U.S. patent application number 10/562916 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-15 for adjustable underwire assembly.
Invention is credited to Joseph Horta, Sam Roizer, Ajit Thakur.
Application Number | 20070264905 10/562916 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33563884 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070264905 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Horta; Joseph ; et
al. |
November 15, 2007 |
Adjustable Underwire Assembly
Abstract
An adjustable underwire assembly 12 for brassiere cups is
disclosed, including a first generally U-shaped arcuate under wire
member 14 dimensioned and configured for insertion into a
correspondingly generally U-shaped enclosure which extends along at
least a portion of a first brassiere cup, and a second 16 generally
U-shaped arcuate underwire member dimensioned and configured for
insertion into a correspondingly generally U-shaped enclosure which
extends along at least a portion a second brassiere cup adjacent
the first brassiere cup. A connecting and adjustment device 22
connects the first generally arcuate member to the second generally
arcuate member, the connecting device including a plurality of
locking teeth or other locking surfaces or devices to selectively
alter and maintain the regular angular orientation between the
first and second generally arcuate members to facilitate adjustment
of the brassiere cups as required by the wearer. The cups may be
rotated downwardly for comfort, or upwardly for cleavage
enhancement.
Inventors: |
Horta; Joseph; (Yonkers,
NY) ; Thakur; Ajit; (Eagleville, PA) ; Roizer;
Sam; (West Nyack, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Abelman Frayne & Schwab
666 Third Avenue
10th Floor
New York
NY
10017-5621
US
|
Family ID: |
33563884 |
Appl. No.: |
10/562916 |
Filed: |
June 24, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
June 24, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US04/20821 |
371 Date: |
February 21, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60482773 |
Jun 25, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
450/41 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41C 3/124 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
450/041 |
International
Class: |
A41C 3/14 20060101
A41C003/14 |
Claims
1. An adjustable underwire assembly for brassiere cups, which
comprises: a) a first generally U-shaped arcuate underwire member
dimensioned and configured for insertion into a correspondingly
generally U-shaped enclosure which extends along at least a portion
of a first brassiere cup; b) a second generally U-shaped arcuate
underwire member dimensioned and configured for insertion into a
correspondingly generally U-shaped enclosure which extends along at
least a portion of a second brassiere cup adjacent said first
brassiere cup; and c) a device which connects said first generally
arcuate member to said second generally arcuate member, said
connecting device including means to selectively alter and maintain
the relative angular orientation between said first and second
generally arcuate members to facilitate adjustment of the brassiere
cups as required by the wearer.
2. The adjustable underwire assembly according to claim 1, wherein
said connecting device comprises a first elongated member attached
to said first arcuate member and a second elongated member attached
to said second arcuate member, said first and second elongated
members being connected relative to each other by an adjustment
device which permits adjustment of the angular relationship
therebetween, said adjustment device further being capable of
maintaining selected relative angular positions of said elongated
members and said generally U-shaped arcuate underwire members.
3. The adjustable underwire assembly according to claim 2, wherein
said first elongated member is attached to said first generally
U-shaped arcuate member and said second elongated member is
attached to said second generally U-shaped arcuate member.
4. The adjustable underwire assembly according to claim 3, wherein
said adjustment device comprises a first generally circular member
having a first plurality of radially inwardly extending teeth and a
second generally circular member at least partially positioned
within said first generally circular member, said second generally
circular member having a second plurality of radially outwardly
extending teeth which mesh with said first plurality of teeth to
retain the relative angular orientation between said first and
second underwire members.
5. The adjustable underwire assembly according to claim 4, wherein
said first generally circular member is an outer ring-like member
and said second generally circular member is an inner ring-like
member positioned with said first ring-like member, said first and
second ring-like members being relatively rotatable.
6. The adjustable underwire assembly according to claim 5, wherein
said outer and inner ring-like members are rotatable relative to
each other by providing rotative force to at least one of said
ring-like members to cause said respective teeth to progressively
engage and disengage each other during said rotation.
