments can relate to garments to by worn by non-human users. In fact, some embodiments cover methods and apparatus that do not even relate to garments, such as apparatus that are configured to communicate with things other than biological structures.

SUMMARY

In the context of humans engaging in certain activities, such as energetic activities including but not limited to exercise, certain human biological structures, including but not limited to breasts (mainly female but also male), may have a tendency to move during such energetic activities. Some of such movements can be unintended and/or undesirable.

Thus, it may be beneficial to impede biological structures from movement, such as for example where the biological structures are human breasts. In this context, it may be beneficial to provide a garment, including but not limited to a bra, to impede the movement of the breasts, and in some cases relatively large breasts. It may further be beneficial to impede a substantial amount of this movement in an efficient manner and/or via a garment that a human user finds relatively comfortable to wear. Some embodiments provide other benefits, such as being relatively easy for a human user to install and remove on the user's torso, being relatively efficient and cost effective to manufacture, being relatively durable, and/or providing a relatively distinctive and aesthetically positive appearance.

Some of the embodiments can be configured to be worn under other garments so as to be completely or partially covered, and thereby can be not visible or only partially visible to others. However, others of the embodiments can be configured to be worn without being covered by other garments and thereby completely visible to others.

As indicated above, some of the embodiments can constitute a bra that is either viable, partially viable, or hidden by others (such as by being covered by other externally facing garment(s)). In accordance with these bra embodiments, a substantial portion of the material constituting the bra is disposed proximate the user's breasts and other structures that function to maintain the bra in place at the user's torso, such as portions extending over the user's shoulders, across the user's back, etc.

However, other embodiments are not limited to the garment merely constituting a bra. For example, some other embodiments include additional material(s) in addition to the bra structure, such as to incorporate the bra structure to form other types of garments. In some of these embodiments, extra material(s) are added so that the garment constitutes a shirt, dress, overalls, and/or any other type of garment to be worn by a human user. The extra materials and the bra structure can be integrally connected or alternatively constitute a unitary structure.

Some of the embodiments can be formed of material(s) that project a uniform appearance, such as by the exterior being viewable as the same color and/or texture. However, other embodiments can be formed of material(s) that project an appearance that is non-uniform, such as by the exterior being viewable as multiple colors or textures. In some of these embodiments, certain operating elements of the bra can be formed of colors that are different from other elements such that the operating elements are distinguishable from non-operating elements, e.g., where the operating elements are portions that impede movement of the user's breasts.

Still further, some embodiments are configured such that portions of the bra and/or garment include indicators or instructions to facilitate proper placement of the bra/garment at the user's body. In some of these embodiments, the operating elements include indicators/instructions to facilitate placement of the operating elements at recommended locations of the user's torso, such as where one operating element is disposed proximate an upper portion of the user's breasts, and another operating element is disposed proximate a lower portion of the user's breasts.

Some of the embodiments include the two operating elements discussed above, i.e., an upper operating element upon being worn being disposed proximate an upper portion of the user's breasts, and a lower operating element upon being worn being disposed proximate a lower portion of the user's breasts. The upper operating element can be arcuate in extension across the user's chest so as to define a convex upper surface that points to the user's neck, i.e., so as to define a closest portion of the bra to the user's neck. Thus, in some of these embodiments, the upper operating element can be shaped to generally follow and be proximate an upper section of a user's rib cage. The lower operating element can be linear or substantially linear as it extends adjacent a lower portion of the user's breasts, and across the sides and back of the user. Thus, in some of these embodiments, the lower operating element can be shaped to generally follow and be proximate a lower section of a user's rib cage.

Some of these embodiments include an upper body section that is disposed above the lower operating element and thereby covers a portion of the user's breasts. In some of these embodiments, the upper body section covers all or a substantial portion of the user's breasts. In some of these embodiments, the upper body section is formed of tight-fitting material(s) that presses over the user's breasts. In some of these embodiments, the upper body section is formed of an elastic material(s).

In some of these embodiments, the upper operating element is attached to an upper portion of the upper body section, and the lower operating element is attached to a lower portion of the upper body section. Both or either of these attachments can constitute integral or unitary formations. For example, upper and lower operating elements can be attached to the upper body section by any known, related art, or later developed method or apparatus, such as by sewing/stitching, heat sealing, chemical bonding (e.g., glue, epoxy, etc.), etc. These types of attachments include structural, chemical, heat treatment, etc., attachment mechanisms and methods.

In some of these embodiments, movement of the user's breasts is accomplished based in whole or in part based upon the arcuate upper operating element processing and/or securing an upper portion of the user's breasts, while concurrently the lower operating element extending at (adjacent and/or proximate) a lower of portion of the user's breasts, which serves to secure the upper and lower portions or boundaries of the user's breasts. The upper body section concurrently secures and/or presses on (directly or indirectly) at least a significant portion of the user's breasts. Thus, in these embodiments, the combination of the elastic upper and lower operating elements and the upper body section operate to impede movement of the user's breasts, such as during activities including exercise.

