Polymeric breast support structure

Abstract

A polymeric breast support structure to be incorporated into a breast support garment such as a bra, bustier, swimsuit, or similar, comprising a soft polymeric material and a wide cross-section that provides support without discomfort.

Claims

1. A polymeric breast support structure of a breast support garment comprising: a right breast support, wherein the right breast support comprises a curved contoured member that is configured to accommodate a shape of a breast of a user, wherein the curved contoured member comprises a cross-section, wherein the cross-section is between 5 and 15 millimeters long and between 2.5 and 7.5 millimeters wide and comprises no sharp corners, wherein the curved contoured member comprises an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the curved contoured member comprises a sternum end and an axillary end; wherein the curved contoured member is shaped to fit under a typical inframammary fold and to fit around a typical ribcage; wherein the sternum end of the curved contoured member is configured to be located near a user's sternum when the breast support structure and the breast support garment is worn; wherein the axillary end of the curved contoured member is configured to be located under a user's axilla when the breast support structure is worn; wherein the inner surface of the curved contoured member is configured to follow the contour of a human ribcage when the breast support structure and the breast support garment is worn; a left breast support, wherein the left breast support comprises a left curved contoured member, wherein the left curved contoured member comprises an axis and a cross-section perpendicular to the axis, wherein the cross-section is between 5 and 15 millimeters long and between 2.5 and 7.5 millimeters wide and comprises no sharp corners, wherein the left curved contoured member comprises an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the left curved contoured member comprises a sternum end and an axillary end; wherein the axis of the left curved contoured member is shaped to fit under a typical inframammary fold and to fit around a typical ribcage; wherein the sternum end of the left curved contoured member is configured to be located near a user's sternum when the breast support structure and the breast support garment is worn; wherein the axillary end of the left curved contoured member is configured to be located under a user's axilla when the breast support structure and the breast support garment is worn; wherein the inner surface of the left curved contoured member is configured to follow the contour of a human ribcage when the breast support structure and the breast support garment is worn; wherein the right breast support and the left breast support are made of a soft material whose Shore hardness ranges from approximately A20 to A95, which is heat resistant to at least 140 degrees Celsius, and which has a modulus of elasticity below 1000 MPa.

2. The polymeric breast support structure of claim 1, wherein the sternum end of the right breast support is connected to the sternum end of the left breast support at a sternum connection, wherein the sternum connection comprises an outer side and an inner side, wherein the inner side of the sternum connection faces a user's sternum when the polymeric breast support structure is worn, wherein the inner side of the sternum connection is smooth and flat and comprises no grooves.

3. The polymeric breast support structure of claim 1, further comprising: a left side-support panel connected to the axillary end of the left breast support; a right side-support panel connected to the axillary end of the right breast support.

4. The polymeric breast support structure of claim 1, wherein the soft material is a thermoplastic polyurethane.

5. The polymeric breast support structure of claim 1, wherein the soft material is silicone.

6. The polymeric breast support structure of claim 1, wherein the soft material is a thermoplastic.

7. The polymeric breast support structure of claim 1, wherein the soft material is a thermoplastic elastomer.

8. The polymeric breast support structure of claim 1, wherein the soft material is a thermoplastic styrenic block copolymer.

9. The polymeric breast support structure of claim 1, wherein the cross-section of each of the curved members is an oval.

10. The polymeric breast support structure of claim 1, wherein the cross-section of each of the curved members is a rectangle with rounded corners.

11. The polymeric breast support structure of claim 1, wherein the cross-section of each of the curved members is a trapezoid with rounded corners.

12. The polymeric breast support structure of claim 1, wherein the cross-section of each of the curved members is a rounded shape with a flat face, wherein the flat face is located closer to a user's breast when the polymeric breast support structure is worn.

13. The polymeric breast support structure of claim 1 wherein each of the curved members comprises a sternal portion, a middle portion, and an axillary portion, wherein the cross-section of the middle portion has a greater width than at least one of the cross-section of the sternal portion and the cross-section of the axillary portion.