7. The adjustable underwire assembly according to claim 6, wherein
said first outer ring-like member includes a generally radially
extending relief groove at a pre-selected circumferential location
between and adjacent selected inwardly extending teeth to permit
flexing of said outer ring-like member and relative rotation of one
of said ring-like members relative to the other.
8. The adjustable underwire assembly according to claim 7, wherein
said inwardly extending teeth extend over the entire inner
periphery of said outer ring-like member, and said outwardly
extending teeth extend over the entire outer periphery of said
inner ring-like member.
9. The adjustable underwire assembly according to claim 7, wherein
said inwardly extending teeth extend over a portion of the inner
periphery of said outer ring-like member.
10. The adjustable underwire assembly according to claim 9 wherein
said outwardly extending teeth extend over a corresponding portion
of said inner ring-like member.
11. The adjustable underwire assembly according to claim 10 wherein
said inwardly extending teeth extend over a portion of the inner
periphery of said outer ring-like member at at least two
locations.
12. The adjustable underwire assembly according to claim 10 wherein
said inwardly extending teeth extend over a portion of the inner
periphery of said outer ring-like member at three distinct
locations spaced equally over the inner periphery of said outer
ring-like member.
13. The adjustable underwire assembly according to claim 11,
further comprising a pin extending transversely of said inner and
outer ring-like members and generally centrally thereof, said pin
having a manually operable push-button at one end and a locking
device at the opposite end, said locking device adapted to engage
certain of said outwardly extending teeth of said inner ring-like
member to lock said inner ring-like member in a pre-selected
angular orientation relative to said outer ring-like member, said
locking pin being spring biased to the locked position and movable
by manual actuation of said push button to a second position to
release said teeth from said engaged position to permit relative
rotation of said inner and outer ring-like members.
14. The adjustable underwire assembly according to claim 8, further
comprising means to maintain a predetermined relative angular
orientation between said inner and outer ring-like members.
15. The adjustable underwire assembly according to claim 14,
wherein said means to maintain a predetermined relative angular
orientation between said inner and outer ring-like members
comprises at least one elongated locking member fixedly attached to
one of said ring-like members and positioned for releasable
engagement with said outer ring-like member at selected locations
thereon for maintaining a relative angular presentation between
said outer and inner ring-like members.
16. The adjustable underwire assembly according to claim 15,
wherein said at least one elongated locking member is attached to
said inner ring-like member and adapted to releasably engage one of
a plurality of indentations associated with said outer ring-like
member.
17. The adjustable underwire assembly according to claim 16,
wherein at least two of such elongated locking members are attached
to said inner ring-like member and adapted to releasably engage one
of a plurality of indentations associated with said outer ring-like
member.
18. The adjustable underwire assembly according to claim 3, wherein
said connecting device comprises at least two generally circular
shaped members connected for relative rotation about a common axis,
a first of said generally circular shaped members including a
plurality of teeth extending from one annular surface and the
second of said generally circular shaped members including a
corresponding plurality of mating teeth facing said first plurality
of teeth and extending from a corresponding facing annular surface,
and means is provided to releasably separate said facing teeth to
facilitate relative rotation of said members and corresponding
adjustment of said underwires.
19. The adjustable underwire assembly according to claim 18,
wherein said means to permit adjustment of said underwires includes
means to separate said annular mating toothed surfaces to release
said mating teeth from relative engagement with each other to
permit rotation of one of said generally circular shaped members
relative to the other.
20. The adjustable underwire assembly according to claim 4, wherein
locking means is provided to assist in maintaining the relative
angular orientation between said first and second generally
circular shaped members, said locking means comprising at least one
elongated locking member extending from one of said generally
circular members toward the other, and a corresponding plurality of
apertures correspondingly positioned on the other of said generally
circular members, said plurality of apertures being located for
reception of said at least one elongated locking member to assist
in maintaining relative angular positions between said first and
second generally circular members and said arcuate members.
21. The adjustable underwire assembly according to claim 20,
wherein at least two of such elongated locking members are provided
for reception and removal with respect to at least two of said
plurality of apertures in said other generally circular member.
