U.S. patent application number 11/111063 was filed with the patent office on 2005-08-25 for multi-piece bra.
Invention is credited to Valentin, Tara J..
Application Number | 20050186885 11/111063 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34279834 |
Filed Date | 2005-08-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050186885 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Valentin, Tara J. |
August 25, 2005 |
Multi-piece bra
Abstract
The device of the present invention provides a backless,
strapless bra that provides support and/or cleavage to a wearer's
breasts and the components of which are not visible, even when worn
with a wide variety of revealing outer garments. A first aspect of
the invention provides a backless and strapless bra comprising a
first cup member, a second cup member, a connecting member residing
between the first and second cup members, and at least one support
member for supporting an underside of a wearer's breast, wherein
each cup member is unattached to any support member.
Inventors: |
Valentin, Tara J.; (Albany,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Hoffman, Warnick & D'Alessandro LLC
Three E-Comm Square
Albany
NY
12207
US
|
Family ID: |
34279834 |
Appl. No.: |
11/111063 |
Filed: |
April 21, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11111063 |
Apr 21, 2005 |
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10937907 |
Sep 10, 2004 |
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60502014 |
Sep 11, 2003 |
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60511880 |
Oct 16, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
450/81 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41C 3/065 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
450/081 |
International
Class: |
A41C 003/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A backless and strapless bra comprising: a first cup member; a
second cup member; a connecting member residing between the first
and second cup members; and at least one support member for
supporting an underside of a wearer's breast, wherein each cup
member is unattached to any support member.
2. The bra of claim 1, wherein each cup member is one of a plunging
cup and a full cup.
3. The bra of claim 1, wherein the support member is an elongate
member residing on an underside of a wearer's breast.
4. The bra of claim 1, wherein at least one end of the support
member is rounded.
5. The bra of claim 1, wherein the material of the cup members and
the support member includes at least one of a cloth or a
silicone.
6. The bra of claim 5, wherein the cloth is a tricote.
7. The bra of claim 1, further comprising an adhesive for securing
at least one of a cup member or a support member to a wearer's
breast.
8. The bra of claim 7, wherein the adhesive is pressure
sensitive.
9. The bra of claim 8, wherein the adhesive is applied to a portion
of at least one of a cup member or a support member.
10. The bra of claim 1, wherein at least one cup member includes an
underwire.
11. The bra of claim 1, wherein at least one cup member is
padded.
12. The bra of claim 1, wherein at least one cup member is
molded.
13. The bra of claim 1, further comprising at least one support
tab.
14. The bra of claim 13, wherein the at least one support tab is
attached to the cup member.
15. A backless and strapless bra comprising: at least one molded
cup member for supporting a front surface of a wearer's breast; and
at least one support member for supporting an underside of a
wearer's breast, wherein each cup member is unattached to any
support member and any other cup member.
16. The bra of claim 15, wherein a shape of the at least one molded
cup member is selected from a group consisting of round, oval,
"eye-shaped," half-round, half-oval, partial half-round, partial
half-oval, and elliptical.
17. The bra of claim 15, wherein the support member is an elongate
member residing on an underside of a wearer's breast.
18. The bra of claim 15, wherein at least one end of the support
member is rounded.
19. The bra of claim 15, wherein a first support member and a
second support member reside on an underside of a wearer's breast,
the second support member being more proximal than the first
support member.
20. The bra of claim 19, wherein at least one end of at least one
of the first support member and the second support member is
rounded.
21. The bra of claim 15, wherein the material of at least one of
the molded cup member or the support member includes at least one
of a cloth and a silicone.
22. The bra of claim 21, wherein the cloth is a tricote.
23. The bra of claim 15, further comprising an adhesive for
securing at least one of the molded cup member or the support
member to a wearer's breast.
24. The bra of claim 23, wherein the adhesive is pressure
sensitive.
25. The bra of claim 23, wherein the adhesive is applied to a
portion of at least one of the molded cup member or the support
member.
26. The bra of claim 15, wherein the cup member includes at least
one underwire.