14. The polymeric breast support structure of claim 1, further comprising an underband, wherein the underband is attached to the right breast support and the left breast support, wherein the underband is configured to fit around a user's ribcage under the right breast support and the left breast support, wherein the underband has a thin flat cross-section that may be integrated into the band of a bra.

15. The polymeric breast support structure of claim 1, further comprising a sewing ledge attached to the right breast support and the left breast support, wherein the sewing ledge has a thin flat cross-section that can be sewn to a garment.

16. The polymeric breast support structure of claim 1, wherein the breast support garment is one of the following: a brassiere, a bustier, a swimsuit top, a shapewear top, a camisole.

17. The polymeric breast support structure of claim 1, wherein when the breast support garment is worn by a user, a vertical distance between the sternum end and the lowest point of the user's inframammary fold is between and of a vertical distance between the axillary end and the lowest point of the user's inframammary fold.

18. The polymeric breast support structure of claim 1, wherein when the breast support garment is worn by a user, a vertical distance between the sternum end and the lowest point of the user's inframammary fold is approximately the same as a vertical distance between the axillary end and the lowest point of the user's inframammary fold.

19. The polymeric breast support structure of claim 1, wherein when the breast support garment is worn by a user, a vertical distance between the sternum end and the lowest point of the user's inframammary fold is between and of a vertical distance between the axillary end and the lowest point of the user's inframammary fold.

20. The polymeric breast support structure of claim 1, wherein when the breast support garment is worn by a user, a vertical distance between the sternum end and the lowest point of the user's inframammary fold is approximately of a vertical distance between the axillary end and the lowest point of the user's inframammary fold.

Description

LIST OF FIGURES

(1) FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary polymeric breast support structure for a bra, consistent with some of the embodiments of the present invention;

(2) FIG. 2 depicts the side view of an exemplary polymeric breast support structure for a bra, consistent with some of the embodiments of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 3 depicts atop view of an exemplary polymeric breast support structure for a bra, consistent with some of the embodiments of the present invention;

(4) FIG. 4 illustrates construction details for integrating an exemplary polymeric breast support structure within a bra or other bra-related garment in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

(5) FIG. 5 illustrates various exemplary cross-sectional shapes of the breast supports of a polymeric breast support structure;

(6) FIG. 6A shows a frontal, close-up view of the sternum ends of the left and right breast supports at the central panel of an exemplary polymeric breast support structure within a bra, consistent with some of the embodiments of the present invention;

(7) FIG. 6B depicts a top-down, close-up view of the sternum ends of the left and right breast supports at the central panel of an exemplary polymeric breast support structure within a bra, consistent with some of the embodiments of the present invention;

(8) FIG. 7 depicts a top view that illustrates the change in orientation of the cross-section and the twist of the breast supports throughout an exemplary polymeric breast support structure for a bra;

(9) FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the breast supports and the sewing ledge;

(10) FIG. 9 depicts the sewing ledge, underband panel and aperture of an exemplary polymeric breast support structure within a bra, consistent with some of the embodiments of the present invention;

(11) FIG. 10 highlights an embodiment of a polymeric breast support structure where the left and right breast supports are not connected and no underband panel is present;

(12) FIG. 11 shows slight modifications to the breast supports to better fit various bra styles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(13) A polymeric breast support structure for a bra or other breast support garment (including but not limited to bustiers, sports bras, camisoles, swimwear, shapewear, bodysuits) is herein described. Bras and other bra-related garments are typically worn to cover the breast tissue of the wearer, direct the breast tissue volume into a preferred aesthetic shape, and limit movement of the breast tissue.

(14) The polymeric breast support structure may be included in a bra or other bra-related garment which includes at least the polymeric breast support structure. The bra may further include a fabric body to which the polymeric breast support structure is coupled/sewn in. In some embodiments, two cups may be included, including molded mesh cups, traditional bra cups, or any other suitable structure to provide cups for a bra. The polymeric breast support structure may be lined with fabric before being assembled into a bra. The polymeric breast support structure may be integrated within the bra or bra-related garment using any available methods, including sewing, bonding, the use of underwire channeling, etc. Further, the polymeric breast support can be sewn or bonded directly to the fabric of the garment, whereas a traditional metal underwire (which is indirectly attached via underwire channeling) cannot.

