BRASSIERE FOR PROSTHETIC-ENHANCED BREASTS

Abstract

A brassiere for prosthetic-enhanced breasts comprising: two cup portions; two shoulder straps; a back; and two front straps; wherein the two front straps cross diagonally upward and attach above an opposite breast; wherein the two cup portions have lateral padding or reinforcement; wherein, when donned, a user's breasts are supported in an inward and upward manner and premature breast aging is prevented.

Claims

1. A brassiere comprising: two cup portions; two shoulder straps; two under-shoulder portions; a back; and two front straps; wherein said two cup portions comprise a left cup portion and a right cup portion; wherein said two shoulder straps comprise a left shoulder strap and a right shoulder strap; and wherein said two front straps comprise a left front strap and a right front strap; wherein said left front strap is configured to be removeably fastened to said right shoulder strap when said brassier is in a closed configuration; wherein said right front strap is configured to be removeably fastened to said left shoulder strap when said brassier is in said closed configuration; wherein said two front straps are configured to cross diagonally upward and attach above an opposite breast on said two shoulder straps; and wherein, when said brassiere is worn and in said closed configuration, each breast of a wearer is supported in an upward direction and in an inward direction that is toward said wearer's opposite shoulder.

2. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein said left front strap and said right shoulder strap comprise a first set of complementary connectors; and wherein said right front strap and said left shoulder strap comprise a second set of complementary connectors.

3. The brassiere of claim 2, wherein said two shoulder straps each comprise a cover that is configured to envelop said two sets of complementary connectors when connected.

4. The brassiere of claim 3, further comprising one or more reinforced portions.

5. The brassiere of claim 4, wherein said one or more reinforced portions are on an underside and an outer lateral side of each of said two cup portions.

6. The brassiere of claim 5, wherein said one or more reinforced portions support holding said wearer's breasts in said upward direction and in said inward direction.

7. The brassiere of claim 6, wherein said two under-shoulder portions comprise a left under-shoulder portion and a right under-shoulder portion; wherein said left under-shoulder portion is configured to connect to said left cup and said back; and wherein said right under-shoulder portion is configured to connect to said right cup and said back.

8. The brassiere of claim 7, wherein said left front strap is connected to said left cup; and wherein said right front strap is connected to said right cup.

9. The brassiere of claim 8, wherein, when said brassiere is worn, premature aging of said wearer's breasts is prevented.

10. The brassiere of claim 9, wherein said first and second set of complementary connectors are clasps.

11. The brassiere of claim 9, wherein said first and second set of complementary connectors are hook and loop fasteners.

12. The brassiere of claim 9, wherein said first and second set of complementary connectors are snaps.

13. The brassiere of claim 9, wherein said first and second set of complementary connectors are slits and buttons.

14. The brassiere of claim 13, wherein said brassiere comprises moisture wicking fabric.

15. A brassiere comprising: two cup portions; two shoulder straps; two under-shoulder portions; a back; and two front straps; wherein said two cup portions comprise a left cup portion and a right cup portion; wherein said two shoulder straps comprise a left shoulder strap and a right shoulder strap; and wherein said two front straps comprise a left front strap and a right front strap; wherein said left front strap is configured to be removeably fastened to said right shoulder strap when said brassier is in a closed configuration; wherein said right front strap is configured to be removeably fastened to said left shoulder strap when said brassier is in said closed configuration; wherein said two front straps are configured to cross diagonally upward and attach above an opposite breast on said two shoulder straps; wherein, when said brassiere is worn and in said closed configuration, each breast of a wearer is supported in an upward direction and in an inward direction that is toward said wearer's opposite shoulder; and wherein said first and second set of complementary connectors are connectors selected from the group of connectors consisting of: clasps and hook and loop connectors.

16. The brassiere of claim 15, wherein said left front strap and said right shoulder strap comprise a first set of complementary connectors; wherein said right front strap and said left shoulder strap comprise a second set of complementary connectors; wherein said two shoulder straps each comprise a cover that is configured to envelop said two sets of complementary connectors when connected.

