U.S. patent application number 09/753993 was filed with the patent office on 2001-09-06 for sports brassiere for nursing.
Invention is credited to Wagner, Penny Jo.
Application Number | 20010019933 09/753993 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46257375 |
Filed Date | 2001-09-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010019933 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wagner, Penny Jo |
September 6, 2001 |
Sports brassiere for nursing
Abstract
A brassiere includes a pair of shoulder straps and a pair of cup
members located generally below the shoulder straps. Each of the
cup members includes an inner contact layer substantially
completely covering the breast of a wearer, and an outer
compression layer slidably disposed in covering relation to the
inner contact layer. An adjustment and securing assembly is
disposed between each outer compression layer and its corresponding
shoulder strap. The adjustment and securing assembly, which may be
provided as a hook-and loop fastener system, is adapted and
constructed to adjustably secure the outer compression layer to the
shoulder strap. Attachment of the outer compression layers to the
shoulder straps lifts and compresses the breasts of the wearer to
reduce the potential for inertial movement of the breasts both
outwardly and downwardly.
Inventors: |
Wagner, Penny Jo; (Columbia
Falls, MT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Burkhart & Burkhart
Patent Attorneys
940 Dakota Avenue
Whitefish
MN
59937
US
|
Family ID: |
46257375 |
Appl. No.: |
09/753993 |
Filed: |
January 3, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09753993 |
Jan 3, 2001 |
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09095250 |
Jun 10, 1998 |
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6168498 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
450/37 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41C 3/02 20130101; A41C
3/0057 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
450/37 |
International
Class: |
A41C 003/00 |
Claims
1. A brassiere comprising the following: a pair of shoulder straps;
a pair of cup members located generally below the shoulder straps,
each of the cups including an inner contact layer covering the
breast of a wearer and a unitary outer compression layer slidably
disposed in covering relation to the inner contact layer, the outer
compression layer being substantially coextensive with the inner
contact layer; an adjustment assembly disposed between each outer
compression layer and its corresponding shoulder strap, the
securing assembly being adapted and constructed to adjustably
secure the outer compression layer to the shoulder strap; and a
nursing access mechanism provided on the inner contact layer and
the outer compression layer, the nursing access mechanism adapted
and constructed to provide selective access to the breast of a
wearer without removing the brassiere; whereby attachment of the
outer compression layers to the shoulder straps lifts and
compresses the breasts of the wearer to reduce the potential for
inertial movement of the breasts.
2. A brassiere according to claim 1, wherein each of the inner
contact layers comprises the following: a cover portion adapted and
constructed to cover a lower portion of the wearer's breast; and a
downward compression portion disposed generally above the cover
portion, the downward compression portion being adapted and
constructed to exert a downwardly-acting force on the respective
breasts of the wearer.
3. A brassiere according to claim 2, wherein the cover portions are
fabricated from a resilient material, and the downward compression
portions are fabricated from a material having less resilience than
the material from which the cover portions are fabricated.
4. A brassiere according to claim 3, wherein the cover portions are
fabricated from LYCRA, and the downward compression portions are
fabricated from POWERKNIT.
5. A brassiere according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment
assembly comprises hook and loop fasteners.
6. A brassiere according to claim 5, wherein hook elements of the
hook and loop fasteners are disposed on the outer compression
layer, and loop elements of the hook and loop fasteners are
disposed on the shoulder straps.
7. A brassiere according to claim 6, wherein the outer compression
layer comprises the following: a body portion overlying the inner
contact layer; and a tab portion extending upwardly from the body
portion to a point overlying the shoulder strap; wherein the hook
elements of the hook and loop fasteners are disposed on the tab
portion of the outer compression layer.
8. A brassiere according to claim 1, further comprising a fastening
element between the respective cup members.
9. A brassiere according to claim 8, wherein the fastening element
comprises a zipper.