27. The bra of claim 15, wherein the cup member is padded.
28. The bra of claim 15, further comprising at least one support
tab.
29. The bra of claim 28, wherein the at least one support tab is
attached to the at least one molded cup member.
30. The bra of claim 15, wherein the at least one molded cup member
and the at least one support member comprise sufficient adhesion to
secure the at least one molded cup member and the at least one
support member to a wearer's breast.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The current application claims the benefit of co-pending
U.S. application Ser. No. 10/937,907 filed Sep. 10, 2004, U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/502,014 filed Sep. 11, 2003, U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/511,880 filed Oct. 16, 2003,
co-pending U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29/202,935 filed Apr.
7, 2004, and co-pending PCT Patent Application No.
PCT/US2004/029750 filed Sep. 10, 2004, each of which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] (1). Technical Field
[0003] The present invention relates generally to the field of
undergarments and more specifically to a backless and strapless
multi-piece bra.
[0004] (2). Related Art
[0005] Bras have long been used to provide support to a wearer's
breasts. However, traditional bras are unacceptable when worn with
backless or shoulderless outer garments, as various parts,
including their straps, will be visible. As a result, various
backless and/or strapless bras have been developed for use with
such outer garments.
[0006] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,780,081 to Chen et al.
describes a backless, strapless bra having cups held to a wearer's
breasts with an adhesive. However, the device of the Chen et al.
patent utilizes a connector between the cups of the bra that is
intended to provide cleavage to a user's breasts. As such, the
device cannot be worn with outer garments having plunging
necklines, as the connector and possibly the cups of the device
will be visible. In addition, the device would provide little
support for the underside of a wearer's breast.
[0007] Accordingly, a need exists for a bra that is backless and
strapless and is capable of providing support and/or cleavage to a
wearer's breasts while being usable with a wide range of revealing
outer garments.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The device of the present invention provides a backless,
strapless bra that provides support and/or cleavage to a wearer's
breasts and the components of which are not visible, even when worn
with a wide variety of revealing outer garments. A first aspect of
the invention provides a backless and strapless bra comprising a
first cup member, a second cup member, a connecting member residing
between the first and second cup members, and at least one support
member for supporting an underside of a wearer's breast, wherein
each cup member is unattached to any support member.
[0009] A second aspect of the invention provides a backless and
strapless bra comprising at least one molded cup member for
supporting a front surface of a wearer's breast and at least one
support member for supporting an underside of a wearer's breast,
wherein each cup member is unattached to any support member and any
other cup member.
[0010] The foregoing and other features of the invention will be
apparent from the following more particular description of
embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The embodiments of this invention will be described in
detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like
designations denote like elements, and wherein:
[0012] FIGS. 1A-I show several views and embodiments of a
multi-piece bra having a round cup according to the invention.
[0013] FIGS. 2A-F show several views and embodiments of a
multi-piece bra having an oval cup according to the invention.
[0014] FIGS. 3A-F show several views and embodiments of a
multi-piece bra having an "eye-shaped" cup according to the
invention.
[0015] FIGS. 4A-H show several views and embodiments of a
multi-piece bra having a half-round cup according to the
invention.
[0016] FIGS. 5A-G show several views and embodiments of a
multi-piece bra having a partial half-round push-up cup according
to the invention.
[0017] FIGS. 6A-B show several views and embodiments of a
three-piece bra having a "plunging" cup according to the
invention.
[0018] FIGS. 7A-B show several views and embodiments of a
three-piece bra having a full cup according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] Referring to FIGS. 1A-B, a first embodiment of the invention
is shown. FIG. 1A shows a front view of the device 1, comprising a
round cup member 10 and a support member 20. Support member 20 is
depicted as an elongate member having squared ends 20a, 20b. One or
both ends 20a, 20b may similarly be rounded. Cup member 10 and
support member 20 may each be composed of one or more of a number
of materials, including, for example, cloth and silicone. An
exemplary cloth material is a tricote available from MBK
Enterprises, Inc. of Chatsworth, Calif., U.S.A. Optionally, cup
member 10, support member 20, or both may be composed of a
stretchable foam material. In addition, cup member 10 may include
various devices common to the manufacture of bras, including, for
example, padding to provide the appearance of a larger breast.
