BRASSIERE FOR PROSTHETIC-ENHANCED BREASTS

Abstract

A brassiere for prosthetic-enhanced breasts comprising: two cup portions; two straps; a back; an adjustable front fastener. The two straps cross diagonally upward and the fastener pulls the two cup portions inward, such that 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 straps comprised of two shoulder straps and two back straps; a back; and a fastener; 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; wherein said two back straps comprise a left back strap and a right back strap; wherein said left shoulder strap is adjacent to said left back strap and said right shoulder strap is adjacent to said right back strap; wherein said two back straps are adjacent to said back; wherein said left cup portion is substantially between and adjacent to said back and said right shoulder strap; wherein said right cup portion is substantially between and adjacent to said back and said left shoulder strap; wherein said fastener is configured to removably connect said left cup portion to said right cup portion when in a closed configuration; wherein said left cup portion and said right shoulder strap are configured to cross diagonally across a wearer's body from left to right, such that a left breast of said wearer is substantially contained within said left cup portion when said brassiere is donned by said wearer; wherein said right cup portion and said left shoulder strap are configured to cross diagonally across said wearer's body from right to left, such that a right breast of said wearer is substantially contained within said right cup portion when said brassiere is donned by said wearer; and wherein said brassiere is donned by said wearer and in said closed configuration, said right breast and said left breast of said wearer are supported in an upward direction and in an inward direction.

2. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein said fastener is adjustable.

3. The brassiere of claim 1, further comprising two cup pads; wherein each of said two cup portions comprise a cup pocket, such that there are two cup pockets; and wherein each of said two cup pads are configured to be removably inserted into one of said two cup pockets.

4. The brassiere of claim 3, wherein each of said two cup pockets are accessed via a cup opening, such that there are two cup openings.

5. The brassiere of claim 1, further comprising two shoulder pads; wherein each of said straps comprise a shoulder pad pocket, such that there are two shoulder pad pockets; and wherein each of said two shoulder pads are configured to be removably inserted into one of said two shoulder pad pockets.

6. The brassiere of claim 5, wherein each of said two shoulder pad pockets are accessed via a shoulder opening, such that there are two shoulder openings.

7. The brassiere of claim 3, wherein each of said two cup pads comprise a push up support portion.

8. The brassiere of claim 7, wherein said push up support portion is configured to engage each of said wearer's breasts on an under and outer side, such that additional support for said right breast and said left breast of said wearer are supported in said upward direction and in said inward direction.

9. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein, when said brassiere is worn, premature aging of said right breast and said left breast of said wearer is prevented.

10. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein said brassiere is constructed substantially from one or more fabrics that are moisture wicking.

11. The brassiere of claim 10, wherein a grain of said one or more fabrics is substantially vertical.

12. The brassiere of claim 11, wherein said two cup portions are connected to said back at two side seams.

13. The brassiere of claim 12, wherein said two side seams are formed by gathering said one or more fabrics in a two-to-one ratio between said left cup portion and a back portion and in a two-to-one ratio between said right cup portion and said back portion.

14. A brassiere comprising: two cup portions; two straps comprised of two shoulder straps and two back straps; a back; and an adjustable fastener; 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 back straps comprise a left back strap and a right back strap; wherein said left shoulder strap is adjacent to said left back strap and said right shoulder strap is adjacent to said right back strap; wherein said two back straps are adjacent to said back; wherein said left cup portion is substantially between and adjacent to said back and said right shoulder strap; wherein said right cup portion is substantially between and adjacent to said back and said left shoulder strap; wherein said fastener is configured to removably connect said left cup portion to said right cup portion when in a closed configuration; wherein said left cup portion and said right shoulder strap are configured to cross diagonally across a wearer's body from left to right, such that a left breast of said wearer is substantially contained within said left cup portion when said brassiere is donned by said wearer; wherein said right cup portion and said left shoulder strap are configured to cross diagonally across said wearer's body from right to left, such that a right breast of said wearer is substantially contained within said right cup portion when said brassiere is donned by said wearer; and wherein when said brassiere is donned by said wearer and in said closed configuration, said right breast and said left breast of said wearer are supported in an upward direction and in an inward direction.