10. A brassiere according to claim 1, wherein the nursing access
mechanism comprises the following: a fastening mechanism securing
the outer compression layer, the fastening mechanism being adapted
and constructed to permit deployment of the outer compression layer
between a covering position and a nursing position; and an access
mechanism provided on the inner contact layer, the access mechanism
being adapted and constructed to overlay the breast of the wearer
when the outer compression layer is in a covering position, and to
facilitate access to the breast of the wearer sufficient to permit
nursing when the outer compression layer is in a nursing
position.
11. A brassiere according to claim 10, wherein the fastening
mechanism of the nursing access mechanism comprises a selectively
detachable fastener.
12. A brassiere according to claim 11, wherein the fastening
mechanism of the nursing access mechanism comprises a hook-and-loop
fastener.
13. A brassiere according to claim 10, wherein the access mechanism
of the nursing access mechanism comprises overlapping material.
14. In a brassiere including a pair of cup members, each of which
includes an inner contact layer, and a pair of shoulder straps, an
inertial movement reduction mechanism comprising the following:
downward compression means, forming portions of the respective
inner contact layer of the cups, for exerting a downward force on
the wearer's breasts sufficient to reduce upward inertial movement
of the wearer's breast, the downward compression means being
fabricated from a material differing from that of the remainder of
the inner contact layers of the cups; upward and inward compression
means, adjustably attached to the shoulder straps, for exerting an
upward and inward force on the wearer's breasts sufficient to
reduce outward and downward inertial movement of the wearer's
breasts; and nursing access means, provided on the downward
compression means and the upward and inward compression means, for
providing selective access to the breast of a wearer without
removing the brassiere.
15. In a brassiere including a pair of cup members and a pair of
shoulder straps, a method for reducing inertial movement of a
wearer's breasts, the method comprising the following steps:
exerting a downward force on the wearer's breasts sufficient to
reduce upward inertial movement of the wearer's breast;
simultaneously exerting an upward and inward force over the entire
frontal area of the wearer's breasts sufficient to reduce outward
and downward inertial movement of the wearer's breasts; and
providing selective nursing access to the breast of a wearer
without removing the brassiere.
16. A method according to claim 15, wherein the step of providing
selective nursing access comprises providing selectively and
cooperatively movable mechanisms for exerting a downward force on
the wearer's breasts and for simultaneously exerting an upward and
inward force over the entire frontal area of the wearer's breasts.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 09/095,250 filed Jun. 10, 1998, titled
"Brassiere", now U.S. Pat. No. 6,168,498 issued Jan. 2, 2001.
STATEMENT AS TO RIGHTS TO INVENTIONS MADE UNDER FEDERALLY-SPONSORED
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
[0002] None
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The invention relates generally to brassieres. In
particular, the invention relates to brassieres having mechanisms
to restrict inertial movement of a wearer's breasts while providing
breast access for nursing.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
[0004] Variations in the form and intended functions of brassieres
are as old as the garment itself. Some historians assert that as
early as 2500 B.C., Minoan women on the Greek isle of Crete
employed a bra-like garment that lifted their bare breasts out of
their clothing. Years later, ancient Roman and Greek women took the
opposite approach, strapping on a garment resembling a breast band
to reduce their bust size.
[0005] The modem concept of a brassiere can be traced to the latter
part of the nineteenth century. U.S. Pat. No. 494,397 to Tucek is
directed to a brassiere having a "cup-and-strap" configuration that
forms the basis of brassiere construction today. Since I that time,
countless brassieres have been designed to perform a plethora of
functions. The patent literature alone gives testimony to the
creative energy has been applied in this area, resulting in
garments variously intended to emphasize, minimize, augment,
support or protect the breasts of the wearer. Brassieres have even
been designed to provide a braless appearance.
[0006] More recently, the increased participation of women in
strenuous athletic and outdoor activity has given rise to the need
for brassieres that reduce the amount of inertial movement, or
"bounce", of the breasts during such activities. As women athletes
such as equestrians, snowmobilers, and mountain bikers will attest,
such inertial movement frequently results in discomfort, soreness,
and pain, and may even cause more serious tissue damage in severe
cases.
[0007] There are many examples of the so-called "sports bras" that
have been designed to address these problems. U.S. Pat. No.
