BRASSIERE ERGONOMICALLY CONFIGURED TO BETTER SUPPORT IMPLANT-BASED AUGMENTED BREASTS

Abstract

A brassiere adapted for use by wearers with healed augmented breasts includes a pair of short, flexible underwires, each of which are encased within a narrow letter U shaped channel, and a pair of deep-profile cups with each cup being positioned above and contoured by a respective underwire of the pair of underwires. A pair of support frames is positioned on an inner side of either cup, each support frame of the pair of support frames being configured to have a rounded bottom that contours the bottom edge of the respective cup under a respective breast of a user and a vertical side edge that contours the upper outer side of the brassiere. A center gore is disposed between the pair of cups and extends between the cups. An adjustable band is configured to wrap around the back of a user and has a pair of embedded cushioning strips.

Claims

1. A brassiere comprising: a pair of short, flexible underwires, each underwire of the pair of underwires encased in a narrow U shaped channel; and a pair of deep-profile cups, each cup of the pair of cups being positioned above a respective underwire of the pair of underwires.

2. The brassiere according to claim 1, further comprising a pair of support frames positioned on an inner side of either cup of the pair of cups, each support frame of the pair of support frames being configured to have a rounded bottom that contours the bottom edge of the respective cup under a respective breast of a user and a vertical side edge that contours the upper outer side of the brassiere.

3. The brassiere according to claim 2, further comprising a center gore disposed between the pair of cups.

4. The brassiere according to claim 3, further comprising a band configured to wrap around the back of the user, the band having a pair of embedded cushioning strips.

5. The brassiere according to claim 4, wherein each cup of the pair of cups has at least two layers, both molded and either lined or unlined.

6. The brassiere according to claim 4, wherein each support frame of the pair of support frames includes a widened portion that extends towards the center of the brassiere, the widened portion of each support frame being configured to be positioned horizontally across from an outer corner of a respective cup of the pair of cups when the brassiere is worn by the user.

7. The brassiere according to claim 4, wherein the center gore is positioned to align with a lowest end of each cup of the pair of cups.

8. The brassiere according to claim 4, wherein the center gore includes a front closure configured to open and close the brassiere from a front side of the brassiere.

9. The brassiere according to claim 8, wherein the band includes a rear closure positioned opposite to the front closure with respect to the front side and a rear side of the brassiere and configured to open and close the brassiere from the rear side of the brassiere.

10. The brassiere according to claim 9, wherein the rear closure is a hook and eye closure.

11. The brassiere according to claim 5, wherein the molded layer is formed of molded memory foam material or unlined fabric.

12. The brassiere according to claim 4, wherein each support frame is composed of a no-stretch or low-stretch microfiber.

13. The brassiere according to claim 4, wherein each support frame is composed of a material selected from a group consisting of a power mesh, a 3D knit fabric, and a fabric.

14. The brassiere according to claim 4, further comprising a pair of shoulder straps, each shoulder strap of the pair of shoulder straps extending from a top side of a respective cup of the pair of cups to a top side of the band, the pair of shoulder straps including a padding at a shoulder region of each shoulder strap.

15. The brassiere according to claim 5, wherein the support frames are affixed to the respective cups on the inner side of the cups such that the support frame is configured to be closest to the breast of the user, the lined layer is disposed on an outer side of the support frame, and the unlined layer is disposed on an outer side of the lined layer.

16. The brassiere according to claim 5, wherein the support frame is configured to be closest to breast of user and the unlined layer is disposed on a top side of the unlined layer.

17. The brassiere according to claim 4, wherein the support frames are affixed to the respective cups on the inner side of the cups such that the support frame is configured to be closest to the breast of the user.

18. The brassiere according to claim 4, wherein each support frame of the pair of support frames includes an upper support component and a separate lower support component.

19. The brassiere according to claim 18, wherein the upper support component of each support frame overlaps with the lower support component of the respective support frame.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] For a complete understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0018] FIG. 1 is a front view of a brassiere in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 2 is a dimetric view of a brassiere in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of a brassiere in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 4 is a side view of a brassiere in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 5 is a front view of a brassiere with dotted lines showing inner components in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 6 is a depiction of common semi-spherical round implant shape having symmetrically dispersed volume and providing a round breast structure; and

[0024] FIG. 7 is a side-profile comparison depicting anatomical variances between implant-based augmented vs non-augmented breast tissue.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will be readily understood that the components of the present embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the Figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the brassiere of the present embodiments, as presented in the Figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments, as claimed, but is merely representative of selected embodiments.

[0026] Reference throughout this specification to a select embodiment, one embodiment, or an embodiment means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment described herein. Thus, appearances of the phrases a select embodiment, in one embodiment, or in an embodiment in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment.