(15) The polymeric material of the polymeric breast support structure may be a thermoplastic, elastomer, thermoplastic elastomer or any other polymeric material. The material may be a single polymeric material or combination of such polymeric materials that provide sufficient flexibility, hardness, strength and elasticity to comfortably support breast tissue. The material is heat resistant to at least 140 degrees Celsius so it is stable for washing and drying as part of a garment laundering process. The polymeric breast support structure may all be made of a uniform material, or alternatively, the various sub-components may be made of various polymeric materials and combined together in a subsequent manufacturing step to fuse/bond/couple the sub-components together to form the polymeric breast support structure. For clarity, the polymeric breast support structure does not incorporate any metallic material.

(16) The polymeric breast support structure may be manufactured using a variety of available manufacturing processes. This may include additive manufacturing methods, such as 3D printing and injection molding, amongst any other suitable alternative manufacturing methods.

(17) The polymeric breast support structure is differentiated from traditional underwire. Unlike flat underwire that exists in a singular plane, the polymeric breast support structure is 3-dimensional with a curvature that follows the inframammary fold of the wearer and accommodates different depths of the sternum, ribs, and side-body for a better, more contoured fit. This 3-dimensional design enhances comfort and tacking while reducing poking and red marks on the body. While the cross-sections of traditional underwires are rectangular, the cross-section of the polymeric breast support is rounded or otherwise curved to provide better comfort. The dimensions of the cross-section are substantially larger than traditional underwire, providing more surface area and better distribution of breast tissue weight to reduce pressure, pinching, and digging. Further, while the cross-section of an underwire remains uniform and the orientation of the cross-section does not change along the length of the underwire, the cross-section of the polymeric breast support varies (it may get thicker underneath of the breasts to support the weight of the breast tissue while tapering near the sternum and axilla for increased comfort) and the orientation of the cross-section twists to accommodate the natural curvature of the body so that the longer cross-sectional dimension of the polymeric breast support lies flush against the body at all points (near the axilla, down around the bottom of the breast, and up along the sternum) for better pressure distribution and comfort. At each of the ends of the polymeric breast support structure, the member tapers and the side exposed to the skin is contoured so that there is no abrupt endings or edges that could poke the axilla or sternum.

(18) The polymeric breast support structure is made of a polymeric material, such that it is flexible and can conform to the body's natural curves and movements (i.e. bending, slouching, leaning over, etc.), changes in body size and tissue volume (i.e. from weight gain/loss, aging, pregnancy, monthly menstrual cycles, etc.) without poking and pinching, unlike traditional underwires made from rigid metal. The added flexibility afforded from a polymeric material allows the polymeric breast support to accommodate a wider range of bra cup sizes relative to a traditional metal underwire with limited flexibility. To ensure comfort on the body, the polymeric material should have a durometer hardness between 20 A and 95 A on the Shore A hardness scale. This softer, squishier material matches that of the skin itself far better than a hard metal, for a better feel. Further, the polymeric breast support structure is capable of recovering to its original shape after being substantially deformed, which increases the longevity of the garment, as traditional underwires will either break or remain in a deformed state after a significantly strong pressure is applied. Finally, the polymeric breast support should have a modulus of elasticity below 1000 MPa so that it is flexible enough to move with the body as the ribcage moves during breathing or as the person moves around. A traditional underwire has a modulus of elasticity of approximately 200,000 MPa, which makes it very rigid and produces discomfort as the person moves around or breathes.

(19) The polymeric breast support is preferably made of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), which could provide all the mechanical properties described above. In other embodiments, silicone could be used. A thermoplastic, an elastomer, or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), such as thermoplastic styrenic block copolymers (TPE-S/TPS), which are thermoplastic elastomer compounds based on styrene-butadiene-styrene or styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene, could also be used, as long as the mechanical properties are suitable.