In some of these embodiments, the upper and lower operating elements are formed of elastic material(s) so as to fit snugly proximate the upper and lower portions of the user's breasts, thereby impeding movement of the breasts, such as when the user is moving, including but not limited to when the user is experiencing exercise. The elastic material(s) can include or otherwise cover any known, related art, or later developed material. In some of these embodiments, the elastic material(s) and/or structure of these elements can be selected to enhance comfort to the user, reduce weight of the bra/garment while worn, to facilitate installment/removal at, on, or to the user's torso, to simplify manufacture, reduce manufacturing costs, and/or to facilitate any other positive factors.

However, in other embodiments, the upper and lower operating elements are not formed of elastic material(s) and instead can include alternative structure(s) to press the user's body at locations proximate upper and lower portions of the user's breasts. These alternative structure(s) can include any known, related art, or later developed structures to accomplish this pressing function, including but not limited to non-elastic but tight-fitting material(s), straps, laces, Velcro, etc.

In some of these embodiments, the upper body section is formed of the same elastic material as the upper and lower operating elements. In other embodiments, the upper body section is formed of a different albeit tight-fitting and/or elastic material.

The upper and lower operating elements and/or the upper body section can be attached or otherwise integrally or unitarily formed with other materials that constitute other elements of the bra/garment. For example, upper and lower operating elements can be attached to these other elements by any known, related art, or later developed method or apparatus, such as by sewing/stitching, heat sealing, chemical bonding (e.g., glue, epoxy, etc.). These types of attachments include structural, chemical, heat treatment, etc., attachment mechanisms and methods.

Some of the embodiments are therefore directed to a garment configured to be worn by a human user having a torso and a neck, the torso having breasts with upper and lower portions, shoulders, armpits, and a back. The garment can include an arcuate upper operating element defining upper and lower edges, the upper edge being convex and upon being worn by the user being disposed closer to the user's neck than the lower edge, the lower edge upon being worn by the user being proximate the upper portion of the user's breasts, the upper operating element being elastic such that, upon being worn, presses the user's torso at the upper portion of the user breasts. The garment can also include a lower operating element that is disposed proximate the lower portion of the user's breasts, the lower operating element being elastic such that, upon being worn, presses the user's torso proximate the lower portion of the user's breasts. The garment can also include an upper body section disposed between the upper and lower operating elements and upon being worn covers at least a substantial portion of the user's breasts, the upper body section being elastic such that, upon being worn, presses upon the user's breasts.

In some of these embodiments, the upper body section includes a pair of shoulder straps, forming a pair of arm holes and a neck hole.

In some of these embodiments, the shoulder straps intersect at the back of the garment.

In some of these embodiments, the shoulder straps connect to the upper body section with shoulder strap connectors.

In some of these embodiments, the shoulder straps include adjustable clips.

In some of these embodiments, the upper operating element connects to the lower operating element.

In some of these embodiments, the upper operating element overlaps with at least a portion of the lower operating element.

In some of these embodiments, the upper operating element and the lower operating element include or can consist of a breathable performance fabric material.

In some of these embodiments, the upper body section includes or can consist of a different breathable performance fabric material from that of the upper operating element and lower operating element.

In some of these embodiments, the lower operating element is connected by a seam to the upper body section.

In some of these embodiments, the upper operating element is connected by an upper operating element top edge seam and an upper operating element bottom edge seam to an interior of the upper body section.

In some of these embodiments, the upper operating element is at least partially hidden from an exterior of the upper body section.

In some of these embodiments, the garment includes a pair of back clasps.

In some of these embodiments, the back clasps are connected to the lower operating element.

In other embodiments, the back clasps are connected to the upper operating element.

In some of these embodiments, the garment is a bra.

In some of these embodiments, the lower operating element is substantially linear.

In some of these embodiments, the upper operating element and lower operating element apply greater pressure than the upper body section.

In some of these embodiments, the upper body section contains an opening in the front.

In some of these embodiments, the upper body section contains an opening in the back.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosed subject matter of the present application will now be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments of the apparatus and method, given by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of an interior side of an apparatus for impeding movement of biological structure in accordance with the disclosed subject matter for an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic back view of the interior side of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the interior side of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 4 is a view of the patterns of an apparatus for impeding movement of biological structure in accordance with the disclosed subject matter, illustrating the separated individual components.

FIG. 5 is a view of the patterns of an apparatus for impeding movement of biological structure in accordance with the disclosed subject matter, illustrating the connected placement of individual components.

FIG. 6 is a front view of an apparatus for impeding movement of biological structure in accordance with the disclosed subject matter being worn on a human user.

FIG. 7 is a back view of the apparatus of FIG. 6 in accordance with the disclosed subject matter being worn on a human user.

FIG. 8 is a schematic front view of an apparatus for impeding movement of biological structure in accordance with the disclosed subject matter for another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a front view of an apparatus for impeding movement of biological structure in accordance with the disclosed subject matter being worn on a human user.