17. The brassiere of claim 16, further comprising one or more reinforced portions, wherein said one or more reinforced portions are on an underside and an outer lateral side of each of said two cup portions; wherein said one or more reinforced portions support holding said wearer's breasts in said upward direction and in said inward direction; wherein said two under-shoulder portions comprise a left under-shoulder portion and a right under-shoulder portion; wherein said left under-shoulder portion is configured to connect to said left cup and said back; wherein said right under-shoulder portion is configured to connect to said right cup and said back; wherein said left front strap is connected to said left cup; and wherein said right front strap is connected to said right cup.

18. The brassiere of claim 17, wherein, when said brassiere is worn, premature aging of said wearer's breasts is prevented.

19. The brassiere of claim 18, wherein said brassiere comprises moisture wicking fabric.

20. A brassiere comprising: two cup portions; two shoulder straps; two under-shoulder portions; one or more reinforced portions; a back; and two front straps; wherein said two cup portions comprise a left cup portion and a right cup portion; wherein said two shoulder straps comprise a left shoulder strap and a right shoulder strap; and wherein said two front straps comprise a left front strap and a right front strap; wherein said left front strap is configured to be removeably fastened to said right shoulder strap when said brassier is in a closed configuration; wherein said right front strap is configured to be removeably fastened to said left shoulder strap when said brassier is in said closed configuration; wherein said two front straps are configured to cross diagonally upward and attach above an opposite breast on said two shoulder straps; wherein, when said brassiere is worn and in said closed configuration, each prosthetically enhanced breast of a wearer is supported in an upward direction and in an inward direction that is toward said wearer's opposite shoulder; wherein said left front strap and said right shoulder strap comprise a first set of complementary connectors; wherein said right front strap and said left shoulder strap comprise a second set of complementary connectors; wherein said two shoulder straps each comprise a cover that is configured to envelop said two sets of complementary connectors when connected; wherein said one or more reinforced portions are on an underside and an outer lateral side of each of said two cup portions; wherein said one or more reinforced portions support holding said prosthetically enhanced breasts in said upward direction and in said inward direction; said two under-shoulder portions comprise a left under-shoulder portion and a right under-shoulder portion; wherein said left under-shoulder portion is configured to connect to said left cup and said back; wherein said right under-shoulder portion is configured to connect to said right cup and said back; wherein said left front strap is connected to said left cup; wherein said right front strap is connected to said right cup; wherein, when said brassiere is worn, premature aging of said wearer's prosthetically enhanced breasts is prevented; and wherein said brassiere comprises moisture wicking fabric.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The drawings are of illustrative embodiments. They do not illustrate all embodiments. Other embodiments may be used in addition or instead. Details which may be apparent or unnecessary may be omitted to save space or for more effective illustration. Some embodiments may be practiced with additional components or steps and/or without all of the components or steps, which are illustrated. When the same numeral appears in different drawings, it refers to the same or like components or steps.

[0016] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a front of a brassiere in a closed configuration.

[0017] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a back of a brassiere in a closed configuration.

[0018] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a front of a brassiere in an open configuration.

[0019] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a front of one embodiment of a brassiere.

[0020] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a back of one embodiment of a brassiere.

[0021] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a front of a front insert for one embodiment of a brassiere.

[0022] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a front of a side insert for one embodiment of a brassiere.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0023] To minimize the limitations in the cited references, and to minimize other limitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, the present specification discloses a garment that is designed to prevent premature aging and malposition of prosthesis-augmented breasts. The garment may have reinforced lateral support that is designed to prevent internal sliding of breast implants and supportive straps with vectors that are oriented upwards and inwards.

[0024] In the following detailed description of various embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various aspects of the embodiments. However, these embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and/or components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

[0025] While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still others will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. As will be realized, these embodiments are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of protection. Accordingly, the graphs, figures, and the detailed descriptions thereof, are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, the reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment shall not be interpreted to limit the scope of protection.

[0026] In the following description, certain terminology is used to describe certain features of one or more embodiments. For purposes of the specification, unless otherwise specified, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, in one embodiment, an object that is “substantially” located within a housing would mean that the object is either completely within a housing or nearly completely within a housing. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking, the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained. The use of “substantially” is also equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result.

[0027] As used herein, the terms “approximately” and “about” generally refer to a deviance of within 5% of the indicated number or range of numbers. In one embodiment, the term “approximately” and “about,” may refer to a deviance of between 0.0001-10% from the indicated number or range of numbers.