22. The adjustable underwire assembly according to claim 3, wherein
said connecting and adjustment device comprises a first generally
circular member and a second generally circular member positioned
adjacent said first generally circular member, said generally
circular members being rotatable about a common axis and having
means to maintain a predetermined angular orientation between said
two arcuate members.
23. The adjustable underwire assembly according to claim 22,
wherein said means to maintain a predetermined relative angular
orientation between said two generally circular members comprises
at least one elongated locking member extending from one of said
generally circular members and a corresponding plurality of
apertures in the other of said generally circular members, said
elongated locking member adapted to be releasably inserted into at
least one of said apertures to maintain a predetermined relative
angular orientation between said arcuate members.
24. The adjustable underwire assembly according to claim 23,
wherein at least one of two of said elongated locking members are
provided on said first of said generally circular members and said
elongated locking members are positioned for selective reception
and removal from at least two of said corresponding apertures and
said other of said locking members.
25. The adjustable underwire assembly according to claim 24,
further comprising means to separate said generally circular
members to release said elongated locking members from said
correspondingly aligned apertures on said other of said
members.
26. The adjustable underwire assembly according to claim 25,
wherein each of said elongated locking members comprises an
elongated pin.
27. An adjustable underwire assembly for brassiere cups, which
comprises: a) a first generally U-shaped arcuate underwire member
dimensioned and configured for insertion into a correspondingly
generally U-shaped enclosure which extends along at least a portion
of a first brassiere cup; b) a second generally U-shaped arcuate
underwire member dimensioned and configured for insertion into a
correspondingly generally U-shaped enclosure which extends along at
least a portion of a second brassiere cup adjacent said first
brassiere cup; and c) a device which connects said first generally
arcuate member to said second generally arcuate member, said
connecting device including first and second members assembled for
rotation relative to each other, one of said members including a
surface having a plurality of teeth extending toward a
corresponding opposed surface of the other of said members, and
said corresponding surface of the other of said members having a
plurality of teeth extending toward said first plurality of teeth
and positioned, configured and dimensioned for releasable
engagement therewith to selectively maintain a predetermined
relative angular orientation between said first and second
members.
28. The adjustable underwire assembly according to claim 27,
further comprising means to assist in maintaining a predetermined
relative angular orientation between said first and second
members.
29. The adjustable underwire assembly according to claim 28,
wherein said means to assist in maintaining a predetermined
relative angular orientation between said first and second members
comprises a plurality of apertures in a first of said members and
at least one elongated pin extending from a second of said members
for releasable entry into one of said apertures.
30. The adjustable underwire assembly according to claim 29,
wherein at least two of said elongated pins are provided on said
second member.
31. An adjustable underwire assembly for brassiere cups, which
comprises: a) a first generally U-shaped arcuate underwire member
dimensioned and configured for insertion into a correspondingly
generally U-shaped enclosure which extends along at least a portion
of a first brassiere cup; b) a second generally U-shaped arcuate
underwire member dimensioned and configured for insertion into a
correspondingly generally U-shaped enclosure which extends along at
least a portion of a second brassiere cup adjacent said first
brassiere cup; and c) a device which connects said first generally
arcuate member to said second generally arcuate member, said
connecting device including first and second connecting members
relatively rotatable about a common axis with respect to each
other, and means associated with each of said first and second
connecting members for selectively rotating and retaining one of
said generally arcuate members relative to the other to thereby
selectively alter and maintain the relative angular orientation
between said first and second generally arcuate members to
facilitate adjustment of the brassiere cups as selected by the
wearer.
32. An adjustable device for connecting a pair of U-shaped arcuate
underwire members for a brassiere to facilitate relative rotation
of said arcuate shaped underwire members to permit selective
adjustment of the relative angular orientation thereof to
predetermined positions selected by the wearer of the brassiere,
which comprises: a) a first generally circular member; b) a second
generally circular member assembled with said first generally
circular member, said generally circular members adapted for
rotation relative to each other about a generally common axis; and
c) means associated with said first member in the form of a
plurality of generally pointed teeth facing toward a corresponding
mating plurality of similarly dimensioned and configured teeth on
said second member for selectively retaining the relative angular
positions of said first and second members in a predetermined
relation.