FIG. 10 is a back view of the apparatus of FIG. 9 in accordance with the disclosed subject matter being worn on a human user.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of an apparatus for impeding movement of biological structure in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 12 is another schematic view of an apparatus for impeding movement of biological structure in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 13 is a schematic front view of an apparatus for impeding movement of biological structure in accordance with the disclosed subject matter for another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a schematic back view of the apparatus of FIG. 13 in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

A few inventive aspects of the disclosed embodiments are explained in detail below with reference to the various figures. Exemplary embodiments are described to illustrate the disclosed subject matter, not to limit its scope, which is defined by the claims. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a number of equivalent variations of the various features provided in the description that follows.

The present disclosure includes various garment embodiments configured to be worn by a human user having a torso and a neck, the torso having breasts with upper and lower portions, shoulders, armpits, and a back. In FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, an embodiment of a garment 10 is shown, where FIG. 1 depicts a view of a front 14 of an interior side 12 of the garment 10, FIG. 2 depicts a view of a back 16 of the interior side 12 of the garment 10, and FIG. 3 depicts a view of a side 18 of the interior side 12 of the garment 10. FIGS. 6 and 7 also show the garment 10 being worn, depicting a view of a front 22 and a back 24 of an exterior side 20 of the garment 10.

FIG. 1 shows the front 14 of the interior side 12 of the garment 10 which may include an upper body section 40, a high-impact band 26 also referred to as an upper operating element, and a waistband 36 also referred to as a lower operating element.

The upper body section 40 can be elastic and can connect to a left shoulder strap 42 which forms a left arm hole 50, and a right shoulder strap 44 which forms a right arm hole 52. The shoulder straps 42 and 44 also form a neck hole 54 in the space between the left shoulder strap 42 and the right shoulder strap 44. At least a portion of the upper body section 40 can be disposed between the waistband 36 and the high-impact band 26, covers at least a substantial portion of the user's breasts, and when the garment 10 is worn, may press upon the user's breasts.

The waistband 36 can be elastic and can be secured to a lower part of the upper body section 40 using a waistband seam 38. The waistband 36 can wrap around the user's waist, forming a waist hole 56 through which the user can fit their body for the purpose of putting on the garment 10. The waistband 36 can be linear or substantially linear. When the garment 10 is worn, the waistband 36 can press the user's torso at the lower portion of the user's breasts.

The high-impact band 26 can be elastic and arcuate with an upper edge 28 and a lower edge 32. The upper edge 28 can be convex and disposed closer to the user's neck than the lower edge 32, while the lower edge 32 can be concave. When the garment 10 is worn, the high-impact band 26 can be disposed at the upper portion of the user's breasts and can press the user's torso at the upper portion of the user's breasts. The high-impact band 26 can be secured to the interior side 12 of the upper body section 40, below the shoulder straps 42 and 44 and arm holes 50 and 52, using a top edge seam 30 at the upper edge 28 and bottom edge seam 34 at the lower edge 32. When the garment 10 is worn on a user's torso, the high-impact band 26 can press the user's torso at the upper portion of the user's breasts.

The arcuate nature of the high-impact band 26 can provide a more tailored fit around the user's rib cage than a non-arcuate band. This can make the high-impact band 26 less prone to sliding out of position on the user. The arcuate nature of the high-impact band 26 can allow it to provide sufficient pressure on the user's breasts to accomplish its purpose of impeding movement of biological structures. The arcuate high-impact band 26 can feel more comfortable than a non-arcuate band due to more closely matching the contours of the human body.

The high-impact band 26, the waistband 36, and the upper body section 40 can press upon the user's torso. The high-impact band 26 and the waistband 36 can exert greater pressure on the user's body than the upper body section 40. The high-impact band 26 and the waistband 36 can secure the user's breasts and impede the movement of the user's breasts due to this pressure. The upper body section 40 may not require as much pressure because the high-impact band 26 and the waistband 36 already provide it and can serve as a covering or encasement for the user's breasts. The high-impact band 26 may apply the most pressure due to its primary function of impeding movement of biological structures. The waistband 36 may support the user's breasts from below, but the high-impact band 26 can perform the task of compressing the user's breasts from above to impede unwanted movement.

FIG. 2 shows the back 16 of the interior side 12 of the garment 10. When the garment 10 is worn on a user's torso, the waistband 36 can be positioned proximate to the lower portion of the user's breasts, wrapping around the user's waist, and connecting to a left back clasp 46 and a right back clasp 48. There can be an opening in the back 58 above the back clasps 46 and 48 for the purpose of separating the back clasps 46 and 48 from the upper body section 40, making it possible for users to connect and disconnect the back clasps 46 and 48.

The high-impact band 26 can wrap around the user's torso, starting from the left side of the waistband 36 in the back, under the left arm hole 50, then across the tops of the user's breasts, under the right arm hole 52, and finally to the back again, connecting to the waistband 36 on the right side. The connections of the high-impact band 26 to the waistband 36 can be close to each back clasp 46 and 48. The arcuate nature of the high-impact band 26 and the way it wraps around the user's torso can provide effective compression to the user's breasts, impeding unwanted movement of the user's breasts. Particularly, the high-impact band 26 wrapping around under the arm holes 50 and 52 to the back can ensure that the downward direction of the compression and the level of compression to the user's breasts can be sufficient.