(20) The exemplary schematic of the polymeric breast support structure is shown in FIG. 1. The polymeric breast support structure 10 for a bra or other bra-related garment (not shown) consists of a right breast support 12 and a left breast support 14. Each of the right breast support 12 and the left breast support 14 comprises a curved contoured member shaped to fit a typical inframammary fold of the wearer's breasts. The inner surface of each curved contoured member faces the breast when worn and is shaped to fit around an approximately spherical shape. Each curved member begins at the axillary end C and proceeds down and around the breast along the inframammary fold section B and continues up to the sternum end A.

(21) The polymeric breast support structure 10 is arranged around a central axis 11 which is perpendicular to the ground when the polymeric breast support structure 10 is worn by a user (not shown) standing vertically. The polymeric breast support structure 10 includes the right breast support 12 and the left breast support 14 circumferentially spaced apart from the right breast support 12 relative to the central axis 11. Accordingly, the polymeric breast support structure 10 is curved circumferentially about the central axis 11 to accommodate the contour of a user's torso.

(22) Every edge of the polymeric breast support structure 10 may be curved to avoid the user experiencing discomfort from sharp edges or points while wearing the bra and/or polymeric breast support structure 10.

(23) FIG. 2 depicts a sideview of the polymeric breast support structure 10 arranged around a central axis 11 which is perpendicular to the ground when the polymeric breast support structure 10 is worn by a user (not shown) standing vertically. The polymeric breast support structure 10 is 3D contoured to fit the natural curvature of the wearer's torso in each of the x, y and z spatial directions. Unlike traditional metal underwires, which exist in a flat singular x-y plane, the polymeric breast support 10 has 3D dimensionality in the z-direction. The sternum end A, the inframammary fold section B, and the axillary end C of both breast supports 12, 14 are positioned at various measures along the z-axis (the z axis goes from the front chest towards the back of the user).

(24) This dimensionality in the z-direction ensures that the breast supports 12, 14 rest comfortably on a user's chest and ribs at the bottom of each breast along the inframammary fold section B. The sternum end A has a greater z-value than the inframammary fold section B and it is closer to the central axis 11 to accommodate for the positioning and curvature of the user's sternum relative to the inframammary fold section B. The axillary end C has a greater z-value than both the inframammary fold section B and the sternum end A in order for the breast supports 12, 14 to extend far enough along the user's side body to capture all of a user's breast tissue, including the side breast tissue. The three-dimensional design in the x, y and z directions ensures a more comfortable, contoured fit compared to the traditional underwire that exists in only the x and y directions.

(25) The 3D dimensionality of the polymeric breast support structure 10 can also be seen in FIG. 3 which is a top-down view parallel along the central axis 11. As shown, the radial distance of the sternum end A is closest to the central axis 11. The proximity of the sternum end A to the central axis 11 ensures that the sternum end A tacks to the body. Tacking eliminates any measurable gap between the sternum end A and the body. Tacking increases the comfort and fit of the garment and creates a distinct separation between the left and right breast, which is important for the desired look and feel. Tacking also ensures that the polymeric breast support structure 10 sits on the body correctly so that maximum support can be provided. The radial distance of the inframammary fold section B to the central axis 11 is greater than the radial distance of the sternum end A to the central axis 11 to account for the shape of the user's ribs and chest which may protrude from the torso. The radial distance of the axillary end C to the central axis 11 is the largest radial distance to ensure that the axillary end C sits at the user's side body to comfortably contain any side breast tissue.

(26) The polymeric breast support structure 10 is placed within the bra or bra-related garment such that the inframammary fold section B of each of the breast supports 12, 14 corresponds to a position that is directly underneath of each of the bottom of the user's breasts when the garment is worn. If the bra or other bra-related garment has traditional bra cups, the polymeric breast support structure 10 is positioned within the bra or other bra-related garment such that each of the breast supports 12, 14 aligns with each of the bra cups 20, 22 of the garment as shown in FIG. 4.