33. The adjustable underwire assembly according to claim 32,
further comprises means to assist in maintaining a predetermined
relative angular relation of said first member with respect to said
second member.
34. The adjustable underwire assembly according to claim 33,
further comprising means to release said members to facilitate
relative rotation of at least one of said members relative to the
other.
35. The adjustable underwire assembly according to claim 1, wherein
said connecting device comprises an outer ring-like member and an
inner ring-like member adapted for relative rotation about a common
axis, and means for retaining the relative angular positions of
said generally circular members, which comprises a plurality of
apertures on one of said ring-like members and at least two
elongated pins attached to said other of said ring-like members and
positioned and adapted for removable insertion into selected
apertures to retain the relative rotational positions of said
generally circular members.
36. An adjustment device for an article of clothing including
breast supports comprising: a) a first member and a second member,
the first member being adapted to connect to a first underwire of a
first breast support, said second member being adapted to connect
to a second underwire of a second breast support, said first member
and said second member being rotatably connected to selectively
alter the relative angular positions of said first and second
underwires; and b) means to maintain said first and second members
in pre-selected relative angular positions to maintain said first
and second underwires in corresponding pre-selected angular
positions relative to each other.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to underwires used in
supporting garments, particularly brassieres. In particular the
invention relates to an adjustable underwire assembly which
facilitates adjustments of the fit of the brassiere to accommodate
minor changes in the user's size or activities, while promoting
comfort to the user. The invention also relates to a brassiere
incorporating such adjustable underwire assembly.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Brassieres are essential garments for most women. The
purpose of a brassiere is to control excessive movement of the
breasts which can cause discomfort, especially in larger breasted
women. Without the proper support, the breasts will undergo
stretching of soft tissue and ligaments, leading to general
discomfort and ultimate sagging of the breast earlier than normal.
Accordingly, a brassiere should not only fit properly to the
wearer, but should also be comfortable to wear, while providing
flexibility to accommodate changes in size or activities of the
wearer.
[0005] Larger breasted women generally require additional support
which is generally provided by an underwire which is inserted into
a sleeve extending along the underside of each cup of the
brassiere. The underwire is usually in the form of a semi-rigid and
resilient stiffening member of a generally arcuate U-shape which is
inserted into the fabric pocket or sleeve that extends from the
central portion of the brassiere and along the layer and outside
portions of the breastcups to a position at or near the wearer's
side, under each arm. The resilient underwire may be made of a
metal such as steel, and will generally have a rectangular, oval or
other cross-section, or it may be made from polymeric materials in
a variety of cross-sectional shapes. They are generally provided
with plastic comfort tips to avoid uncomfortable pinching and to
minimize wear in the brassiere fabric. Still in other embodiments
the underwire may be made of a metal coated with a polymeric
material.
[0006] Commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/245,470, filed Sep. 16, 2002 relates to a garment underwire with
zones of differing flexibility. The disclosure of application Ser.
No. 10/245,470 is incorporated herein by reference and made a part
of this disclosure. Other efforts have been made to alleviate
discomfort of such underwires as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,830,040, 3,777,763 and 3,608,556, the disclosures of which are
incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this
disclosure.
[0007] While each underwire is made as an individual unit for
separate insertion into an individual sleeves or pockets of
adjacent breast cups, such underwires are generally fixed in the
position which they assume by virtue of the location of the sleeve
and their relative semi-stiffness. Their limited rigidity prevents
adjustment of the shape or orientation to conform to the individual
fit of the wearer.
