APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING BRA FITMENT

Abstract

This invention relates to bra fitment using a bra fitment apparatus to draw the cups of a bra closer together when worn by a user. The bra fitment apparatus provides two releasable clips connected by a strap to be used in methods that attach the clips to the cups of a bra to draw them together and reshape and reposition the breasts.

Claims

1. A method for adjusting the position and shape of the breasts of a woman, comprising the steps of: a. Providing a bra comprising a first cup and a second cup connected by a bridge, the first cup defining a first medial edge and the second cup defining a second medial edge; b. Placing the bra on a woman with a first breast received and supported within the first cup and a second breast received and supported in the second cup to position the first breast and the second breast in a first undesired position; c. Providing a bra fitment apparatus, comprising a first clip, a second clip and a strap secured at a first end to the first clip and at a second end to the second clip, the first clip having a first inner jaw and a first outer jaw, the second clip having a second inner jaw and a second outer jaw, the first inner jaw and the first outer jaw of the first clip secure the first clip to the first medial edge of the first cup and the second inner jaw and the second outer jaw of the second clip secure the second clip to the first medial edge of the first cup without generating substantial wear to a material of the first cup and the second cup; d. repositioning the breasts from the first undesirable position to a second desired position; e. selecting a first selected position on an first medial edge of the first cup above the bridge of the bra to secure the first clip to provide a desired aesthetic and to secure the breasts in the second desired position; f. securing the first clip of the bra tensioning apparatus to the first medial edge of the first cup wherein securing the first clip comprises applying pressure between the first outer jaw positioned against a first outer surface of the first cup and the first inner jaw positioned against a first inner surface of the first cup at the first selected position along the first medial edge; g. Selecting a second selected position on the second medial edge of the second cup above the bridge of the bra to secure the second clip to provide a desired aesthetic and to secure the breasts in the second desired position; h. securing the second clip of the bra tensioning apparatus to the second medial edge of the second cup above the bridge of the bra wherein securing the second clip comprises applying pressure between the second outer jaw positioned against a second outer surface of the second cup and the second inner jaw positioned against a second inner surface of the second cup at the second selected position along the second medial edge; i. generating a tension in the strap between the first clip and the second clip to draw the first cup toward the medial line and the second cup toward the medial line of the woman wearing the bra to hold the breasts in the second desired position.

2. The method of claim 1, the step of securing the first clip further comprising the first inner jaw generating friction against the inner surface and the first outer jaw generating friction against the outer surface of the first cup to secure the first clip to the first medial edge 148 of the first cup.

3. The method of claim 1, the step of securing the first clip further comprising the first inner jaw and the first outer jaw receiving a first hem to the first medial edge 148 of the first cup to secure the first clip to the first medial edge 148 of the first cup.

4. The method of claim 2, the step of securing the second clip further comprising the second inner jaw generating friction against the inner surface and the second outer jaw generating friction against the outer surface of the second cup to secure the second clip to the second medial edge 148 of the second cup.

5. The method of claim 3, the step of securing the second clip further comprising the second inner jaw and the second outer jaw receiving a second hem at the second medial edge 148 of the second cup to secure the second clip to the second medial edge 148 of the second cup.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a bra tensioning apparatus and method of bra fitment in accordance with aspects of the present inventions;

[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view an exemplary embodiment of a tensioning apparatus in accordance with aspects of the present inventions;

[0011] FIG. 3A illustrates a top view an exemplary embodiment of a bra tensioning apparatus in accordance with aspects of the present inventions;

[0012] FIG. 3B illustrates a side view an exemplary embodiment of a bra tensioning apparatus in accordance with aspects of the present inventions;

[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view an exemplary embodiment of a bra tensioning apparatus in accordance with aspects of the present inventions;

[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view an exemplary embodiment of a bra clip in accordance with aspects of the present inventions;

[0015] FIG. 6A illustrates a frontal view of a bra tensioning apparatus secured to a bra in accordance with aspects of the present inventions;

[0016] FIG. 6B illustrates a partial top view of a bra tensioning apparatus secured to a bra in accordance with aspects of the present inventions;

[0017] FIG. 7A illustrates a frontal view of a bra positioning the breasts of a woman in a distended position; and

[0018] FIG. 7B illustrates a frontal view of a bra and breasts of FIG. 7A with a bra tensioning apparatus positioning the breasts in a in accordance with aspects of the present inventions.