15. The brassiere of claim 14, further comprising two cup pads and two shoulder pads; wherein each of said two cup portions comprise a cup pocket, such that there are two cup pockets; and wherein each of said two cup pads are configured to be removably inserted into one of said two cup pockets; wherein each of said two cup pockets are accessed via a cup opening, such that there are two cup openings; wherein each of said straps comprise a shoulder pad pocket, such that there are two shoulder pad pockets; wherein each of said two shoulder pads are configured to be removably inserted into one of said two shoulder pad pockets; and wherein each of said two shoulder pockets are accessed via a shoulder opening, such that there are two shoulder openings.

16. The brassiere of claim 15, wherein each of said two cup pads comprise a push up support portion; wherein said push up support portion is configured to engage each of said wearer's breasts on an under and outer side, such that additional support for said right breast and said left breast of said wearer are supported in said upward direction and in said inward direction.

17. The brassiere of claim 16, wherein, when said brassiere is worn, premature aging of said right breast and said left breast of said wearer is prevented.

18. A brassiere comprising: two cup portions; two straps comprised of two shoulder straps and two back straps; two cup pads; a back; and an adjustable fastener; 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 back straps comprise a left back strap and a right back strap; wherein said left shoulder strap is adjacent to said left back strap and said right shoulder strap is adjacent to said right back strap; wherein said two back straps are adjacent to said back; wherein said left cup portion is substantially between and adjacent to said back and said right shoulder strap; wherein said right cup portion is substantially between and adjacent to said back and said left shoulder strap; wherein said fastener is configured to removably connect said left cup portion to said right cup portion when in a closed configuration; wherein said left cup portion and said right shoulder strap are configured to cross diagonally across a wearer's body from left to right, such that a left breast of said wearer is substantially contained within said left cup portion when said brassiere is donned by said wearer; wherein said right cup portion and said left shoulder strap are configured to cross diagonally across said wearer's body from right to left, such that a right breast of said wearer is substantially contained within said right cup portion when said brassiere is donned by said wearer; wherein when said brassiere is donned by said wearer and in said closed configuration, said right breast and said left breast of said wearer are supported in an upward direction and in an inward direction, such that premature aging of said right breast and said left breast of said wearer is prevented; wherein said brassiere is constructed substantially from one or more fabrics that are moisture wicking; wherein a grain of said one or more fabrics is substantially vertical; wherein said two cup portions are connected to said back at two side seams; wherein said two side seams are formed by gathering said one or more fabrics in a two-to-one ratio between said left cup portion and a back portion and in a two-to-one ratio between said right cup portion and said back portion; wherein each of said two cup portions comprise a cup pocket, such that there are two cup pockets; and wherein each of said two cup pads are configured to be removably inserted into one of said two cup pockets; wherein each of said two cup pockets are accessed via a cup opening, such that there are two cup openings; wherein each of said two cup pads comprise a push up support portion; wherein said push up support portion is configured to engage said wearer's breast on an under and outer side, such that additional support for said right breast and said left breast of said wearer are supported in said upward direction and in said inward direction.

19. The brassiere of claim 18, further comprising two shoulder pads; wherein each of said straps comprise a shoulder pad pocket, such that there are two shoulder pad pockets; wherein each of said two shoulder pads are configured to be removably inserted into one of said two shoulder pad pockets; and wherein each of said two shoulder pockets are accessed via a shoulder opening, such that there are two shoulder openings.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] 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.

[0021] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a front exterior view of one embodiment of a brassiere of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a rear exterior view of one embodiment of a brassiere of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a front interior view of one embodiment of a brassiere of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a rear interior view of one embodiment of a brassiere of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a closeup front exterior view of one embodiment of a brassiere of the present disclosure showing the fastener fastened.

[0026] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a closeup front interior view of one embodiment of a brassiere of the present disclosure showing the fastener fastened and showing the adjustability of the fastener.

[0027] FIG. 7 is an illustration of one embodiment of a cup pad insert of a brassiere of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 8 is an illustration of one embodiment of a shoulder pad insert of a brassiere of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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 0.0001-40% from the indicated number or range of numbers.

[0034] 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.

[0035] “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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a front exterior view of one embodiment of a brassiere of the present disclosure. The front cross-over brassiere 800 may comprise of two cup portions 805, 810 (a right cup portion 805 and a left cup portion 810), two shoulder straps 815, 820 (a right shoulder strap 820 and a left shoulder strap 815), two side seams 825, 830, a back 835, and a fastener 840, which may preferably be adjustable. Preferably, the shoulders straps 815, 820 may be approximately ¾-inch in width.