[0008] Since it is generally understood that breast sizes and
shapes will often vary from time to time with a woman's weight as
well as her body chemistry, often a particular brassiere fitted
with a one set of underwires will be adequate to the wearer over a
particular period of time and the same brassiere will be inadequate
during other periods of time when the breasts undergo changes in
size and/or shape. For example, a woman's breast will assume a
different size and shape during the menstrual cycle, as opposed to
the size and shape which it may assume during the remaining portion
of the month. Pregnancy will also affect breast size. In addition,
the activity of the wearer will often vary and require different
types of brassiere support. For example, a brassiere which is worn
comfortably for employment activities may differ from a brassiere
which is required by the same wearer with an evening dress or even
when involved in other activities such as tennis, golf, swimming,
ballet or gymnastics.
[0009] It will be readily understood that a single brassiere will
often not accommodate such a relatively large number of activities
and will therefore be adequate for one such activity, but
inadequate for another. We have invented an adjustable underwire
assembly for use in conjunction with a brassiere in which
variations in size, shape and activated of the wearer can be
accommodated with comfort as required during a given period of
use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] An adjustable underwire assembly for brassiere cups which
comprises a first generally U-shaped arcuate underwire member
dimensioned and is configured for insertion into a correspondingly
generally U-shaped enclosure which extends along at least a portion
of a first brassiere cup, a second generally U-shaped arcuate
underwire member dimensioned and configured for insertion into a
correspondingly generally U-shaped enclosure which extends along at
least a portion of a second brassiere cup adjacent the first
brassiere cup, and a device which connects the first generally
arcuate member to the second generally arcuate member, the
connecting device including means to selectively alter and maintain
the relative angular orientation between the first and second
generally arcuate members to facilitate adjustment of the brassiere
cups as required by the wearer.
[0011] The connecting device preferably comprises a first elongated
member attached to the first arcuate member and a second elongated
material attached to the second arcuate member. The first and
second elongated members are connected relative to each other by an
adjustment device which permits adjustment of the angular
relationship therebetween, the adjustment device further being
capable of maintaining a selected angular position of the elongated
members and the generally U-shaped arcuate underwire members.
[0012] The first elongated member is attached to the first
generally U-shaped arcuate member and the second elongated member
is attached to the second generally U-shaped arcuate member.
[0013] The adjustment device preferably comprises a generally
circular member having a first plurality of radially inwardly
extending teeth and a generally circular member at least partially
positioned within the first circular member, the second member
having a second plurality of radially outwardly extending teeth
which mesh with the first plurality of teeth to retain the relative
angular orientation between the first and second underwire members.
The first member is preferably an outer ring-like member and the
second member is preferably an inner ring-like member positioned
with the first ring-like member, the first and second ring-like
members being relatively rotatable. The outer and inner ring-like
members are rotatable relative to each other by providing rotative
force to at least one of said members to cause said respective
teeth to progressively engage and disengage each other during said
rotation.
[0014] The first outer ring-like member preferably includes a
generally radially extending relief groove at a pre-selected
circumferential location between and adjacent selected inwardly
extending teeth to permit flexing of the outer ring-like member and
relative rotation of one of the ring-like members relative to the
other. In one embodiment, the inwardly extending teeth extend over
the entire inner periphery of the outer ring-like member, and the
outwardly extending teeth extend over the entire outer periphery of
the inner ring-like member.
[0015] In another embodiment, the inwardly extending teeth extend
over a portion of the inner periphery of the outer ring-like
member. In this embodiment, the outwardly extending teeth extend
over a corresponding portion of the inner ring-like member, and the
inwardly extending teeth preferably extend over a portion of the
inner periphery of the outer ring at at least two locations. In
another embodiment, the inwardly extending teeth extend over a
portion of the inner periphery of the outer ring at three distinct
locations spaced equally over the inner periphery of the outer
ring.
[0016] In one embodiment, a pin extends transversely of the inner
and outer rings and generally centrally thereof, the pin having a
manually operable push-button at one end and a locking advice at
the opposite end. The locking device is adapted to engage certain
of the outwardly extending teeth of the inner ring to lock the
inner ring in a pre-selected angular orientation relative to the
outer ring, the locking pin is spring biased to the locked position
and movable by manual actuation of the push button to a second
position to release the teeth from the engaged position to permit
relative rotation of the inner and outer ring-like members.