[0019] All Figures are illustrated for ease of explanation of the basic teachings of the present invention only; the extensions of the Figures with respect to number, position, relationship and dimensions of the parts to form the preferred embodiment will be explained or will be within the skill of the art after the following description has been read and understood. Further, the exact dimensions and dimensional proportions to conform to specific force, weight, strength, and similar requirements for various applications will likewise be within the skill of the art after the following description has been read and understood.

[0020] Where used in various Figures of the drawings, the same numerals designate the same or similar parts. Furthermore, when the terms upper, lower, medial, lateral, forward, rear, first, second, inside, outside, and similar descriptive and relative terms are used, the terms should be understood to reference only the structure shown in the drawings and utilized only to facilitate describing the illustrated embodiments. Further, the term top and side are used differently in describing the Figures showing the bra fitment apparatus in isolation and the bra fitment apparatus secured to a bra on a user. The differences in nomenclature will be understood by those skilled in the art upon review of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The Figures generally illustrate exemplary embodiments of a bra fitment apparatus 10 and methods that include aspects of the present inventions. The particularly illustrated embodiments of the bra fitment apparatus 10 have been chosen for ease of explanation and understanding of various aspects of the present inventions. These illustrated embodiments are not meant to limit the scope of coverage but, instead, to assist in understanding the context of the language used in this specification and in the appended claims. Accordingly, the appended claims may encompass variations of bra fitment apparatus 10, its components and methods of use that differ to varying degrees from the precisely illustrated embodiments.

[0022] The present inventions provide a bra fitment apparatus 10 for use in association with adjusting the fitment of a bra 90 and associated methods for use in shaping, positioning and/or constraining the movement of a wearer's breasts. The bra fitment apparatus 10 is generally configured to be secured in tension between the first cup 94 and the second cup 94 of a bra 90 being worn by a user 100. The bra fitment apparatus 10 generally includes a first clip 14 and a second clip 16 that are connected to one another by a band 16. The clips 14, 16 are generally configured to be secured to opposing medial edges 148 of the cups 94, 96. The positioning of the clips 14, 16 and tension in the band 12 being selected by the user 100 to reposition and/or reshape her breasts relative to her breasts' original position in the bra 90 alone. The first clip 14 and the second clip 16 are generally configured to maintain sufficient tension in the band 12 between first cup 94 and the second cup 96 to hold the breasts in the desired position. The clips 14, 16 are generally configured to maintain this tension without damaging the material of the bra 90 or slipping or otherwise releasing from the medial edge 148 of the cups 94, 96 of the bra 90.

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary application of bra fitment apparatus 10 and methods in accordance with the present inventions on a woman 100. As shown, woman 100 is wearing a bra 90 including a first cup 94 and a second cup 96. The first cup 94 and the second cup 96 are connected by bridge 92. Shoulder straps 98 of bra 90 provide support for the first cup 94 and second cup 96 in the illustrated bra type. A first undesirable position 110 for the bra 90 is illustrated by the dashed lines. This first undesirable position 110 is typical of many women's bras that may be misfit or bra's that may be worn, fatigued or otherwise damaged. The second desired position 120 achieved using the bra fitment apparatus 10 and associated methods in accordance with the present inventions is shown in solid lines in FIG. 1. The positioning of the bra fitment apparatus 10 between the first cup 94 and the second cup 94 can generate the repositioning of the breasts for many woman's body types and breast sizes. However, the repositioning using the bra fitment apparatus 10 in accordance with the present inventions is most pronounced in women with larger breasts. The second desired position 120 may be found more desirable by many women because the medial movement of the breasts can improve the fit of many types of shirts, blouses and dresses. With many shirts, blouses and dresses, the lateral displacement of the breasts into the undesirable position 110 while wearing a misfit or can cause the shirts, blouses and dresses to drape laterally past the wearers abdomen. This can create the illusion of greater size and girth of the abdominal region or otherwise create an appearance in the shirt, blouse or dress that was not intended by the designer and/or is not wanted by the woman wearing the shirt, blouse or dress. Further, the tension provided by the bra fitment apparatus 10 to cups 94, 96 can vertically lift the breasts giving them a less saggy and more youthful appearance as may be desired by the wearer and further provide flexibility in positioning and shaping the breasts for a users desired look.