4,289,137 to Dell et al. is directed to a brassiere that is made
from a combination of Lycra Spandex and POWERKNIT, a material made
of 20% Lycra Spandex and 80% nylon. The brassiere is intended to
allow downward movement of the breasts while restricting upward
movement. U.S. Pat. No. 4,292,975 to Champion et al. shows a
brassiere having adjustable shoulder straps and a compression seam
running horizontally over the nipple portion of the breast. U.S.
Pat. No. 4,325,378 to Wilkinson is directed to a brassiere in which
a band member or horizontal flaps are cinched beneath the breasts
to compress the breasts inwardly and toward one another. U.S. Pat.
No. 5,221,227 to Michels employs a horizontal binding mechanism
similar to that in the Wilkinson patent. In addition, the Michels
patent provides adjustable shoulder straps to accommodate different
bust sizes.
[0008] As can be seen from these patents, the problem of breast
support during athletic activities has been the object of a high
degree of inventive activity. Unfortunately, despite these efforts,
none of these known brassieres provides effective restraint against
inertial movement of the breast in multiple directions. Each of
these known brassieres either expressly or inherently permits
relatively unrestricted inertial movement of the breast in one or
more directions.
[0009] In a parallel development, brassieres for nursing mothers
are also well known. Such brassieres typically provide a
selectively detachable or openable cover portion that is normally
secured in a position covering the breast of the wearer. The cover
portion can be opened to allow access to the breast for nursing,
then replaced in covering position when nursing has been
completed.
[0010] The importance of athletic activity for women becomes even
more pronounced during nursing, as the benefits to both mother and
baby are well-known. Unfortunately, little attention has been paid
in the field of brassiere design to addressing the problems
associated with reducing the amount of inertial movement while also
accommodating the needs of nursing mothers.
[0011] It can be seen from the foregoing that the need exists for a
simple, comfortable brassiere that will restrict inertial movement
of the breasts in multiple directions while also accommodating the
needs of nursing mothers.
SUMMARY
[0012] The present invention provides an athletic brassiere that
allows for freedom of action with adequate support and widely
variable, easy adjustment for persons engaged in a variety of
strenuous athletic activities. The present invention achieves these
and other objects by providing a brassiere including a pair of
shoulder straps and a pair of cup members located generally below
the shoulder straps. Each of the cup members includes an inner
contact layer substantially completely covering the breast of a
wearer, and an outer compression layer slidably disposed in
covering relation to the inner contact layer. An adjustment and
securing assembly is disposed between each outer compression layer
and its corresponding shoulder strap, the adjustment and securing
assembly being adapted and constructed to adjustably secure the
outer compression layer to the shoulder strap. Attachment of the
outer compression layers to the shoulder straps lifts and
compresses the breasts of the wearer to reduce the potential for
inertial movement of the breasts both outwardly and downwardly. A
nursing access mechanism is provided on the inner contact layer and
the outer compression layer. The nursing access mechanism is
adapted and constructed to provide selective access to the breast
of a wearer without removing the brassiere.
[0013] The inner contact layers of the brassiere can be configured
to include a cover portion adapted and constructed to cover a lower
portion of the wearers breast, along with a downward compression
portion disposed generally above the cover portion. The downward
compression portion is adapted and constructed to exert a
downwardly-acting force on the respective breasts of the wearer.
Thus, in combination with the inward and upward forces exerted by
the outer compression layer, the brassiere restricts inertial
movement of the breasts in every possible direction.
[0014] In an embodiment, the cover portions of the inner contact
layers can be fabricated from a resilient material such as LYCRA
spandex, and the downward compression portions are fabricated from
a material, such as POWERKNIT, having less resilience than the
material from which the cover portions are fabricated. The
adjustment and securing assembly can include hook and loop
fasteners. Hook elements of the hook and loop fasteners can be
provided on the outer compression layer, and loop elements of the
hook and loop fasteners can be provided on the shoulder straps.