[0028] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are signified both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

[0029] “Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where the event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

[0030] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word “comprise” and variations of the word, such as “comprising” and “comprises,” means “including but not limited to,” and is not intended to exclude, for example, other components, integers or steps. “Exemplary” means “an example of” and is not intended to convey an indication of a preferred or ideal embodiment. “Such as” is not used in a restrictive sense, but for explanatory purposes.

[0031] It is understood that as used herein, the terms “brassiere” and “bra” are interchangeable, both referring to a garment that provides support to a wearer's breasts.

[0032] Disclosed are components that may be used to perform the disclosed methods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods and systems. This applies to all embodiments of this application including, but not limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that may be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps may be performed with any specific embodiment or combination of embodiments of the disclosed methods.

[0033] The present methods and systems may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and the examples included therein and to the Figures and their previous and following description.

[0034] Various embodiments are now described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments. It may be evident, however, that the various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate describing these embodiments. It is to be understood that the methods and systems are not limited to specific methods, specific components, or to particular implementations. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0035] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a front of a brassiere in a closed configuration. As shown in FIG. 1, the bra 100 may comprise two cup portions 105, 110 (a right cup portion and a left cup portion), two shoulder straps 115, 121, two under shoulder portions 120, 125, a back 130, two front straps 135, 140, reinforced portions 200, 201, 202, and 203, arm openings 210, 211.

[0036] The two shoulder straps 115, 121 may be connected to the back 130 on a rear of the garment, and the cup portions 105, 110 on a front end. The shoulder straps 115, 121 may be relatively wide (greater than 1 inch and preferably approximately 1.5 to 4 inches) such that force applied by the shoulder straps 115, 121 onto a wearer's shoulders is distributed over a wide, and thus large, surface area of skin, thereby increasing overall comfort as compared to using narrow shoulder straps.

[0037] The under shoulder portions 120, 125, as shown, may be connected to the back 130 on a rear end, and the cup portions 105, 110 on a front end.

[0038] The front straps 135, 140 may extend from the cup portions 110, 105, such that the front straps 135, 140 extend from the cup portions 105, 110 and toward the shoulder straps 115, 121.

[0039] The two front straps 135, 140 may engage the two shoulder straps 115, 121 via complementary connectors (shown in FIG. 3). The front straps 135, 140, in coordination with the cup portions 105, 110, may support the user's breasts in a upward and inward manner. The front straps are configured to cross each other in a diagonal manner across the chest of the wearer. The end of the front straps 135, 140 may have a fastener, which may be hardware or may be soft hook and eye or hook and loop material. Preferably the fasteners of the front straps 135, 140 are complementary to a fastener on the shoulder straps 115, 121. In this manner, the end of the front straps 135, 140 may engage an upward and front portion of the shoulder straps 115, 121 via the complementary connectors. In a preferred embodiment, the complementary connectors may be configured to allow the wearer to adjust the front straps 135, 140 so that the wearer may adjust the fit of the bra 100. Some wearers may need more upward support, and some wearers may need more inward support. The adjustability of the front straps 135, 140 are preferably configured to allow for this customized support. In a preferred embodiment, the angle of the front bra 100 strap may be approximately 45 degrees, but it is understood that the optimal angle may vary from person to person, and the adjustability of the front straps 135, 140 is preferably configured to allow for optimization of the fit. In a preferred embodiment, the left front strap 135 may releasably engage the right shoulder strap 115, while the right front strap 140 may releasably engage the left shoulder strap 121. Once connected the straps 115, 121 are held firmly in place and do not accidentally become disengaged.

[0040] The two shoulder straps 115, 121 may each comprise cover portions 160, 165 that are configured to envelop or otherwise hide or secure the ends of the straps 135, 140 and the complementary connectors when the straps 135, 140 are connected to the shoulder strap 115, 121. In some embodiments, the covers 160, 165 may prevent the complementary connectors from snagging on or otherwise engaging the wearer's clothes or from scratching the wearer while they sleep. In some embodiments, the covers 160, 165 may be flaps, pockets, or any other structure that allows the complementary connectors and the ends of the straps 135, 140 to be covered and/or protected.