[0020] FIG. 1B shows a front view of device 1 as it would be
applied to a wearer. Support member 20 resides along an underside
of a wearer's breast while cup member 10 is placed along a front
surface of the breast. While both cup member 10 and support member
20 are substantially flat before application, each conforms to the
shape of a wearer's breast upon application. As shown, cup member
10 may partially or completely cover support member 20 when
applied.
[0021] FIG. 1C shows device 1 with optional mesh member 40
connecting cup member 10 and support member 20. Mesh member 40 may
be of the same material or a different material as cup member 10
and support member 20.
[0022] FIG. 1D shows device 1 having a first support member 20 and
a second support member 22 residing below first support member, and
each residing below cup member 10. First and second support members
may be of the same or different materials.
[0023] FIG. 1E shows device 1 of FIG. 1D with optionally rounded
ends 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b on each of first support member 20 and
second support member 22. It should be appreciated that while each
end of first support member 20 and second support member 22 is
shown having a rounded shape, it is within the scope of the present
invention that one end of either or both support members may be
rounded while the other end is squared.
[0024] FIG. 1F shows a side view of device 1 as it would be located
on a wearer's breast. Cup member 10 and support member 20 are
secured to a wearer's breast by an adhesive 30 along an inner
surface of each of cup member 10 and support member 20. Adhesive 30
may be provided upon one or both of cup member 10 and support
member 20 or it may be applied to the inner surfaces of each by a
wearer prior to application of device 1. Adhesive 30 may cover one
or more portions or an entire interior surface of cup member 10 and
support member 20. Substances suitable for use as adhesive 30
include skin-sensitive, pressure-sensitive, hypoallergenic,
acrylate adhesives that are non-toxic and non-irritating to a
wearer's skin. Such adhesives are available from, for example, 3M
Inc. of St. Paul Minn., U.S.A.
[0025] In a particularly preferred embodiment, adhesive 30 is a
layer of silicone having properties making it adhesive or "tacky"
to the touch. Such a material provides sufficient adhesion to a
wearer's breast that cup member 10 and support member 20 are held
in place and provide sufficient support to a wearer's breast but
may be easily removed without causing discomfort to a wearer's
skin. Optionally, cup member 10, support member 20, or both may be
composed of such a silicone, obviating the need for a separate
layer of adhesive 30.
[0026] Support member 20 is an elongate member placed substantially
along an underside of a breast, providing support in direction A
similar to that of an underwire in a traditional bra. Cup member 10
is placed over a front surface of a breast, providing support in
direction B, holding the breast toward the wearer's body.
Optionally, a mesh member 40 may connect cup member 10 and support
member 20. Preferably, there is no adhesive 30 on an interior
surface of mesh member 40. As such, mesh member 40 may provide
additional support to a breast while still allowing the independent
movement of cup member 10 and support member 20.
[0027] FIG. 1 G shows a side view of device 1 as it would be
located on a wearer's breast. First support member 20 is connected
to cup member 10 and second support member 22 by first mesh member
40 and second mesh member 42, respectively. Such an embodiment may
be useful, for example, where a wearer requires additional support
for the underside of a breast. As in FIG. 1F, adhesive 30 may be
applied to a portion or an entire interior surface of cup member
10, first support member 20, and second support member 22.
[0028] FIG. 1H shows a side view of device 1, wherein cup member 10
is applied to cover support member 20. As in FIGS. 1F-G, adhesive
30 may be applied to a portion or an entire interior surface of cup
member 10 and support member 20.