[0024] FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B illustrate details of an exemplary bra fitment apparatus 10 in accordance with aspects of the present inventions. The illustrated bra apparatus 10 generally includes a first clip 14 connected by a strap 12 to a second clip 16. The clips 14, 16 each include an inner jaw 22 and an outer jaw 24. The clips 14, 16 are generally configured to be removable secured to the medial edge 148 of a cup 94, 96. This configuration permits the clips 14, 16 to be used on different bras and to be repeatedly secured, removed and resecured at various locations to achieve the desired look and breast positioning during bra fitment. The jaws 22, 24 are configured to atraumatically secure the bra fitment apparatus 10 to the material that makes up the medial edge 148 of the bra 90. As illustrated, the jaws 22, 24 are held together by a detent, not shown, on a cap 26 when the cap 26 is placed in the closed position, as illustrated. Those skilled in the art will recognize the present clip and its mechanism of operation upon review of the present disclosure. The clips 14, 16 are typically made of metal or plastic but may be made from other materials or combinations of materials. Generally, the clips 14, 16 are configured so that the clips 14, 16 do not damage the material of the bra 90 by cutting, snagging or penetrating the material. Such snagging or penetration of the material would cause unwanted excessive and premature wear to the material of the bra 90. Although not shown, certain coatings and inserts may be used that reduce the likelihood of damage to the material of the bra 90 while allowing the clips 14, 16 to adequately secure the material under tension. Clips 14, 16 are connected to one another by a strap 12. Typically, the strap 12 is made from a cloth, nylon, vinyl or leather. In certain embodiments however, the strap 12 may actually made from a rigid or hinged metal or plastic materials. Regardless, the material is generally selected to have the strength and, for visible applications, aesthetic properties desired by a user 100. The strap 12 is generally configured to be a non-elastic or have only a limited amount of elasticity so as to eliminate or minimize stretching while bra fitment apparatus 10 is under tension. The strap 12 of FIG. 2 is configured as a loop of flexible material that is secured to the clips 14, 16 by an eyelet secured to the clips for exemplary. The straps shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B also secured to the clips 14, 16 through eyelets but are individually sewn around the eyelets at both ends for exemplary purposes. The straps 12 may be sewn directly to the clips 14, 16, glued to the clips 14, 16, received in a channel or slot and crimped to the clips 14, 16, or otherwise secured to the clips 14, 16 as will be recognized by those skilled in the art upon review of the present disclosure. Typically, the bra fitment apparatus 10 will be configured with an overall length between one inch and four inches to properly accommodate various sizes and shapes of women and their breasts. In operation, the bra fitment apparatus 10 is generally configured to pull the medial edges 148 of the first cup 94 and the second cup 96 from within about 1.5 inches and 3.5 inches of one another and, more typically, 96 from within about 2.0 inches and 3.0 inches of one another, depending on the anatomy of the woman 100. In certain embodiments, the strap 12 may be provided with a configuration or mechanism for adjustment of its length as will be recognized by those skilled in the art upon review of the present disclosure to allow proper fitment to different types of women.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 4, the bra fitment apparatus 10 may be configured to have ornamental features that provide either an enhanced public or private aesthetic desired by the user. As such, the clips 14, 16 and band 12 may have ornamental features or designs. Further, the band 12 might include a connector 30. The connector 30 may be configured as an eye as shown in FIG. 4. The connector 30 may allow the permanent or removable attachment of various ornamental features to the bra fitment apparatus 10. As shown, a display surface 32 is removably attached to the bra fitment apparatus 10 by a fastener 34 at connector 30. The display surface 32 is illustrated as a square for exemplary purposes. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a variety of sizes and shapes of display surfaces 32 may provide a desired aesthetic. The display surface 32 may itself have an ornamental shape, may include desired jewels, gems, designs, colors or other elements desired by a designer.