FIG. 3 shows the side 18 of the interior side 12 of the garment 10. The right back clasp 48 is shown while disconnected from the left back clasp 46.

FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 provide a view of the patterns of the garment 10, comprising the upper body section 40, the shoulder straps 42 and 44, and the high-impact band 26. FIG. 4 depicts the pattern pieces separated, while FIG. 5 illustrates the pieces as they come together when sewn, wherein the high-impact band 26 can be fixed to the upper body section 40 by the top edge seam 30 at the upper edge 28 and the bottom edge seam 34 at the lower edge 32. FIG. 5 demonstrates how the high-impact band 26 overlaps the interior side 12 of the upper body section 40, resulting in the high-impact band 26 being hidden from view from the exterior side 20 of the upper body section 40.

FIG. 6 shows the front 22 of the exterior side 20 of the garment 10 being worn on a human user. The high-impact band 26 can be secured to the interior side 12 of the upper body section 40, below the shoulder straps 42 and 44 and arm holes 50 and 52, using a top edge seam 30 at the upper edge 28 and bottom edge seam 34 at the lower edge 32. The high-impact band 26 can therefore be hidden or partially hidden from view from the front 22 of the exterior side 20 of the upper body section 40.

FIG. 7 shows the back 24 of the exterior side 20 of the garment 10 being worn on a human user. The high-impact band 26 can remain hidden or partially hidden from view from the back 24 of the exterior side 20 of the upper body section 40.

The garment 10 can constitute a bra which can be worn under other clothing or alone. The garment 10 can be configured to be hidden or partially hidden when worn under other clothing. A substantial portion of the material for the garment 10 can be disposed in proximity of the user's breasts, including the high impact band 26, the waistband 36, and the upper body section 40.

The garment 10 can be put on like a shirt. The user can insert their body headfirst through the waist hole 56, their arms through the arm holes 50 and 52 under the shoulder straps 42 and 44, and their head through the neck hole 54 between the shoulder straps 42 and 44. At least a portion of the upper body section 40 can encircle the user's chest area. The waistband 36 can be disposed proximate the user's waist and the user's breasts, pressing upward on the user's breasts. The high-impact band 26 can be disposed proximate the upper portion of the user's breasts, pressing downward on the user's breasts. The waistband 36 and high-impact band 26 can reduce the movement of the garment 10, making it less likely to slide upward or downward.

The garment 10 may be formed using any suitable breathable elastic fabric materials. The material can allow the operating elements to apply pressure and impede the movement of the user's breasts, while remaining flexible enough for adjustment. The elastic material can include known, related art, or later developed material. The material may be selected for a variety of factors, including but not limited to enhancing user comfort, reducing weight of the garment, and ease of wearing and removing the garment.

The garment 10 may be made from at least two different types of materials. The high-impact band 26 and waistband 36 can share an elastic material. The upper body section 40 can use a different elastic material. The materials should be elastic, breathable, and lightweight. The high-impact band 26 and waistband 36 can use more compressive elastic material than the upper body section 40 for the purposes of better compression of the user's breasts. The materials used for the individual elements may have similar colors to create a uniform appearance.

The garment 10 may be created through designing the garment and determining size and dimensions. The material may then be selected and patterns may be created. As depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5, the patterns may be cut, sewn, and fitted. The patterns may be tested to determine performance and areas of improvement. The next iteration may then be cut, sewn, fitted, and tested. This process may be repeated over multiple iterations. Specification sheets using the data may be created to finalize the design and patterns. The final patterns may then be cut and sewn. This method may be used to create designs for other embodiments as well.

The manner of using the garment 10 can be similar to that of most sports bras except in the application of the high-impact band 26. Specifically, the user can place their body headfirst through the waist hole 56, their arms through the arm holes 50 and 52, and their head through the neck hole 54 to place the garment 10 on like a shirt, allowing the shoulder straps 42 and 44 to lay over the user's shoulders. The garment 10 can be easily worn and adjusted by the user without assistance. The garment 10 can be worn under a separate garment or alone. The high-impact band 26 can be hidden or partially hidden from the exterior side ## of the garment 10. The garment 10 should not be bulky, should not contain complicated harnesses or straps, and should not appear to be a breast binding apparatus.

The garment 10 can be secured to the user by the waistband 36 and the high-impact band 26. The waistband 36 may include back clasps 46 and 48 for greater security. The shoulder straps 42 and 44 and upper body section 40 may also help keep the garment 10 in place. The elastic material used for the individual elements can ensure that the garment is securely worn. Additionally, the high-impact band 26 can impede motion of the user's breasts.

Upon wearing the garment 10, the user can receive proper breast support that can impede breast motion, which can allow for more comfortable participation in high-impact physical activities including but not limited to sports such as running and tennis. The garment 10 can achieve this through the high-impact band 26 providing pressure from above, which can prevent unwanted upward breast motion, as well as the waistband 36 providing support from below. The upper body section 40 can provide additional support from the front and connects the high-impact band 26 and waistband 36, encasing the user's breasts. Furthermore, the shoulder straps 42 and 44 and back clasps 46 and 48 can help to secure the garment 10 to the user's torso.