[0029] FIG. 1I shows a partially exploded side elevational view of
device 1 as applied to a wearer (shown in phantom). Two cup members
10L, 10R are provided, one for each of a wearer's breasts. Right
cup member 10R and right support member 20R are shown before
application to the wearer's right breast. Right support member 20R
is to be applied to an underside of the wearer's right breast while
right cup member 10R is to be applied to a front surface of the
wearer's right breast. Left cup member 10L is shown applied to the
wearer's left breast. As applied, left cup member 10L covers left
support member (not shown), which has been applied to an underside
of the wearer's left breast. It should be understood, of course,
that left cup member 10L or any other cup member may similarly
cover only a portion of a support member or none of the support
member, depending, for example, on the size of a wearer's breast
and/or the particular sites of application of the cup member and
the support member.
[0030] While FIGS. 1A-I show cup member 10 having a substantially
round shape, other shapes are possible and within the scope of the
present invention. Such shapes include, for example, half-rounds,
partial half-rounds, ovals, half-ovals, partial half-ovals, "eye"
shapes, ellipses, and "plunging" cups. In addition, cup members 10
may be molded (i.e. having a pre-formed shape approximating that of
a breast) or non-molded (i.e. having a flat shape prior to
application to a breast). Exemplary embodiments are described below
with reference to FIGS. 2A-F, 3A-F, 4A-H, 5A-G, 6A-E, and 7A-E.
[0031] Referring to FIGS. 2A-F, various embodiments of device 100
are shown, wherein cup member 110 has an oval shape. FIG. 2A shows
a front view of device 100, comprising an oval cup member 110 and a
support member 120. Cup member 110 and support member 120 may each
be composed of one or more of a number of materials, including, for
example, cloth and silicone.
[0032] FIG. 2B shows a front view of device 1 as it would be
applied to a wearer. Support member 120 resides along an underside
of a wearer's breast while cup member 110 is placed along a front
surface of the breast. While both cup member 10 and support member
120 are substantially flat before application, each conforms to the
shape of a wearer's breast upon application. As shown, cup member
110 may partially or completely cover support member 120 when
applied.
[0033] FIG. 2C shows device 100 with optional mesh member 140
connecting cup member 110 and support member 120. Mesh member 140
may be of the same material or a different material as cup member
110 and support member 120.
[0034] FIG. 2D shows device 100 with a first support member 120 and
a second support member 122 residing below first support member,
and each residing below cup member 110. First and second support
members may be of the same or different materials.
[0035] FIG. 2E shows device 100 of FIG. 2D with optionally rounded
ends 120a, 120b, 122a, 122b on each of first support member 120 and
second support member 122. It should be appreciated that while each
end of first support member 120 and second support member 122 is
shown having a rounded shape, it is within the scope of the present
invention that one end of either or both support members may be
rounded while the other end is squared.
[0036] FIG. 2F shows a partially exploded side elevational view of
device 100 as applied to a wearer (shown in phantom). Two cup
members 110L, 110R are provided, one for each of a wearer's
breasts. Right cup member 10R and right support member 120R are
shown before application to the wearer's right breast. Right
support member 120R is to be applied to an underside of the
wearer's right breast while right cup member 110R is to be applied
to a front surface of the wearer's right breast. Left cup member
110L is shown applied to the wearer's left breast. As applied, left
cup member 110L covers left support member (not shown), which has
been applied to an underside of the wearer's left breast. It should
be understood, of course, that left cup member 110L or any other
cup member may similarly cover only a portion of a support member
or none of the support member, depending, for example, on the size
of a wearer's breast and/or the particular sites of application of
the cup member and the support member.
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 3A-F, various embodiments of device 200
are shown, wherein cup member 210 has an exaggerated oval or "eye"
shape. FIG. 3A shows a front view of the device 200, comprising an
"eye-shaped" cup member 210 and a support member 220. Cup member 10
and support member 20 may each be composed of one or more of a
number of materials, including, for example, cloth and
silicone.
[0038] FIG. 3B shows a front view of device 200 as it would be
applied to a wearer. Support member 220 resides along an underside
of a wearer's breast while cup member 210 is placed along a front
surface of the breast. While both cup member 210 and support member
220 are substantially flat before application, each conforms to the
shape of a wearer's breast upon application. As shown, cup member
210 may partially or completely cover support member 220 when
applied.