This will allow infinite adjustment of the outer compression member
to permit the wearer to select the amount of lift and compression
based on such variables as breast sensitivity and degree of
activity. The outer compression layer can include a body portion
overlying the inner contact layer, and a tab portion extending
upwardly from the body portion to a point overlying the shoulder
strap. In this construction, the hook elements of the hook and loop
fasteners can be provided on the tab portion of the outer
compression layer. A fastening element, such as a zipper, can be
provided between the respective cup members to allow the wearer to
more easily put on and take off the brassiere.
[0015] The nursing access mechanism can include a fastening
mechanism securing the outer compression layer. The fastening
mechanism is adapted and constructed to permit deployment of the
outer compression layer between a covering position and a nursing
position. The fastening mechanism can be provided as a selectively
detachable fastener, such as a hook-and-loop fastener.
[0016] The nursing access mechanism can include an access mechanism
provided on the inner contact layer. The access mechanism is
adapted and constructed to overlay the breast of the wearer when
the outer compression layer is in a covering position, and to
facilitate access to the breast of the wearer sufficient to permit
nursing when the outer compression layer is in a nursing position.
The access mechanism of the nursing access mechanism can be
provided as an overlapping material arrangement.
[0017] A method for reducing inertial movement of a wearer's
breasts in a brassiere including a pair of cup members and a pair
of shoulder straps is also provided. The method includes the steps
of exerting a first force on the wearer's breasts sufficient to
reduce upward inertial movement of the wearer's breasts, while
simultaneously exerting a second force on the wearer's breasts
sufficient to reduce outward and downward inertial movement of the
wearer's breasts, while also providing selective nursing access to
the breast of a wearer without removing the brassiere
[0018] The features of the invention believed to be patentable are
set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention
itself, however, both as to organization and method of operation,
together with further objects and advantages thereof, may be best
understood by reference to the following description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a brassiere in a covering
position.
[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates the FIG. 1 brassiere in a nursing
position.
[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates a front elevational view of the brassiere
in FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates a side elevational view of the brassiere
in FIG. 1
[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates a back elevational view of the brassiere
in FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 6 illustrates a side schematic view of a brassiere.
[0025] FIG. 7 illustrates a side schematic view of a brassiere.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0026] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many
different forms, there is shown in the drawings, and will herein be
described in detail, exemplary embodiments, with the understanding
that the present disclosure is to be considered as illustrative of
the principles of the invention and not intended to limit the
invention to the exemplary embodiments shown and described.
[0027] Turning now to FIG. 1, a brassiere 10 includes a right cup
member 12 located beneath a corresponding right shoulder strap 14.
The brassiere 10 is generally symmetrical; thus, a left cup member
16 is located beneath a corresponding left shoulder strap 18. Each
shoulder strap is provided with a Width greater than that of a
standard brassiere in order to provide increased support and
control, as well as to reduce pressure on the shoulders of the
wearer. Each shoulder strap is attached to its corresponding cup
member via an adjustment, fastening, and securing assembly 20. The
cup members 12, 16 and other components may be made from a
cotton/poly LYCRA material, for example, a 55/35/10 cottonipoly
LYCRA blend. Such blends are known in the artfor their durability,
wicking, and elasticity.
[0028] As can be seen in FIG. 2, the cup members 12, 16 include an
inner contact layer 22 adapted and constructed to be in contact
with the breasts of a wearer of the brassiere 10. The inner contact
layer 22 includes a body portion 23 and a downward compression
portion 24. The cup members 12, 16 also include an outer
compression layer 25 which has a body portion 26 overlaying the
body portion 23 of the inner contact layer 22. The body portion 26
of the outer compression layer 25 is contiguous with a tab portion
27, which is adapted to extend at least partially over the shoulder
straps 14, 18 of the brassiere 10. In the illustrated embodiment,
the adjustment, fastening, and securing assembly 20 is provided as
a hook-and-loop fastener system. Hook elements 28a, 28b, 28c, and
28d are located on the tab portion 27 of the outer compression
layer 25, and at fastening points on the cup member 16.
Corresponding loop elements 29a, 29b, 29c, and 29d are located on
the shoulder straps 14, 18, and on the inner surfaces of the cup
members.