[0041] In one embodiment, the steps for putting on the bra 100 may comprise: [0042] Step 1: Placing the arms in each respective arm opening 210, 211. [0043] Step 2: Adjusting the bottom of the bra 100 so that the cup portions 105, 110 are underneath the breasts. [0044] Step 3: Cross one of the front straps 135 to the opposite side and secure by fastening the closure, which may be a hook and eye fastener or a hardware fastener (i.e., clasps). [0045] Step 4: Cross the other strap 140 to the opposite side and secure by fastening.

[0046] Although the bra 100 disclosed is specifically designed for women with prosthetic-enhanced or augmented breasts, individuals with natural, non-enhanced breasts may benefit from using this bra. The bra 100 is designed to prevent premature breast aging.

[0047] The cup portions 105, 110 may be reinforced with material and/or padding 200, 201, 202, 203, and are preferably at least twice the thickness of the rest of the bra. The reinforced portions provide additional support under and around the breasts to keep them comfortably in place in a lifted and inward position. FIG. 1 also shows that the arm holes 210, 211 are large, which provides ample room for comfort and donning. In a preferred embodiment, the bra 100 may comprise a comfortable material capable of providing the upward and inward support contemplated. The bra 100 may also comprise a material that is moisture wicking.

[0048] In one embodiment, the bra 100 may comprise an elastic lower band 230 that may run along at least the back 130.

[0049] FIG. 2 is an illustration of the rear of bra 100 in a closed configuration. As shown in FIG. 2, the bra 100 may comprise wide shoulder straps 115, 121 and wide arm holes. A lower portion of the bra 100 may vary depending on wearer preferences. In some embodiments, the lower portion of the bra 100 may comprise an elastic material.

[0050] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a front of a brassiere in an open configuration. As shown in FIG. 3, the complementary connectors 344, 345 and 350, 351 may be located toward an end of the front straps 135, 140 and on shoulder straps.

[0051] The complementary connectors 344, 345 and 350, 351 may be hook and eye fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, button fasteners, snap fasteners, or substantially any other mechanism or hardware that may allow the front straps 135, 140 and shoulder straps 115, 121 to removably, but securely engage one another. In a preferred embodiment, when the complementary connectors 344, 345 and 350, 351 are engaged, a cover 160, 165 or flap on the shoulder straps 115, 121 may be configured to substantially conceal the complementary connectors 344, 345 and 350, 351.

[0052] FIG. 3 shows that the complementary connectors 344, 350 may each have multiple fasteners to allow a secure fastening and/or an adjustable fastening of the straps 135, 140 to the shoulder straps 115, 121. In this manner the user can make the fit tighter or looser. In other embodiments, the complementary connectors 344, 345 and 350, 351 may be hook and loop fasteners that are large and thus allow for adjustability across the large surface area of the connectors.

[0053] FIG. 3 also shows how the reinforced portions 201 and 202 are configured to be on an outer and under portion of the cup portions 105, 110. In some embodiments, the cup portions 105, 110 may be reinforced by having multiple layers of material. In other embodiments, the cup portions 105, 110 may be reinforced by the inclusion of a padded material. In yet additional embodiments, the cup portions 105, 110 may be reinforced by the incorporation of materials that have inherent rigidity.

[0054] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a front of one embodiment of a brassiere. As shown in FIG. 4, the brassiere 400 may comprise two cup portions 405, 410 (a right cup portion and a left cup portion), two shoulder straps 415, 421, two under shoulder portions 420, 425, a back 430, two front straps 435, 440.

[0055] The two shoulder straps 415, 421 may be connected to the back 430 on a rear of the garment, and the cup portions 405, 410 on a front end. The shoulder straps 415, 421 may be relatively narrow. In an alternative embodiment, the shoulder straps 415, 421 may be relatively wide (greater than 1 inch and preferably approximately 1.5 to 4 inches) such that force applied by the shoulder straps 415, 421 onto a wearer's shoulders is distributed over a wide, and thus large, surface area of skin.

[0056] The under shoulder portions 420, 425, as shown, may be connected to the back 130 on a rear end, and the cup portions 405, 410 on a front end.