[0039] FIG. 3C shows device 200 with optional mesh member 240
connecting cup member 210 and support member 220. Mesh member 240
may be of the same material or a different material as cup member
210 and support member 220.
[0040] FIG. 3D shows device 200 with a first support member 220 and
a second support member 222 residing below first support member,
and each residing below cup member 210. First and second support
members may be of the same or different materials.
[0041] FIG. 3E shows device 200 of FIG. 3D with optionally rounded
ends 220a, 220b, 222a, 222b on each of first support member 220 and
second support member 222. It should be appreciated that while each
end of first support member 220 and second support member 222 is
shown having a rounded shape, it is within the scope of the present
invention that one end of either or both support members may be
rounded while the other end is squared.
[0042] FIG. 3F shows a partially exploded side elevational view of
device 200 as applied to a wearer (shown in phantom). Two cup
members 210L, 210R are provided, one for each of a wearer's
breasts. Right cup member 210R and right support member 220R are
shown before application to the wearer's right breast. Right
support member 220R is to be applied to an underside of the
wearer's right breast while right cup member 210R is to be applied
to a front surface of the wearer's right breast. Left cup member
210L is shown applied to the wearer's left breast. As applied, left
cup member 210L covers left support member (not shown), which has
been applied to an underside of the wearer's left breast. It should
be understood, of course, that left cup member 210L or any other
cup member may similarly cover only a portion of a support member
or none of the support member, depending, for example, on the size
of a wearer's breast and/or the particular sites of application of
the cup member and the support member.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 4A-H, various embodiments of device 300
are shown, wherein cup member 310 has a half-round shape, wherein
cup member 310 is substantially U-shaped and a top portion of cup
member 310 has sides that are substantially parallel. FIG. 4A shows
a front view of the device 300, comprising a half-round cup member
310 and a support member 320. Cup member 310 and support member 320
may each be composed of one or more of a number of materials,
including, for example, cloth and silicone.
[0044] FIG. 4B shows a front view of device 300 as it would be
applied to a wearer. Support member 320 resides along an underside
of a wearer's breast while cup member 310 is placed along a front
surface of the breast. While both cup member 310 and support member
320 are substantially flat before application, each conforms to the
shape of a wearer's breast upon application. As shown, cup member
310 may partially or completely cover support member 320 when
applied.
[0045] FIG. 4C shows device 300 with optional mesh member 340
connecting cup member 310 and support member 320. Mesh member 340
may be of the same material or a different material as cup member
310 and support member 320.
[0046] FIG. 4D shows device 300 with a first support member 320 and
a second support member 322 residing below first support member,
and each residing below cup member 310. First and second support
members may be of the same or different materials.
[0047] FIG. 4E shows device 300 of FIG. 4D with optionally rounded
ends 320a, 320b, 322a, 322b on each of first support member 320 and
second support member 322. It should be appreciated that while each
end of first support member 320 and second support member 322 is
shown having a rounded shape, it is within the scope of the present
invention that one end of either or both support members may be
rounded while the other end is squared.
[0048] FIG. 4F shows device 300 of FIG. 4A, wherein cup member 310
further comprises an underwire 350. Such an embodiment may be
desirable, for example, where a wearer desires more upward support
of a breast than is provided by support member 320.
[0049] FIG. 4G shows a front view of device 300 as it would be
applied to a wearer. Support member 320 resides along an underside
of a wearer's breast while cup member 310, which includes underwire
350, is placed along a front surface of the breast. While both cup
member 310 and support member 320 are substantially flat before
application, each conforms to the shape of a wearer's breast upon
application. As shown, cup member 310 may partially or completely
cover support member 320 when applied.