[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a clip 14, 16 in accordance with aspects of the present invention. As illustrated, clip 14, 16 includes an outer jaw 24 and an inner jaw 22. The jaws 22, 24 are held together and biased against one another by a spring, not shown. The force generated by the jaws 22, 24 is sufficient to secure the clip 14, 16 to the medial edge 148 of a cup 94, 96 of a bra 90 while the bra fitment apparatus is holding the breasts in a second desired position. The illustrated clip 14, 16 includes rounded teeth 26 and a flange 28 to allow a user to force the jaws apart and release the medial edge 148 of the bra 90.

[0027] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an embodiment of a bra fitment apparatus 10 and methods in accordance with embodiments of the present inventions. FIG. 6A illustrates a bra fitment apparatus 10 secured between cups 94, 96 of a bra 90. As illustrated, the bra fitment apparatus 10 is secured above the bridge 92 of the bra 90. The inner jaw 22 and the outer jaw 24 of the first clip 14 is secure about a hem 144 of the first cup 24. Similarly, the inner jaw 22 and the outer jaw 24 of the second clip 16 is secure about hem 146 of the first second clip 26. Inner jaw 22 is also biased against an inner surface 152 of the material 50 of the first cup 94 of bra 90 as well as outer jaw 24 through the material 150 of the first cup 94. The outer jaw 24 is biased against the outer surface 154 of the material 50 of the bra cup 94 of bra 90 as well as the opposing inner jaw 22. The upper jaws lines of force 130 show tension exerted to draw the breasts inward and/or upward when

[0028] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate methods and bra fitment apparatus 10 as well as certain advantages and benefits of the method from adjusting the position and shape of the breasts of a woman in according with embodiments of the present inventions. FIG. 7A illustrates a woman 100 wearing a bra 90 with the breasts being in a first undesirable position by first cup 94 and second cup 96. The breasts at cleavage 190 is undefined in that there is no significant definition of the breasts at cleavage 190. The breast in the first cup 94 is sagging downward and extends laterally beyond the woman's rib cage by a distance 164. The breast in the second cup 96 is also sagging downward and extends laterally beyond the woman's rib cage by a distance 166. FIG. 7B adds a bra fitment apparatus 10 between the first medial edge 148 of the first cup 94 and the second medial edge 148 of the second cup 96 using methods in accordance with embodiments of the present inventions. In using the illustrated method, the woman 100 has raised her right breast a distance 184 and has a reduced lateral distance 177 that her right breast overhangs her rib cage. The woman 100 has also raised her left breast a distance 184 and has a reduced lateral distance 177 that her left breast overhangs her rib cage. In doing so, the woman 100 has created what is known as enhanced cleavage. Cleavage 190 is enhanced when the breasts are drawn upward and/or inward, in this case by methods using in accordance with the present inventions, to create right breast definition 194 along the medial aspect of the right breast and the left breast definition 196 along the medial aspect of the left breast.