In FIGS. 8, 9, and 10, another embodiment of a garment 110 is shown, where FIGS. 8 and 9 depict a view of a front 116 of an exterior side 114 of the garment 110, and FIG. 10 depicts a view of a back 118 of the exterior side 114 of the garment 110.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show the front 116 of the exterior side 114 of the garment 110 which may include an upper body section 134, a high-impact band 120 also referred to as an upper operating element, and a waistband 130 also referred to as a lower operating element.

The upper body section 134 can be elastic and can connect to a left shoulder strap 136 which can form a left arm hole 154, and a right shoulder strap 138 which can form a right arm hole 156. The shoulder straps 136 and 138 can also form a neck hole 158 in the space between the left shoulder strap 136 and the right shoulder strap 138. The upper body section 134 can be disposed above the waistband 130, can cover at least a substantial portion of the user's breasts, and may press upon the user's breasts. The upper body section 134 can contain a chest window 162 below the high-impact band 120, which can be disposed in the central region of the upper body section 134.

The waistband 130 can be elastic and can be secured to a lower part of the upper body section 134 using a waistband seam 132. The waistband 130 can wrap around the user's waist, which can form a waist hole 138 through which the user can fit their body for the purpose of putting on the garment 110. The waistband 130 can be linear or substantially linear. When the garment 110 is worn, the waistband 130 can press the user's torso at the lower portion of the user's breasts.

The high-impact band 120 can be elastic and arcuate with an upper edge 122 and a lower edge 126. The upper edge 122 can be convex and closer to the user's neck than the lower edge 126, while the lower edge 126 can be concave. When the garment 110 is worn, the high-impact band 120 can be disposed at the upper portion of the user's breasts and presses the user's torso at the upper portion of the user's breasts. The high-impact band 120 can be secured to an interior side 112 of the upper body section 134, below the shoulder straps 136 and 138 and arm holes 154 and 156, using a top edge seam 124 at the upper edge 122 and bottom edge seam 128 at the lower edge 126. When the garment 110 is worn on a user's torso, the high-impact band 120 can press the user's torso at the upper portion of the user's breasts.

The arcuate nature of the high-impact band 120 can provide a more tailored fit around the user's rib cage than a non-arcuate band. This can make the high-impact band 120 less prone to sliding out of position on the user. The arcuate nature of the high-impact band 120 can allow it to provide sufficient pressure on the user's breasts to accomplish its purpose of impeding movement of biological structures. The arcuate high-impact band 120 can feel more comfortable than a non-arcuate band due to more closely matching the contours of the human body.

The high-impact band 120, the waistband 130, and the upper body section 134 can press upon the user's torso. The high-impact band 120 and the waistband 130 can exert greater pressure on the user's body than the upper body section 134. The high-impact band 120 and the waistband 130 can secure the user's breasts and impede the movement of the user's breasts due to this pressure. The upper body section 134 may not require as much pressure because the high-impact band 120 and the waistband 130 already provide it and can serve as a covering or encasement for the user's breasts. The high-impact band 120 may apply the most pressure due to its primary function of impeding movement of biological structures. The waistband 130 may support the user's breasts from below, but the high-impact band 120 can perform the task of compressing the user's breasts from above to impede unwanted movement.

FIG. 10 shows the back 118 of the exterior side 114 of the garment 110. When the garment 110 is worn on a user's torso, the high-impact band 120 can connect to a left back clasp 150 and a right back clasp 152 at the back of the garment 110, overlapping with the waistband 130. The back clasps 150 and 152 can connect to both the upper body section 134 and the high-impact band 120 and overlap with the waistband 130. The connections between the high-impact band 120 and the back clasps 150 and 152 can provide stability. The left shoulder strap 136 can cross over the user's left shoulder to the right side of the upper body section 134, connecting with a left shoulder strap connector 146. The right shoulder strap 138 can cross over the user's right shoulder to the left side of the upper body section 134, connecting with a right shoulder strap connector 148. The shoulder straps 136 and 138 can form an intersection 140 when they cross behind the user's back. The left shoulder strap 136 can have a left shoulder strap clip 142 which can be disposed to the right of the intersection 140, while the right shoulder strap 138 can have a right shoulder strap clip 144 which can be disposed to the left of the intersection 140. The shoulder strap clips 142 and 144 can allow the user to adjust the shoulder straps 136 and 138. There is an opening in the back 164 above the back clasps 150 and 152, below the intersection 140, and between the shoulder straps 136 and 138.

The high-impact band 120 can wrap around the user's torso, starting from the left back clasp 150, under the left arm hole 154, then across the tops of the user's breasts, under the right arm hole 156, and finally to the right back clasp 152. The arcuate nature of the high-impact band 120 and the way it wraps around the user's torso can provide effective compression to the user's breasts, impeding unwanted movement of the user's breasts. Particularly, the high-impact band 120 wrapping around under the arm holes 154 and 156 to the back can ensure that the downward direction of the compression and the level of compression to the user's breasts can be sufficient.