[0050] FIG. 4H shows a partially exploded side elevational view of
device 300 as applied to a wearer (shown in phantom). Two cup
members 310L, 310R are provided, one for each of a wearer's
breasts. Right cup member 310R and right support member 320R are
shown before application to the wearer's right breast. Right
support member 320R is to be applied to an underside of the
wearer's right breast while right cup member 310R is to be applied
to a front surface of the wearer's right breast. Left cup member
310L is shown applied to the wearer's left breast. As applied, left
cup member 310L covers left support member (not shown), which has
been applied to an underside of the wearer's left breast. It should
be understood, of course, that left cup member 310L or any other
cup member may similarly cover only a portion of a support member
or none of the support member, depending, for example, on the size
of a wearer's breast and/or the particular sites of application of
the cup member and the support member.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 5A-G, various embodiments of device 400
are shown, wherein cup member 410 has a partial half-round shape,
designed to raise and move a wearer's breast to a medial position,
thus providing cleavage. FIG. 5A shows a front view of the device
400, comprising a partial half-round cup member 410 and a support
member 420. Cup member 410 and support member 420 may each be
composed of one or more of a number of materials, including, for
example, cloth and silicone.
[0052] FIG. 5B shows a front view of device 400 as it would be
applied to a wearer. Support member 420 resides along an underside
of a wearer's breast while cup member 410 is placed along a front
surface of the breast. While both cup member 410 and support member
420 are substantially flat before application, each conforms to the
shape of a wearer's breast upon application. As shown, cup member
410 may partially or completely cover support member 420 when
applied.
[0053] FIG. 5C shows device 400 with optional mesh member 440
connecting cup member 410 and support member 420. Mesh member 440
may be of the same material or a different material as cup member
410 and support member 420.
[0054] FIG. 5D shows device 400 with a first support member 420 and
a second support member 422 residing below first support member,
and each residing below cup member 410. First and second support
members may be of the same or different materials.
[0055] FIG. 5E shows device 400 of FIG. 5D with optionally rounded
ends 420a, 420b, 422a, 422b on each of first support member 420 and
second support member 422. It should be appreciated that while each
end of first support member 420 and second support member 422 is
shown having a rounded shape, it is within the scope of the present
invention that one end of either or both support members may be
rounded while the other end is squared.
[0056] FIG. 5F shows device 400 comprising a pair of cup members
410R, 410L and support members 420R, 420L as well as optional tab
members 460R, 460L located on or adjacent a lateral surface of each
cup member 410R, 410L. That is, tab members 460R, 460L may be
attached to cup members 410R, 410L by any means known in the art or
may be applied as independent members to areas adjacent cup members
410R, 410L. Tab members 460R, 460L provide additional support to a
wearer's breast by further securing cup member 410R, 410L to a side
of the wearer's body. Accordingly, an adhesive such as that
described above may be applied to a portion or an entire interior
surface of tab member 460R, 460L. Tab members 460R, 460L may be of
the same or a different material than cup member 410R, 410L and
support member 420R, 420L.
[0057] FIG. 5G shows a partially exploded side elevational view of
device 400 as applied to a wearer (shown in phantom). Two cup
members 410L, 410R are provided, one for each of a wearer's
breasts. Right cup member 410R and right support member 420R are
shown before application to the wearer's right breast. Right
support member 420R is to be applied to an underside of the
wearer's right breast while right cup member 410R is to be applied
to a front surface of the wearer's right breast. Left cup member
410L is shown applied to the wearer's left breast. As applied, left
cup member 410L covers left support member (not shown), which has
been applied to an underside of the wearer's left breast. It should
be understood, of course, that left cup member 410L or any other
cup member may similarly cover only a portion of a support member
or none of the support member, depending, for example, on the size
of a wearer's breast and/or the particular sites of application of
the cup member and the support member.
[0058] Referring to FIGS. 6A-B, various embodiments of device 500
are shown, wherein cup members 510L, 510R are "plunging" cups. FIG.
6A shows a front view of the device 500, comprising a pair of
plunging cup members 510L, 510R and a pair of support members 520L,
520R. Cup members 510L, 510R are each joined at a medial surface by
a connecting member 570. Cup members 510L, 510R, support members
520L, 520R, and connecting member 570 may each be composed of one
or more of a number of materials, including, for example, cloth and
silicone. Each of cup members 510L, 510R, support members 520L,
520R, and connecting member 570 may be of the same or different
materials.