[0017] In another embodiment means is provided to maintain a
predetermined relative angular orientation between the inner and
outer ring-like members in the form of at least one elongated
member fixedly attached to one of the ring-like members and
positioned for releasable engagement with the outer ring-like
member at selected locations thereon for maintaining a relative
angular presentation between the outer and inner rings. The
elongated member is preferably attached to the inner ring and
adapted to releasably engage one of a plurality of indentations
associated with the outer ring. In another preferred embodiment at
least two of such elongated members are preferably attached to the
inner ring and adapted to releasably engage one of a plurality of
indentations associated with the outer ring.
[0018] In another embodiment the connecting device comprises at
least two generally circular shaped members connected for relative
rotation about a common axis, a first of the members including a
plurality of teeth extending from one annular surface and the
second of the members including a corresponding plurality of mating
teeth facing the first plurality of teeth and extending from a
corresponding facing annular surface. Means is provided to
releasably separate the facing teeth to facilitate relative
rotation of the members and corresponding adjustment of said
underwires. In this embodiment, the means to permit adjustment of
the underwires includes means to separate the annular mating
toothed surfaces to release the mating teeth from relative
engagement with each other to permit rotation of one of the members
relative to the other.
[0019] Locking means may be provided to assist in maintaining the
relative angular orientation between the first and second generally
circular shaped members, the locking means comprising at least one
elongated member extending from one of the generally circular
members toward the other, and a corresponding plurality of
apertures correspondingly positioned on the other of the generally
circular members. The plurality of apertures are located for
reception of the at least one elongated member to assist in
maintaining relative angular positions between the first and second
generally circular members and the arcuate members.
[0020] At least two of such elongated members may provided for
reception and removal with respect to at least two of said
plurality of apertures in said other generally circular member. The
connecting and adjustment device preferably comprises a first
generally circular member and a second generally circular member
positioned adjacent the first generally circular member, the
members being rotatable about a common access and having means to
maintain a predetermined angular orientation between the two
members. In this embodiment, the adjustable underwire assembly
preferably includes means to maintain a predetermined relative
angular orientation between the two members which comprises at
least one elongated member extending from one of the members and a
corresponding plurality of apertures in the other of the members.
The elongated member is adapted to be releasably inserted into at
least one of the apertures to maintain a predetermined relative
angular orientation between the members.
[0021] At least of two of the elongated members are preferably
provided on the first of the generally circular members and the
elongated members are positioned for selective reception and
removal from at least two of the corresponding apertures and the
other of the members. The adjustable underwire assembly further
comprises means to separate the members to release the elongated
members from the correspondingly aligned apertures on the of other
the members. Preferably each of the elongated members comprises an
elongated pin.
[0022] An adjustable device is disclosed for connecting a pair of
U-shaped arcuate underwire members for a brassiere to facilitate
relative rotation of said arcuate shaped underwire members to
permit selective adjustment of the relative angular orientation
thereof to predetermined positions selected by the wearer of the
brassiere, which comprises a first generally circular member, a
second generally circular member assembled with the first generally
circular member, the generally circular members adapted for
rotation relative to each other about a generally common axis, and
means associated with the first member in the form of a plurality
of generally pointed teeth facing toward a corresponding mating
plurality of similarly dimensioned and configured teeth on the
second member for selectively retaining the relative angular
positions of the first and second members in a predetermined
relation.
[0023] Broadly stated, the adjustment device includes breast
supports comprising a first member and a second member, the first
member being adapted to connect to a first underwire of a first
breast support, the second member being adapted to connect to a
second underwire of a second breast support. The first member and
the second member are rotatably connected to selectively alter the
relative angular positions of the first and second underwires.