[0042] The two shoulder straps 815, 820 and cup portions 805, 810 may be connected to the back 835, by attachment at side seams 825 and 830. Shoulder straps 815, 820 may be adjustable. The two cup portions 805, 810 may be located between the seams 825, 830, and the two shoulder straps 815, 820. The fastener 840 may preferably be located approximately below the two cup portions 805, 810, wherein the fastener 840 may be fastened and unfastened at the interior of one of the cup portions.

[0043] In some embodiments, the two cup portions 805, 810 may have interior slits or openings for inserting pads. Shoulder straps 815, 820 may also contain slits on the interior of the cross-over brassier 800 for removable or insertable shoulder pads. The side seams 825, 830 may preferably be formed by gathering the fabric outboard of the two cup portions 805, 810, in an approximately two-to-one ratio (as compared to the back), and where the back portion 835 has no gathered fabric at the seam. Approximately ⅜-inch binding 801 may line the edges/openings of the brassier.

[0044] The shoulder straps 815, 820 and cup portions 805, 810 are configured to cross each other in a diagonal manner across the chest of the wearer, but are only connected at the back and the fastener 840. This allows the straps 815, 820 to exert the upward force necessary to prevent unwanted movement of the enhanced breasts.

[0045] In one embodiment, the steps for putting on the bra 800 may comprise:

[0046] Step 1: Placing the arms in each respective arm opening 110, 111.

[0047] Step 2: Adjusting the cup portions 805, 810 so that they are comfortably holding the wearer's breasts.

[0048] Step 3: Fastening the fastener 840 so that a horizontal force balances out the upward and diagonal force of the straps 815, 820.

[0049] Although the brassiere 800 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 brassiere 800 is designed to prevent premature breast aging.

[0050] Preferably the fabric/material of the brassiere 800 is two layers thick but may be one layer or more than two layers. Moreover, some portions of the brassiere 800, such as the cup pad pockets and the shoulder pad pockets, may be two or more layers, whereas other portions of the brassiere 800 may be a single layer.

[0051] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a rear exterior view of one embodiment of a brassiere of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, the back 835 of the cross-over brassiere may comprise of back straps 845, 850 (right back strap 845 and left back strap 850) which taper into shoulder straps 815, 820. In some embodiments, the two shoulder straps 815, 820 may be connected to the back straps 845, 850 at the shoulders 846, 851. The shoulders 846, 851 may comprise of a seam or may be an adjustable strap portion. Back 835 preferably does not have gatherings at seams 825, 830.

[0052] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a front interior view of one embodiment of a brassiere of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the interior cross-over brassier 800 may comprise several slits, openings, and/or locations for insertable pads, including shoulder openings 301, 302 and cup openings 306, 309. The shoulder openings 301, 302 preferably lead to shoulder pad pockets 333, 334, which may contain permanent or removable shoulder pads 905, 910. The shoulder pad pocket 333 may be defined by seam 305 and seam 405 (shown in FIG. 4). The shoulder pad pocket 334 may be defined by seam 310 and seam 410 (shown in FIG. 4).

[0053] The cup openings 306, 309 preferably lead to cup pockets 398, 399, which may contain permanent or removable cup pads 915, 920. The cup pocket 399 may be defined by seams 811, 812. The cup pocket 398 may be defined by seams 806, 807. The cup pads may comprise a push up support portion, such as push up support portion 703, which is on the under and outer sides of the wearer's breast, which provides additional inward and upward support. The push up support portion 703, as shown, may interact with the under and outer sides of the wearer's breast.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 3, the stitching or seams 806, 807, 811, 812, 305, 405, 310, 410 may preferably be on the interior of the cross-over brassier 800 such that these seams are not visible on the exterior.

[0055] In one embodiment the fastener 840 may attach to the brassiere lining 350, 351 and not the cup portions 805, 810. The stitching for the fastener 840 may preferably be on the interior.

[0056] 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.

[0057] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a rear interior view of one embodiment of a brassiere of the present disclosure. As shows in FIG. 4, the shoulder pad pockets 333, 334 may preferably be attached to or an integral part of the back straps 845, 850. The shoulder pad pockets 333, 334 may contain removable shoulder pads 905, 910.

[0058] The brassiere 800 is shown having straps that create a supportive vector that is upward and inward when worn. The brassiere 800 may have wide straps 815, 820, 845, 850 to enhance comfort. The brassiere 800 may be preferably made from moisture-wicking fabric and, as shown, may have a front open design. Preferably the bra has a reinforced lateral cup and fabric. In alternative embodiments, the bra of the present disclosure may have a rear open design.