The garment 110 can constitute a bra which can be worn under other clothing or alone. The garment 110 can be configured to be hidden or partially hidden when worn under other clothing. A substantial portion of the material for the garment 110 can be disposed in proximity of the user's breasts, including the high impact band 120, the waistband 130, and the upper body section 134.

The garment 110 can be put on like a shirt. The user can insert their body headfirst through the waist hole 160, their arms through the arm holes 154 and 156 under the shoulder straps 136 and 138, and their head through the neck hole 158 between the shoulder straps 136 and 138. The upper body section 134 can encircle the user's chest area. The waistband 130 can be disposed proximate the user's waist and the user's breasts, pressing upward on the user's breasts. The high-impact band 120 can be disposed proximate the upper portion of the user's breasts, pressing downward on the user's breasts. The waistband 130 and high-impact band 120 can reduce the movement of the garment 110, making it less likely to slide upward or downward.

The garment 110 may be formed using any suitable breathable elastic fabric materials. The material can allow high-impact band 120 and the waistband 130 to apply pressure and impede the movement of the user's breasts, while remaining flexible enough for adjustment. The elastic material can include known, related art, or later developed material. The material may be selected for a variety of factors, including but not limited to enhancing user comfort, reducing weight of the garment, and ease of wearing and removing the garment.

The garment 110 may be made from at least two different types of materials. The high-impact band 120 and waistband 130 can share an elastic material. The upper body section 134 can use a different elastic material. The materials should be elastic, breathable, and lightweight. The high-impact band 120 and waistband 130 can use more compressive elastic material than the upper body section 134 for the purposes of better compression of the user's breasts. The materials used for the individual elements may have similar colors to create a uniform appearance.

The garment 110 may be created through designing the garment and determining size and dimensions. The material may then be selected and patterns may be created. The patterns may be cut, sewn, and fitted. The patterns may be tested to determine performance and areas of improvement. The next iteration may then be cut, sewn, fitted, and tested. This process may be repeated over multiple iterations. Specification sheets using the data may be created to finalize the design and patterns. The final patterns may then be cut and sewn. This method may be used to create designs for other embodiments as well.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show a set of concept diagrams for a design of the garment 110. These concepts may have been used for or are products of the creation process for the garment 110 as described above.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the manner of using the garment 110 can be similar to that for most sports bras except in the application of the high-impact band 112. Specifically, the user can place their body headfirst through the waist hole 160, their arms through the arm holes 154 and 156, and their head through the neck hole 158 to place the garment 110 on like a shirt, allowing the shoulder straps 136 and 138 to lay over the user's shoulders. The garment 110 can be easily worn and adjusted by the user without assistance. The garment 110 can be worn under a separate garment or alone. The high-impact band 120 can be hidden or partially hidden from the exterior side 114 of the garment 110. The garment 110 should not be bulky, should not contain complicated harnesses or straps, and should not appear to be a breast binding apparatus.

The garment 110 can be secured to the user by the waistband 130 and the high-impact band 120. The waistband 130 may include the back clasps 150 and 152 for greater security. The shoulder straps 136 and 138 can be adjusted using the shoulder strap clips 142 and 144, and alongside the upper body section 134 may also help keep the garment 110 in place. The elastic material used for the individual elements can ensure that the garment can be securely worn. Additionally, the high-impact band 120 can impede motion of the user's breasts.

Upon wearing the garment 110, the user can receive proper breast support that can impede breast motion, allowing for more comfortable participation in high-impact physical activities including but not limited to sports such as running and tennis. The garment 110 can achieve this through the high-impact band 120 providing pressure from above, preventing unwanted upward breast motion, as well as support from the waistband 130 from below. The upper body section 134 can provide additional support from the front and can connect the high-impact band 120 and waistband 130, encasing the user's breasts. Furthermore, the shoulder straps 136 and 138 with adjustable clips 142 and 144 and back clasps 150 and 152 can help to secure the garment 110.

In FIGS. 13 and 14, another embodiment of a garment 210 is shown, where FIG. 13 depicts a view of a front 216 of an exterior side 214 of the garment 210, and FIG. 14 depicts a view of a back 218 of the exterior side 214 of the garment 210.

FIG. 13 shows the front 216 of the exterior side 214 of the garment 210 which may include an upper body section 234, a high-impact band 220 also referred to as an upper operating element, and a waistband 230 also referred to as a lower operating element.

The upper body section 234 can be elastic, can be disposed above the waistband 230, can cover at least a substantial portion of the user's breasts, and may press upon the user's breasts. The upper body section 234 can wrap around a user's torso, which can form a torso hole 240 through which the user can fit their body for the purpose of putting on the garment 210.

The waistband 230 can be elastic and can be secured to a lower part of the upper body section 234 using a waistband seam 232. The waistband 230 can wrap around the user's waist, which can form a waist hole 242 through which the user can fit their body for the purpose of putting on the garment 210. The waistband 230 can be linear or substantially linear. When the garment 210 is worn, the waistband 230 can press the user's torso at the lower portion of the user's breasts.