[0057] The front straps 435, 440 may extend from the cup portions 410, 405, such that the front straps 435, 440 extend from the cup portions 405, 410 and toward the shoulder straps 415, 421.

[0058] The two front straps 435, 440 may engage the two shoulder straps 415, 421 via ring and slider connectors (shown in FIG. 5). The front straps 435, 440, in coordination with the cup portions 405, 410, may support the user's breasts in a upward and inward manner. The front straps are configured to cross each other in a diagonal manner across the chest of the wearer. The end of the front straps 435, 440 may have a fastener, which may be slider connectors, hardware, be soft hook and eye or hook and loop material. Preferably the fasteners of the front straps 435, 440 are complementary to a fastener on the shoulder straps 415, 421. In this manner, the end of the front straps 435, 440 may engage an upward and front portion of the shoulder straps 415, 421 via the complementary connectors. In a preferred embodiment, the complementary connectors may be configured to allow the wearer to adjust the front straps 435, 440 so that the wearer may adjust the fit of the bra 400. Some wearers may need more upward support, and some wearers may need more inward support. The adjustability of the front straps 435, 440 are preferably configured to allow for this customized support. In a preferred embodiment, the angle of the front bra 400 strap may be approximately 45 degrees, but it is understood that the optimal angle may vary from person to person, and the adjustability of the front straps 435, 440 is preferably configured to allow for optimization of the fit. In a preferred embodiment, the left front strap 435 may releasably engage the right shoulder strap 415, while the right front strap 440 may releasably engage the left shoulder strap 421. Once connected the straps 415, 421 are held firmly in place and do not accidentally become disengaged.

[0059] In alternate embodiments, covers may be applied to envelop or otherwise hide or secure the ends of the straps 435, 440 and the complementary connectors when the straps 435, 440 are connected to the shoulder strap 415, 421.

[0060] The two cup portions 405, 410 may also each comprise a front pocket 480, 481 and a side pocket 490, 491. The front pockets 480, 481 may be configured to receive a front insert 482, 483, and the side pockets 490, 491 may be configured to receive a side insert 492, 493. The inserts 482, 483, 492, 493 may be configured to provide additional support to a user's breasts.

[0061] The front pockets 480, 481 may be accessible via a slit toward the bottom, whereas the side pockets 490, 491 may be accessible via a slit toward the top. In alternate embodiments, the slits may be located elsewhere, such as the front pockets 480, 481 accessible via a slit toward the top, and the side pockets 490, 491 being accessible toward the bottom. In alternate embodiments, the slits may all be located toward the top, or may all be located toward the bottom. In some embodiments, the slits may be located along the sides.

[0062] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a back of one embodiment of a brassiere. As shown in FIG. 5, the brassiere may comprise tapered rear straps. In some embodiments, the tapered rear straps may be connected to the back of the brassiere 400 via a bartack.

[0063] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a front of a front insert for one embodiment of a brassiere. As shown in FIG. 6, the front insert 600 may be substantially Reuleaux triangular in shape. The front insert may be configured to be placed within the front pockets and may provide upward support. The front insert 600 may be a foam, gel, or other firm and supporting material. Preferably, the front insert 600 is soft and comfortable.

[0064] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a front of a side insert for one embodiment of a brassiere. As shown in FIG. 7, the side insert 700 may be substantially crescent or curved in shape. The side insert may be configured to be placed within the side pockets and may provide inward support. The side insert 700 may be a foam, gel, or other firm and supporting material. Preferably, the side insert 700 is soft and comfortable.

[0065] Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, locations, and other specifications, which set forth in this specification, including in the claims that follow, are approximate, not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable range, which is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain.

[0066] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the above detailed description, which shows and describes the illustrative embodiments. As will be realized, these embodiments are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the detailed description is to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, although not explicitly recited, one or more additional embodiments may be practiced in combination or conjunction with one another. Furthermore, the reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment shall not be interpreted to limit the scope of protection. It is intended that the scope of protection is not limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims that are appended hereto.

[0067] Except as stated immediately above, nothing which has been stated or illustrated is intended or should be interpreted to cause a dedication of any component, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, or equivalent to the public, regardless of whether it is or is not recited in the claims.