[0059] Support members 520L, 520R may each optionally include one
or more rounded edges, as described above and shown here as 520L1
and 520R1. Each cup member 510L, 510R may optionally further
comprise an underwire 550L, 550R and/or a tab member 560L, 560R.
Tab members 560L, 560R may be located on or adjacent a lateral
surface of each cup member 510L, 510R. That is, tab members 560L,
560R may be attached to cup members 510L, 510R by any means known
in the art or may be applied as independent members to areas
adjacent cup members 510L, 510R. Tab members 560L, 560R provide
additional support to a wearer's breast by further securing cup
member 510L, 510R to a side of the wearer's body. Accordingly, an
adhesive such as that described above may be applied to a portion
or an entire interior surface of tab member 560L, 560R. Tab members
560L, 560R may be of the same or a different material than cup
members 510L, 510R, support members 520L, 520R, and connecting
member 570.
[0060] FIG. 6B shows a partially exploded side elevational view of
device 500 as applied to a wearer (shown in phantom). Right cup
member 510R and right support member 520R are shown before
application to the wearer's right breast. Right support member 520R
is to be applied to an underside of the wearer's right breast while
right cup member 510R is to be applied to a front surface of the
wearer's right breast. Left cup member 510L is shown applied to the
wearer's left breast. As applied, left cup member 510L covers left
support member (not shown), which has been applied to an underside
of the wearer's left breast. It should be understood, of course,
that left cup member 510L or any other cup member may similarly
cover only a portion of a support member or none of the support
member, depending, for example, on the size of a wearer's breast
and/or the particular sites of application of the cup member and
the support member.
[0061] Referring to FIGS. 7A-B, various embodiments of device 600
are shown, wherein cup members 610L, 610R have a full cup shape,
designed to provide additional support and coverage to a wearer's
breast. FIG. 7A shows a front view of the device 600, comprising a
pair of full cup members 610L, 610R and a pair of support members
620L, 620R. Cup members 610L, 610R are each joined at a medial
surface by a connecting member 670. Cup members 610L, 610R, support
members 620L, 620R, and connecting member 670 may each be composed
of one or more of a number of materials, including, for example,
cloth and silicone. Each of cup members 610L, 610R, support members
620L, 620R, and connecting member 670 may be of the same or
different materials.
[0062] Support members 620L, 620R may each optionally include one
or more rounded edges, as described above and shown here as 620L1
and 620R1. Each cup member 610L, 610R may optionally further
comprise an underwire 650L, 650R and/or a tab member 660L, 660R.
Tab members 660L, 660R may be located on or adjacent a lateral
surface of each cup member 610L, 610R. That is, tab members 660L,
660R may be attached to cup members 610L, 610R by any means known
in the art or may be applied as independent members to areas
adjacent cup members 610L, 610R. Tab members 660L, 660R provide
additional support to a wearer's breast by further securing cup
member 610L, 610R to a side of the wearer's body. Accordingly, an
adhesive such as that described above may be applied to a portion
or an entire interior surface of tab member 660L, 660R. Tab members
660L, 660R may be of the same or a different material than cup
members 610L, 610R, support members 620L, 620R, and connecting
member 670.
[0063] FIG. 7B shows a partially exploded side elevational view of
device 600 as applied to a wearer (shown in phantom). Right cup
member 610R and right support member 620R are shown before
application to the wearer's right breast. Right support member 620R
is to be applied to an underside of the wearer's right breast while
right cup member 610R is to be applied to a front surface of the
wearer's right breast. Left cup member 610L is shown applied to the
wearer's left breast. As applied, left cup member 610L covers left
support member (not shown), which has been applied to an underside
of the wearer's left breast. It should be understood, of course,
that left cup member 610L or any other cup member may similarly
cover only a portion of a support member or none of the support
member, depending, for example, on the size of a wearer's breast
and/or the particular sites of application of the cup member and
the support member.
[0064] While this invention has been described in conjunction with
the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many
alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to
those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the embodiments of the
invention as set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not
limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following
claims.
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