(27) When integrated within the bra or bra-related garment, the polymeric breast support structure 10 provides support, separation, and shaping for the wearer's breasts. Each of the breast supports 12, 14 lift the breast tissue higher on the user's chest (i.e. closer to the direction of the user's head) by exerting a force equal or greater to the weight of the breast and in opposite direction to the downward weight of the breast, such that the breast tissue is supported and lifted. The polymeric breast support structure 10 contains two individual breast supports 12, 14, one for each breast, so that each breast rests within its own cup compartment, separate from the other breast. This creates separation of the user's breast tissue. Separation is a desired look for the user and it enhances comfort by preventing breast tissue from rubbing together. Further, the 3D-dimensionality of the breast supports 12, 14 provide a desired shaping by repositioning the wearer's breast tissue from the outside to the midline of their body (i.e. the breasts are centered inwards and projected forward as opposed to being spread out across the chest). The J or U-shape of the breast supports 12, 14 also contributes to a more rounded look of the breast tissue.

(28) The cross-sections of the breast supports 12, 14 are rounded with no hard edges or sharp corners. The cross-sections may be circular, rounded, semi-circular, ovular, rectangular with rounded corners, trapezoidal with rounded corners, a rounded shape with a flat face, or any shape without hard or rough edges in cross-section. Exemplary cross-sections are shown in FIGS. 5a-i. The rounded curves of the cross-sections better follow the natural curves of the body, and there are no corners that dig into the user's body or provide discomfort. The dimensions of the cross-sections of the breast supports 12, 14 are larger than traditional underwire. Generally, the cross-section height of traditional underwire is less than 3 millimeters and the cross-section width is between 0.5 and 1 millimeter. The cross-section of the polymeric breast support structure 10 is between 5 and 15 millimeters in height and the width is approximately half of the height. In a representative embodiment of the polymeric breast support structure 10, the cross-section height of the breast supports 12, 14 is approximately 9 millimeters and the cross-section width is approximately 4 millimeters. The larger cross section of the breast supports 12, 14 relative to traditional underwire creates a wider surface area for the breast tissue to rest upon. The weight of the breast tissue is distributed over a larger surface area to reduce pressure, digging and red marks at the inframammary fold of the user.

(29) Unlike traditional underwires, the cross-section of the breast supports 12, 14 is not uniform throughout its entire length. For example, the cross-section of the breast supports 12, 14 may widen at the very bottom near the inframammary fold section B where the weight of the breast tissue is greatest. This additional cross-sectional area provides supplementary support to lift and shape the breast tissue.

(30) Similarly, in areas where there is less breast tissue weight to support, the cross-section of the breast supports 12, 14 may be reduced. The cross-sections of the breast supports 12, 14 decrease at the sternum end A and at the axillary end C for added comfort. By gradually decreasing the cross-sectional area of the sternum end A and the axillary end C, the breast supports 12, 14 do not abruptly terminate or include hard corners or sharp edges. Rather, the cross-sections at the sternum end A and the axillary end C gradually taper inwards as the ends are approached to eliminate any sharp edges or corners that might poke a user.

(31) In particular, the cross-section is decreased such that there is a tapering and sloping effect at the sternum end A. The sternum end A has an upper edge 30 which is not parallel to the ground when the polymeric breast support structure 10 is worn by a user (not shown) standing vertically, as this would create a sharp corner with a 90 degree right angle that could poke the user. Instead, as highlighted in FIG. 6A, the upper edge 30 tapers inwards and upwards moving from the sides of the body towards the center midline. This upward and inward tapering reduces painful poking at the sternum of the user for more comfort. Similar tapering is used at the axillary end C to reduce poking at the axilla of the user. The sloping and tapering along with the rounded curves of the sternum end A and the axillary end C maximize comfort for the user and eliminate the need for any plastic coating, end caps, or underwire casings which are often utilized for the ends of traditional underwire.