[0059] The straps 815, 820, 845, 850 as shown and configured, create a supportive vector that is upward and inward, which prevents the wearer's breasts from falling/moving outward and inferiorly (downward). The wide straps 815, 820, 845, 850 may enhance comfort and disperse the pressure of the straps 815, 820, 845, 850 on the shoulders to a wider surface area. The moisture-wicking fabric may prevent or manage perspiration and may enhance comfort to the wearer.

[0060] The front open design makes the brassiere 800 easy to wear and put on. Once substantially donned, the user may connect the fastener 840 to complete the fit. The reinforced lateral (side) cup and fabric may substantially prevent lateral migration of breasts and/or breast implants.

[0061] The brassiere 800 is unlike prior bras because the straps 815, 820, 845, 850 create a supportive vector that is upward and inward and it has layered cups and reinforced fabric, which prevents lateral migration of implants, especially during sleep.

[0062] Preferably the brassiere 800 is made from a fabric material that is lightweight, flexible, elastic or stretchy, smooth, and soft. Preferably, the fabric material of brassiere 800 may have a grain or grain lines that run in the direction of arrows 100 and 101 (substantially vertically). This provides the straps 815, 820, 845, 850 with additional upward and inward supportive vectors. The reinforced vertical fabric and cup may hug the lateral aspect of the breast and the straps 815, 820, 845, 850 are configured to orient and support the breast in a vector that is both superiorly and medially (upward and inward).

[0063] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a closeup front exterior view of one embodiment of a brassiere of the present disclosure showing the fastener fastened. As shown in FIG. 5, one embodiment of the fastener 840 may be a strip of fabric that is attachable to both cup portions 805, 810 of brassiere 800. As shown, the fastener 840 may be attached to the right cup portion 805 by stitching 502. In various embodiments, the fastener may be permanently attached to one of the cup portions and removably attached to the other cup portion. In other embodiments, the fastener may be removably attached to both cup portions. When the fastener 840 is engaged, the brassiere 800 is kept substantially in/ place on the user after being donned. When the fastener 840 is disengaged, the user may doff the brassiere 800.

[0064] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a closeup front interior view of one embodiment of a brassiere of the present disclosure showing the fastener fastened and showing the adjustability of the fastener. FIG. 6 shows that the fastener 840 may be permanently and securely attached via stitching 502 to one of the two cup portions, in this case the right cup portion 805. The other end of the fastener may be removably affixed to the left cup portion 810. Preferably, the fastener 840 is adjustable, which allows the user to ensure a proper fit when the bra 800 is donned. As shown in FIG. 6, the fastener may have connectors, such as studs or snaps 605, 610, 615 at one end that removably attaches to the left cup portion 810. The user can select which snap 605, 610, 615 they want to use to make the fit tighter or looser, as desired by the user. Although snaps are shown, the fastener may end with any connection device, such as hook and loop, clasps, friction snaps, male/female connectors, buttons and slits, and the like that are configured to physically, but removably connect the fastener to the portion cup. The left cup portion 810 preferably has a connector that matingly, but removably engages with connectors on the fastener 840.

[0065] FIG. 7 is an illustration of one embodiment of a cup pad of a brassiere of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7, the cup pad 915 may substantially be of a Reuleaux triangular shape. The cup pad insert may be configured to be placed within one of the cup pockets and may provide upward and overall support. The cup pad 915 may be a foam, gel, or other firm and supporting material. Preferably, the cup pad 915 is soft and comfortable. The cup pad 915 may have a gel pushup support portion 702 that may be configured to provide additional lift and support to a wearer's breast. The cup pad 915 may be at least twice the thickness of the rest of the bra. The reinforced/pushup support portion 702 may provide additional support under and around the breasts to keep them comfortably in place in a lifted and inward position.

[0066] FIG. 8 is an illustration of one embodiment of a shoulder pad of a brassiere of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 8, the shoulder pad 910 may be substantially crescent, rectangular, and/or curved in shape. The shoulder pad 910 may be configured to be placed within the shoulder pad pockets and may provide inward support and comfort. The shoulder pad 910 may be a foam, gel, cloth, or other flexible and supporting material. Preferably, the shoulder pad 910 is soft and comfortable.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.