[0027] FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate an embodiment of the invention in the form of a brassiere 1 having a pair of cups 2, 3. As shown in FIG. 1, a pair of underwires 4, 5 contour the bottom side of the cups 2, 3, respectively. Specifically, a first underwire 4 contours the bottom side of a right cup 2 and a second underwire 5 contours the bottom side of a left cup 3. The underwires 4, 5 each have a general narrow letter U shape that contours the bottom edge of the respective cups 2, 3. The U shape of the underwires 4, 5 may be positioned with the base of the U towards the center of the brassiere 1 or positioned with the base of the U away from the center of the brassiere 1. The underwires 4, 5, may be made of a flexible material exhibiting a memory of its original shape. For example, the underwires 4, 5 may be made of a titanium composite. The underwires 4, 5 may further include a plastic coating on either end to soften the edges and avoid poking a wearer when the brassiere is in use.

[0028] A center gore 6 extends between the cups 2, 3. A pair of shoulder straps 7, 8 extends from a top side of each of the cups 2, 3 respectively. Specifically, a first shoulder strap 7 extends from a top side of the right cup 2 and a second shoulder strap extends from a top side of the left cup 3.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, cups 2, 3 are molded deeper than conventional cups to conform to the shape of the breasts of the wearer/user. The curvature of the cups 2, 3 together with the relatively low position of the center gore 6 allow for the center gore 6 to be positioned relatively close to the sternum of the user when the user is wearing the brassiere. This positioning of the center gore 6 allows for a decreased length of the underwires 3, 4 and a better fit around the relatively narrow platform/root of breast that has been augmented.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, the shoulder straps 7, 8 may include adjustment devices 9, 10 to allow for vertical adjustment of the brassiere with respect to the torso of the user. Specifically, as illustrated in the Figures, adjustment device 9 provides for vertical adjustment capabilities of shoulder strap 7 and adjustment device 10 provides for vertical adjustment capabilities of shoulder strap 8.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 3, a band 11 is configured to wrap around the back of the user to connect the outer sides of each of the cups 2, 3 by passing underneath the user's armpits. Each of the shoulder straps 7, 8, which extend from the top side of the cups 2, 3 connects to a top side of the band 11. In one embodiment, the band 11 may have a rear closure 12. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the rear closure 12 is in the form of a hook and eye closure mechanism. A hook and eye closure typically consists of a hook affixed to one side of a garment and configured to engage with a loop affixed to another side of a garment.

[0032] Also shown in FIG. 3 is the interior side of the cups 2, 3, which each have a support frame 13, 14 affixed to the interior side wall of the cups 2, 3. The support frame 14 is affixed to the left cup 3 and has a general shape resembling an inverted letter J. The support frame 13 is affixed to the right cup 2 and has a general shape resembling the letter J. The lower edge of each of the support frames 13, 14 contour the shape of the lower edge of the cups 2, 3, respectively, providing each breast of the wearer with support from below the breast. Notably, the arc made by the lower edge of each of the support frames 13, 14 spans across the entire length of the bottom edge of the respective cup from an inner edge to an outer edge of the cup. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the support frame 14, which is affixed to cup 3, spans across the entire bottom edge 30 of the cup 3 from the inner edge 32 of the cup 3 to the outer edge 34 of the cup 3. As such, the lower edge 140 of support frame 14 is rounded to contour the bottom edge 30 of the cup 3. The support frame 13, which is affixed to cup 2, is configured to be a mirrored copy of support frame 14.

[0033] The support frames 13, 14 contour the outer edges 26, 36 of the cups 2, 3 respectively. The support frames 13, 14 also include a widened portion positioned vertically above the lower edge of the support frames 13, 14. For example, support frame 14 includes a widened portion 145 positioned vertically above the lower edge 140 and along an outer edge 36 of the cup 3. The widened portion 145 of support frame 14 extends towards the center of the brassiere 1. The widened portion of each support frame 14, 15 is configured to be positioned horizontally across from an outer corner 28, 38 of a respective cup 2, 3 of the pair of cups when the brassiere 1 is worn by the user. As mentioned previously, the support frame 13, which is affixed to cup 2, is configured to be a mirrored copy of support frame 14, and as such, includes a widened portion (not shown) that extends from an outer edge 26 of cup 2 towards the center of the brassiere 1. The support provided by the support frames 13, 14 prevents breast implant displacement and hinders implants from falling to the side of the breast tissue, cradling and providing support. As such, the position of the breast implants within the augmented breasts is essentially maintained with each breast implant being held front and center.

[0034] The support frames 13, 14 may each be made of a single or double layer, low-stretch or non-stretch microfiber, foam, a 3D knit fabric or made of a power mesh. In either case, the support frame should be made of a material that is either non-stretch or has minimal stretching capability in order to provide the support required from the support frame 13, 14. The support frames may be comprised in one whole frame or two separate pieces, still both creating the similar letter J.