The high-impact band 220 can be elastic and arcuate with an upper edge 222 and a lower edge 226. The upper edge 222 can be convex and closer to the user's neck than the lower edge 226, while the lower edge 226 can be concave. When the garment 210 is worn, the high-impact band 220 can be disposed at the upper portion of the user's breasts and presses the user's torso at the upper portion of the user's breasts. The high-impact band 220 can be secured to an interior side 212 of the upper body section 234 using a top edge seam 224 at the upper edge 222 and bottom edge seam 228 at the lower edge 226. When the garment 210 is worn on a user's torso, the high-impact band 220 can press the user's torso at the upper portion of the user's breasts.

The arcuate nature of the high-impact band 220 can provide a more tailored fit around the user's rib cage than a non-arcuate band. This can make the high-impact band 220 less prone to sliding out of position on the user. The arcuate nature of the high-impact band 220 can allow it to provide sufficient pressure on the user's breasts to accomplish its purpose of impeding movement of biological structures. The arcuate high-impact band 220 can feel more comfortable than a non-arcuate band due to more closely matching the contours of the human body.

The high-impact band 220, the waistband 230, and the upper body section 234 can press upon the user's torso. The high-impact band 220 and the waistband 230 can exert greater pressure on the user's body than the upper body section 234. The high-impact band 220 and the waistband 230 can secure the user's breasts and impede the movement of the user's breasts due to this pressure. The upper body section 234 may not require as much pressure because the high-impact band 220 and the waistband 230 already provide it and can serve as a covering or encasement for the user's breasts. The high-impact band 220 may apply the most pressure due to its primary function of impeding movement of biological structures. The waistband 230 may support the user's breasts from below, but the high-impact band 220 can perform the task of compressing the user's breasts from above to impede unwanted movement.

FIG. 14 shows the back 218 of the exterior side 214 of the garment 210. When the garment 210 is worn on a user's torso, the waistband 230 can be positioned proximate to the lower portion of the user's breasts, wrapping around the user's waist, and connecting to a left back clasp 236 and a right back clasp 238. The high-impact band 220 can connect to the waistband 230 close to each back clasp 236 and 238. There can be an opening in the back 244 above the back clasps 236 and 238 for the purpose of separating the back clasps 236 and 238 from the upper body section 234, making it possible for users to connect and disconnect the back clasps 236 and 238.

The high-impact band 220 can wrap around the user's torso, starting from the left side of the waistband 230 in the back, under the user's left armpit, then across the tops of the user's breasts, under the user's right armpit, and finally to the back again, connecting to the waistband 230 on the right side. The connections of the high-impact band 220 to the waistband 230 can be close to each back clasp 236 and 238. The arcuate nature of the high-impact band 220 and the way it wraps around the user's torso can provide effective compression to the user's breasts, impeding unwanted movement of the user's breasts. Particularly, the high-impact band 220 wrapping around under the armpits to the back can ensure that the downward direction of the compression and the level of compression to the user's breasts can be sufficient.

The garment 210 can constitute a bra which can be worn under other clothing or alone. The garment 210 can be configured to be hidden or partially hidden when worn under other clothing. A substantial portion of the material for the garment 210 can be disposed in proximity of the user's breasts, including the high impact band 220, the waistband 230, and the upper body section 234.

The garment 210 can be put on like a shoulderless top. The user can insert their body headfirst through the waist hole 242 and the torso hole 240, until the waistband 230 is disposed proximate the user's waist and the high-impact band 220 is disposed proximate the user's upper portion of breasts. The upper body section 234 can encircle the user's chest area. The waistband 230 can be disposed proximate the user's waist and the user's breasts, pressing upward on the user's breasts. The high-impact band 220 can be disposed proximate the upper portion of the user's breasts, pressing downward on the user's breasts. The waistband 230 and high-impact band 220 can reduce the movement of the garment 210, making it less likely to slide upward or downward.

The garment 210 may be formed using any suitable breathable elastic fabric materials. The material can allow the operating elements to apply pressure and impede the movement of the user's breasts, while remaining flexible enough for adjustment. The elastic material can include known, related art, or later developed material. The material may be selected for a variety of factors, including but not limited to enhancing user comfort, reducing weight of the garment, and ease of wearing and removing the garment.

The garment 210 may be made from at least two different types of materials. The high-impact band 220 and waistband 218 can share an elastic material. The upper body section 234 can use a different elastic material. The materials should be elastic, breathable, and lightweight. The high-impact band 220 and waistband 230 can use more compressive elastic material than the upper body section 234 for the purposes of better compression of the user's breasts. The materials used for the individual elements may have similar colors to create a uniform appearance.

The garment 210 may be created through designing the garment and determining size and dimensions. The material may then be selected and patterns may be created. The patterns may be cut, sewn, and fitted. The patterns may be tested to determine performance and areas of improvement. The next iteration may then be cut, sewn, fitted, and tested. This process may be repeated over multiple iterations. Specification sheets using the data may be created to finalize the design and patterns. The final patterns may then be cut and sewn. This method may be used to create designs for other embodiments as well.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the manner of using the garment 210 can be similar to that for most sports bras except in the application of the high-impact band 220. Specifically, the user can place their body headfirst through the waist hole 242 and the torso hole 240 to place the garment 210 on like a shoulderless top. The garment 210 can be easily worn and adjusted by the user without assistance. The garment 210 can be worn under a separate garment or alone. The high-impact band 220 can be hidden or partially hidden from the exterior 214 of the garment 210. The garment 210 should not be bulky, should not contain complicated harnesses or straps, and should not appear to be a breast binding apparatus.