(32) FIG. 6B is a close-up and top-down view of the sternum end A of the breast supports 12, 14 at the sternum of the user. The cross-section of the sternum end A is oriented such that the wider dimension of the breast supports 12, 14 is flush against the sternum. This orientation creates a very flat surface area at the point of contact with the user's sternum, which reduces poking at this very sensitive body part. In the embodiment where the right breast support 12 and the left breast support 14 are connected, they cooperate to form a wider, flat central panel G that provides enhanced comfort to the user.

(33) The orientation of the cross-section changes along the length of the breast supports 12, 14. There is twisting of the breast supports 12, 14 to accommodate the natural curvature of the body, as the side-body is approximately perpendicular to the front chest. By incorporating a twist into the breast supports 12, 14 the longer dimension of the cross-section rests upon the body along the entire length of the breast supports 12, 14. This provides more surface area at each point along the length of the breast supports 12, 14 for better tissue distribution. This twisting also prevents the shorter dimension of the cross-section from laying flush with and digging into the body. FIG. 7 shows that the longer dimension of the cross-section of the sternum end A is at an approximately 90 degree angle to the longer dimension of the cross-section of the axillary end C. Specifically, the intersection of a line parallel to the longer dimension of the upper edge 30 of the sternum end A with a line parallel to the longer dimension of the upper edge 40 of the axillary end C forms a contouring angle m. The contouring angle m is approximately 90 degrees, which roughly corresponds to the perpendicular positioning of the front chest and side body. This is unlike traditional underwire where the longer cross-section of one end of underwire would form an approximate 180 degree angle with the longer cross-section of the other end of underwire. Further, the twist is incorporated along the entirety of the breast supports 12, 14 from the sternum end A, continuing through the inframammary fold section B, through to the axillary end C such that the longer dimension of the cross-section of the breast supports 12, 14 is flush with the body throughout. The twist highlights another important aspect of the polymeric breast support structure 10's 3D shape, as a traditional underwire exists flat in a 2-dimensional plane and does not incorporate twist.

(34) In some embodiments, underneath each of the breast supports 12, 14 there is a sewing ledge D which follows the curvature of the breast supports 12, 14 in the x, y and z spatial directions. The sewing ledge D lies flat against the torso at all points along the length of the sewing ledge D. The width of the sewing ledge D should not exceed 2 millimeters, as it should be sufficiently thin to ensure that the sewing needles of sewing machines do not break when puncturing through the sewing ledge D as shown in FIG. 8. The thin layer serves as connection points for the polymeric breast support structure 10 to be easily sewn or bonded directly into a bra or bra-related garment without the need for the underwire channeling that is used in traditional underwires. The sewing ledge D can extend contiguously along the entire length of both breast supports 12, 14 or it may run intermittently in sections so that key anchor points can be sewn into the bra or bra-related garment.

(35) In other embodiments, the sewing ledge D may include an underband panel E. FIG. 9 illustrates a representative sewing ledge D and underband panel E. In bras or bra-related garments that contain an underband, the underband panel E provides additional strength to the underband of the garment to support the weight of the breast tissue. The underband panel E is designed around the central axis 11 such that its curves follow the natural contours of the user's torso. The underband panel E also serves to provide additional anchor points to couple and/or sew the fabric of the bra or other bra-related garment to the polymeric breast support structure 10. Therefore, the width of underband panel E should be sufficiently thin so that sewing needles can sew the underband panel E to the fabric or elastics of the bra or bra-related garment. The sewing ledge D and the underband panel E may cooperate to define an aperture F to provide flexibility, breathability, and/or space to assemble additional components of a bra to the polymeric breast support structure 10.