[0035] The band 11 may have embedded cushioning strips 15, 16 where the band 11 attaches to the outer edge of the cups 2, 3. The cushioning strips 15, 16 function to prevent the brassiere 1 from shifting upwards on the chest of the user as they wear the brassiere 1. In addition, the shoulder straps 7, 8 may include padding at a region configured to lay on a top side of a user's shoulders (referred to herein as a shoulder region). The padding at the shoulder region of each shoulder strap 7, 8 provides comfort at the points of the brassiere 1 that necessarily hold the additional weight of the breast implants within the augmented breasts of the user.

[0036] In one embodiment, each cup of the pair of cups 2, 3 has two or more layers. One layer may be a thin molded layer made of a memory foam material that conforms to the shape of the respective breast. Unlike conventional shallow molded cups, a molded layer of memory foam would be molded deeper than United States and International grading sizing standards for its retrospective size, capable of more readily conforming to the shape of a breast, providing functionality. Another layer of the cup may be an unlined layer. In another embodiment, the cup may be compromised of double layer unlined molded fabric.

[0037] Where the brassiere 1 includes cups 2, 3 with two or more layers and one layer may be thin deep molded layer made of a memory foam material, a support frame may be also included for additional support. In such an embodiment, the layering of the brassiere at the point where a support frame (13 or 14) is present would follow the following sequence from the inner-most layer to the outer-most layer: the support frame, the thin lined molded layer made of a memory foam material, and a single layer of soft microfiber.

[0038] Where the brassiere 1 includes cups 2, 3 with only an unlined single or double layer, a support frame is still included. In such an embodiment, the layering of the brassiere at the point where a support frame (13 or 14) is present would follow the following sequence from the inner-most layer to the outer-most layer: the support frame, and an unlined cup. In either of the embodiments mentioned above, the support frames 13, 14 are positioned at the inner-most layer so as to sit directly against the user's breast when the brassiere 1 is being worn.

[0039] As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the center gore 6 is positioned to align with the lowest end of each cup 2, 3 of the pair of cups. As mentioned above, the low positioning of the center gore 6 helps to decrease length of the underwire 4, 5 necessary to provide adequate support to the breasts, thereby providing a better fit around the relatively narrow roots of augmented breasts without painful digging. The center gore 6 may include a front closure 17, thereby allowing the brassiere 1 to be opened from the front. In an embodiment that has a front closure 17 in the center gore 6 and a rear closure 12 in the band 11, a user is able to open the brassiere 1 from the front side, the rear side, or both the front side and rear side. This not only gives the user options with which to open the brassiere 1, but also enables disassembly of the brassiere 1 into two pieces for the purposes of facilitating cleaning of the brassiere 1. In such a configuration, the rear closure 12 would be positioned opposite to the front closure 17 with respect to the front side and the rear side of the brassiere 1.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 5, an embodiment of the brassiere 1 may include a support frame that is composed of two pieces instead of a single piece. Instead of a single support frame 14, an upper support component 18 may form a portion of the support frame that extends vertically on the outer lateral side of each of the user's breasts. A lower support component 19 may form a portion of the support frame that extends horizontally across the lower side of each of the user's breasts. FIG. 5 shows, in various dotted lines, the positioning comparison between the single support frame 14 and the bisected support frame composed of the upper support component 18 and the lower support component 19. Notably, an overlap portion exists between the upper support component 18 and the lower support component 19 at the lower portion of the upper support component 18 and the outer lateral portion of the lower support component 19.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 6, the silicone breast implant 50 has a semicircular shape, which gives an augmented breast a different overall shape than that of a natural breast. A characteristic common among breast implants is a radial symmetry from the top point of the curvature, as shown by the curved lines extending downward from the top point of the curvature in FIG. 6.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 7, a silhouette 60 of a person with augmented breasts 61 is shown. The augmented breasts 61 present a greater forward projection 63 than that of natural breasts 62. Notably, the natural breasts 62 have a more malleable texture while the augmented breasts 61 would have a less malleable texture and present a more semi-spherical shape.

[0043] This invention may be applied to wearers with saline or silicone implants that have been either placed sub pectoral or on top of muscle. Wearers may have sought breast augmentation to enhance (cosmetic/aesthetic), rebuild (post breast-feeding/post-weight loss), or reconstruct (post unilateral or bilateral mastectomy).

[0044] It is anticipated that the brassiere will be made in a wide variety of styles, as well as swim wear. It is also anticipated that the brassiere will come in sizes 28-36 band and CH cup.

[0045] Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood that modifications and other embodiments will occur. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and other modifications and embodiments are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. Additionally, while specific terms are used, they are meant in a generic and descriptive sense only and are not intended to restrict the scope of the invention.