[0029] The inner contact layer 22 is provided with overlapping
material portions 30 and 31, which can be parted to provide nursing
access to the wearer's breast when the outer compression layer 25
is in the nursing position shown in FIG. 2. The inner contact layer
22 and the outer compression layer 25 are constructed to minimize
the number of seams to reduce chafing and rubbing. Further, either
the inner contact layer 22 or the outer compression layer 25 may be
provided with supplemental support or enhancement mechanisms as
needed.
[0030] FIG. 3 shows a front view of the brassiere 10, in which a
fastening device, here provided as a zipper 38, is located between
the cup members 12, 16. Front inserts 40 flank the zipper 38 on
each side for reinforcing and aesthetic purposes, and an area of
backing material (not shown) can be provided behind the zipper 38
to reduce the potential of chafing or irritation from the zipper. A
rib band 42 is located at the lower end of the brassiere 10, and
encircles the wearer's ribcage below the breastline. Edging or
piping 44 is provided at all material edges to prevent raveling of
the fabric and to both visually and physically soften the edges of
the brassiere 10. The edging or piping 44 may be reinforced with a
strip of elastic, sewn in place with a stitch that will stretch,
such as a zig-zag stitch. In the side view illustrated in FIG. 4,
it can be seen that the various components of the brassiere 10 are
connected together such that they form an arm hole 46 on each side
of the brassiere 10.
[0031] The brassiere 10 in this illustrative embodiment is provided
with a so-called "racer" back 48, as shown in FIG. 5. Racer backs
typically are provided to prevent the straps from coming off of the
wearer's shoulders during strenuous physical activity. The racer
back 48 includes a yoke portion 50 extending downwardly from the
shoulder straps 14, 18. A right side panel 52 and a left side panel
54 connect the yoke portion 50 to the rib band 42 and the left and
right cup members 12, 16. An opening 55 can be provided to enhance
the ventilation, or "breathability", of the brassiere 10.
[0032] Operation of the brassiere 10 is schematically illustrated
in FIGS. 6 and 7. In FIG. 6, the wearer has donned the brassiere
10, but has not yet secured the outer compression layer 25 to the
shoulder strap 18. It can be seen that the downward compression
portion 23 is compressing the breast B of the wearer downwardly.
Once in this position, the wearer pulls the tab portion 27 in the
direction of the arrow 56. This causes the outer compression layer
25 to exert compressive forces upwardly and inwardly against the
breast B of the wearer, and compresses the breast B as shown in
FIG. 7, after which the tab 27 is secured to the shoulder strap 18.
The compressive forces exerted by the outer compression layer 25
lift and compress the breasts of the wearer to reduce the potential
for inertial movement of the breasts both outwardly and downwardly.
When combined with the downwardly-acting force exerted by the
downward compression portion 23, it can be appreciated that the
brassiere 10 restricts inertial movement of the breasts in every
possible direction.
[0033] It will be apparent to those of skill in the art that the
particular materials and components set forth above are for
illustrative purposes. For example, while it has been set forth
that the downward compression portion 25 of the brassiere 10 may be
made from POWERKNIT, with the remaining portions fabricated from
LYCRA or blends thereof, it is anticipated that any materials
providing suitable properties such as wicking, comfort, and
elasticity may be used. Similarly, suitable fasteners may be
substituted for the zipper 38 and the hook-and-loop fasteners of
the adjustment and securing assembly 20. In addition, the value,
arrangement, and selection of components constituting the edging or
piping 44 provide an exemplary embodiment of the principles
discussed herein, and are not intended to be limiting.
[0034] Thus it is apparent that in accordance with the present
invention, an apparatus that fully satisfies the objectives, aims,
and advantages achievable in accordance with the principles of the
present invention is set forth in the above exemplary embodiments.
While the invention has been described in conjunction with these
exemplary embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives,
modifications, permutations, and variations will become apparent to
those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description.
Accordingly, it is intended that all such alternatives,
modifications, permutations, and variations to the exemplary
embodiments can be made without departing from the scope and spirit
of the present invention.
* * * * *