[0029] In application of the methods, a woman 100 would be provide and put on a bra 90. The bra 90 would have a first cup 94 to receive her right breast and a second cup 96 to receive her left breast. Each cup 94, 96 would define a medial edge 148. The medial edge 148 would be the edge of the cup 94, 96 adjacent the woman's cleavage 190. The bra 90 would also typically have a pair of shoulder straps 98. Whether for being misfit, worn, or simply aesthetically not pleasing to the woman, her breasts they are supported by the bra 90 may be considered to be in a first undesirable position at the woman's discretion. In order to change the position without changing bra 90, the woman 100 would provide a bra fitment apparatus 10. The bra fitment apparatus 10 would include a first clip 14 secured at a first end to a strap 12 and a second clip 15 secured at a second end to the strap. The first clip 14 and the second clip 16 are configured to be removably secured to the medial edges 148 of the first cup 94 and the second cup 96. The first clip 14 has a first inner jaw 22 and a first outer jaw 24. The second clip 16 has a second inner jaw 22 and a second outer jaw 24. The first inner jaw 22 and the first outer jaw 24 of the each clip 14, 16 are configured to receive and secure the first clip to the first medial edge 148 of a cup 14, 16. The first inner jaw 22 and the first outer jaw 24 are generally configured to secure the medial edges 148 of the cups 14, 16 without generating substantial wear to a material 150 of the first cup 14 and the second cup 16. The inner jaws 22 and outer jaws 24 of clips 14, 16 may frictionally secure the clips 14, 16 to the material 150 of the bra 90. With a frictionally secured clip 14, 16, the inner jaw 22 generating friction against the inner surface 152 and the first outer jaw 24 generating friction against the outer surface 154 to secure the clip 14, 16 to the medial edge 148 of the cup 94, 96. Alternatively or in addition, the inner jaws 22 and outer jaws 24 of clips 14, 16 may mechanically secure the clips 14, 16 to the bra 90. With a mechanically secured clip 14, 16, the inner jaws 22 and the outer jaws 24 receive and mechanically engage a hem 144, 146 on the medial edge 148 of the cups 94, 96 to secure the clips 14, 16 to the medial edge 148 of the cups 14, 16. To reposition her breasts, the woman 100 may first repositioning her breasts from the first undesirable position 110 to a second desired position 120. To achieve the second desired position 120, the woman 100 selects a first selected position on a first medial edge 148 of the first cup 14 above the bridge 92 of the bra 90 to secure the first clip 14. The woman 100 then secures the first clip 14 of the bra tensioning apparatus 10 to the first medial edge 148 of the first cup 14. The bra tensioning apparatus is generally secured to the material 150 of the cups 14, 16 by applying pressure between the first outer jaw 24 positioned against a first outer surface 154 of the first cup 14 and the first inner jaw 22 positioned against a first inner surface 152 of the first cup 14 at the first selected position along the first medial edge 148. The clips 14, 16 are configured so that they may be removably secured to the cups 14, 16 so that the clips 14, 16 may be initially secured to the cups 14, 16 and, if the desired breast repositioning is not achieved, clips 14, 16 may be released and removed from the cups to allow them to be attached to a different location on the cups 94, 96 or to the cups 94, 96 of a different bra 90. Based on estimates to achieve the second desired position and/or the aesthetic desired by the woman 100 for an outfit, the woman 100 secures the first clip 14 of the bra tensioning apparatus 10 to the first medial edge 148 of the first cup 94. The securing of the first clip 14 typically includes applying pressure between the first outer jaw 24 positioned against a first outer surface 154 of the first cup 94 and the first inner jaw 22 positioned against a first inner surface 152 of the first cup 94 at the first selected position along the first medial edge 148. Again based on estimates to achieve the second desired position 120 and/or the aesthetic desired by the woman 100, the woman selects a second selected position along the second medial edge 148 of the second cup 16 above the bridge 92 of the bra 90 to secure the second clip 16. Woman 100 then secures the second clip 16 of the bra tensioning apparatus 10 to the second medial edge 148 of the second cup 16 above the bridge 92 of the bra 90. The second clip 16 is secured by applying pressure between the second outer jaw 24 positioned against a second outer surface 154 of the second cup 16 and the second inner jaw 22 positioned against a second inner surface 152 of the second cup 16 at the second selected position along the second medial edge 148. Once the bra fitment apparatus 10 is properly positioned and secured to bra 90, the bra fitment apparatus 10 generates a tension through its strap 12 between the first clip 14 and the second clip 16 to draw the first cup 94 toward the medial line and the second cup 96 toward the medial line of the woman 100 wearing the bra 90 to hold the breasts in the second desired position 120.

[0030] The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary embodiments of the present inventions. Upon review of the specification, one skilled in the art will readily recognize from such discussion, and from the accompanying figures and claims, that various changes, modifications and variations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. This includes but is not limited to the order of the steps of the methods for using the bra fitment apparatus 10.