(36) In other embodiments, the polymeric breast support structure 10 may include a first side support panel 16 (that aligns directly underneath of one of the user's axilla), a second side support panel 18 (that aligns directly underneath of the other of the user's axilla) circumferentially spaced apart from the first side support panel 16 relative to the central axis 11. The side support panels 16, 18 may connect at the axillary end C of the breast supports 12, 14 as shown in FIG. 1. The side support panels 16, 18 sit below the user's axilla for additional support of the user's side-body and side breast tissue. This helps to contain tissue and provide a smooth, streamlined appearance. Further, the side support panels 16, 18 cooperate to provide forward-directed support to a user's breasts for a desired aesthetic appearance. The thickness of the side support panels 16, 18 can vary depending on how much support is required. An aperture may also be present to allow for better breathability of the polymeric breast support structure 10 within the bra or bra-related garment. Portions of the side support panels 16, 18 should also be sufficiently thin such that they can be sewn or bonded directly into the fabric of the bra or bra-related garment. It must be noted that this offers the present invention a great advantage over underwires, since an underwire cannot be directly connected to a side support panel in this way.

(37) The polymeric breast support structure 10 may be formed as a single, solitary component as shown in FIG. 1. In a single, cohesive component the sternum end A of the right breast support 12 is connected to the sternum end A of the left breast support 14. The connection of the right breast support 12 and the left breast support 14 cooperate to form a wider, flat central panel G as shown in FIG. 6B. The joining of the right breast support 12 and the left breast support 14 creates a seamless design where no components terminate at the sternum, providing even more comfort to the user. The inner side of the central panel G (i.e. the side facing the user's body) is preferably smooth and flat with no grooves or irregularities, to prevent discomfort and red marks.

(38) However, in some embodiments, there will not be a central panel G and the sternum end A of the right breast support 12 will not be joined to the sternum end A of the left breast support 14 as shown in FIG. 10. In such an embodiment, the right breast support 12 is separate to the left breast support 14 and each component will be integrated into a respective cup of a bra or bra-related garment independently. The left breast support 14 is circumferentially spaced apart from the right breast support 12 relative to the central axis 11 such that the right breast support 12 is a mirror image of the left breast support 14. A traditional gore of a bra may be used to connect the left and right pieces together, as the material is soft and thin enough where traditional underwire channeling is not needed to connect the polymeric breast support structure 10 to the bra. Not joining the right breast support 12 to the left breast support 14 may allow for easier integration of the polymeric breast support structure 10 within the bra or bra-related garment, and it may better allow it to accommodate various styles of bras, such as a deep plunge bra. Other embodiments may or may not contain the side support panels 16, 18 and the underband panel E.

(39) Further, there may be slight modifications to the polymeric breast support structure 10 in order to fit better within various bra styles. The right breast support 12 and the left breast support 14 may be adjusted to accommodate variations in the neckline of the bra. FIG. 11a-d shows some of the variations in the height of the sternum end A and the axillary end C for several common bra styles. A demi variation (FIG. 11a) is between a J and U-shaped curve where the axillary end C is slightly higher than the sternum end A; for this variation, the height of the sternum end A is about - of the height of the axillary end C. The sternum end A sits at the midline axis 33 while the axillary end C sits above it. A plunge variation (FIG. 11b) is more J-shaped and the axillary end C is significantly higher than the sternum end A; for this variation, the height of the sternum end A is about of the height of the axillary end C. The sternum end A sits below the midline axis 33 while the axillary end C sits above it. A balconette variation (FIG. 11c) resembles a U-shaped curve where the axillary end C and sternum end A are both at about the same height. Both the sternum end A and the axillary end C are above the midline axis 33. A rocker wire variation (FIG. 11d) is more shallow and between a J and U-shaped curve where the axillary end C is low with the sternum end A even lower; here, the height of the sternum end A is about - of the height of the axillary end C. The sternum end A sits just below the midline axis 33 while the axillary end C sits at it. It is to be understood that other ratios between the height of the sternum end and the height of the axillary end are also incorporated into the present invention.

(40) Exemplary embodiments are disclosed in this description. It will be understood that the present invention incorporates other embodiments that are reasonable equivalents to the embodiments described in this disclosure, as evident to a person of reasonable skill in the art, and that the invention is only limited by the appended claims.