The garment 210 is secured to the user by the waistband 230 and the high-impact band 220. The waistband 220 may include back clasps 236 and 238 for greater security. The upper body section 234 may also help keep the garment 210 in place. The elastic material used for the individual elements can ensure that the garment is securely worn. Additionally, the high-impact band 220 can impede motion of the user's breasts.

Upon wearing the garment 210, the user can receive proper breast support that can impede breast motion, allowing for more comfortable participation in high-impact physical activities including but not limited to sports such as running and tennis. The garment 210 can achieve this through the high-impact band 220 providing pressure from above, preventing unwanted upward breast motion, as well as support from the waistband 230 from below. The upper body section 234 can provide additional support from the front and connects the high-impact band 220 and waistband 230, encasing the user's breasts. Furthermore, the back clasps 236 and 238 can help to secure the garment 210.

Aspects of Additional Embodiments

The shoulder straps 42 and 44 can connect to the high-impact band 26 by the top edge seam 30.

The shoulder straps 42 and 44 can be directly connected to the upper body section 40 as part of the same piece of fabric. The high-impact band 26 can be located on the interior 12 of the upper body section 40 and may also connect to the shoulder straps 42 and 44.

The high-impact band 26 and waistband 36 can include or can consist of elastic material. The material can allow the operating elements to apply pressure and impede the movement of the user's breasts, while remaining flexible enough for adjustment. The elastic material can include known, related art, or later developed material. The material may be selected for a variety of factors, including but not limited to enhancing user comfort, reducing weight of the garment, and ease of wearing and removing the garment.

The high-impact band 26 and waistband 36 can include or can consist of non-elastic material that can still perform the function of applying pressure and impeding movement of the user's breasts. The material can include non-elastic fabric, lace, Velcro, and any other known or later developed material that can apply pressure. The material may be selected for a variety of factors, including but not limited to enhancing user comfort, reducing weight of the garment, and ease of wearing and removing the garment.

The garment 10 can use breathable performance fabric material. The material's properties can include flexibility, breathability, light weight, and comfort. This material may primarily be selected for comfort and reducing weight but is not limited to these criteria.

The materials used to form the high-impact band 26 and the waistband 36 can also form the upper body section 40. This can provide a uniform feel and appearance for the garment.

The garment 10 can maintain a consistent appearance using the same type and same or similar color of material for the high-impact band 26, waistband 36, and the upper body section 40. This can result in the garment 10 having a uniform color and physical texture.

The upper body section 40 can be formed from different materials than the high-impact band 26 and waistband 36. The different material used for the upper body section 40 may still provide support and pressure for the user's breasts.

The garment 10 can be formed with different materials and/or colors between the high-impact band 26, waistband 36, and upper body section 40. This can be due to fashion design or specific materials tailored for each individual element for performance. For example, the high-impact band may be constructed using more compressive material for better compression, while the waistband and upper body section may use different, more flexible materials for comfort.

The garment 10 is not limited to constituting a bra and can have additional materials to extend the bra structure into other types of garments, such as shirts, vests, and any other garment to be worn by a human user.

Embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter can impede the motion of a user's biological structures caused by physical exercise including but not limited to running, tennis, and equestrianism. The motion caused by these activities can result in pain and discomfort, as well as potential physical issues such as unwanted stretching or muscle tears. The invention can mitigate these issues and can allow users to participate in high impact movement and sports without needing to worry about the movement of their biological structures.

Embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter can include elastic bands for compressing the user's breasts which can be adjusted to suit the user's comfort and needs. The adjustment can be performed without requiring the removal of the entire garment. The upper band can compress the user's breasts from above and the lower band can support the user's breasts from below. Both bands can be constructed from elastic materials, which can make them form fitting and adjustable.

Embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter can be worn under a separate garment or alone. When worn under a separate garment, embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter can be hidden or partially hidden. When worn alone, embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter can have the appearance of a sports bra. Embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter should not be bulky, should not contain complicated harnesses or straps, and should not appear to be a breast binding apparatus.

Embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter can be designed to fit the user comfortably. The garment can be designed to stay secure and impede breast movement but not constrict the user's breathing. The materials used for the garment can be breathable and suited for physical activity. The breathability of the material can help keep the user from overheating.

Embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter can be designed to be lightweight. The garment should not impede the user's performance when engaging in physical activity.

Embodiments are also intended to include or otherwise cover methods of using and methods of manufacturing any or all of the elements disclosed above. The methods of manufacturing include or otherwise cover processors and computer programs implemented by processors used to design various elements of the biological structure impediment system disclosed above.

While the subject matter has been described in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes can be made, and equivalents employed, without departing from the scope of the invention. All related art references discussed in the above Background section are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR IMPEDING MOVEMENT OF BIOLOGICAL STRUCTURE

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