Means is provided to maintain the first and second members in
pre-selected relative angular positions to maintain the first and
second underwires in corresponding pre-selected angular positions
relative to each other.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described
hereinbelow with reference to the drawings, wherein:
[0025] FIG. 1 is a partial front view of a brassiere incorporating
an adjustable underwire assembly constructed in accordance with the
invention, the wearer shown for environmental purposes;
[0026] FIG. 2 is a front view of an adjustable underwire assembly,
illustrating the adjustable feature wherein one of the underwires
is pivoted to an alternative open position for illustration
purposes, as shown in phantom lines;
[0027] FIG. 3 is a front view of the adjustable underwire assembly
of FIG. 2, adjusted to a position which brings the breasts in
closer relation to each other to enhance cleavage;
[0028] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view with parts separated
for illustration purposes, of the connecting and adjustment device
intended to selectively alter and maintain the relative angular
orientation between the underwires to which the connecting device
is attached;
[0029] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 5-5 of
FIG. 1 of the connecting and adjustment device of the invention,
with the underwires rotated upwardly out of position for
illustration purposes only;
[0030] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along lines
6-6 of FIG. 5;
[0031] FIG. 7 is plan view of an alternative embodiment of the
connecting and adjustment device of FIGS. 5 and 6, wherein the
outer ring includes adjustment teeth in three selected spaced areas
rather than over the entire inner circumference of the ring;
[0032] FIG. 8 is a perspective view from above, of an alternative
embodiment of the connecting and adjustment device of the
invention, incorporating a spring biased release button and pin to
engage and disengage the adjustment teeth to permit adjustment of
the angular relation between the underwires;
[0033] FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along lines
9-9 of FIG. 8 with the underwires fixed in selected relative
positions;
[0034] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 10-10 of
FIG. 9;
[0035] FIG. 11 is a front view of the connecting and adjustment
device of FIG. 10, with the connecting device in the release
position and showing one of the underwires released and rotated to
an alternative selected position;
[0036] FIG. 12 is a perspective view from above of another
alternative embodiment of the connecting and adjustment device of
the invention;
[0037] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view with parts separated for
illustration purposes, of the embodiment of FIG. 12, illustrating
the incorporation of a pair of pins which selectively engage
depressions in the outer ring to assist in fixing the selected
relative angular positions of the underwires;
[0038] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 14-14 of
FIG. 12;
[0039] FIG. 15 is an enlarged perspective view with parts separated
for illustration purposes, of still another alternative embodiment
of the adjustment and connecting device of the invention,
incorporating a spring biased release button in combination with a
plurality of teeth upstanding from opposed faces of the adjustment
rings;
[0040] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the connecting and
adjustment device of FIG. 15 in the assembled condition;
[0041] FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along lines
17-17 of FIG. 16; and
[0042] FIG. 18 is a perspective view from above of another
alternative embodiment of the connecting and adjustment device of
FIGS. 12-14, in which the ratcheting teeth have been eliminated and
maintenance of the angular setting is accomplished only by the pins
and apertures as shown.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0043] Referring initially to FIG. 1 there is shown a partial front
view of a woman wearing a brassiere 10 which incorporates the
adjustable underwire assembly 12, shown in more detail in FIGS.
2-4. In particular, adjustable underwire assembly 12 includes a
pair of semi-rigid, but resilient arcuate underwires 14, 16, having
plastic comfort tips 18, 20 attached at their free ends. The
underwires 14, 16 are respectively inserted into correspondingly
shaped arcuate pockets extending along the lower edge of each
brassiere cup, and they are connected to each other by an
adjustment device 22, the structure and function of which can best
be described with reference to FIG. 4.
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 4, the connecting and adjustment
device 22 is constructed of a plurality of components made of a
suitable polymeric material such as nylon, high density
polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
monomers and/or copolymers. Other suitable materials such as metals
or the like are contemplated.
[0045] Referring again to FIG. 4, connecting and adjustment device
22 includes generally circular shaped outer ring 24 having a
plurality of radially inwardly extending teeth 26 projecting from
the inner wall, and inner ring 28 having an axially extending
section 30 which has a plurality of radially outwardly extending
mating teeth 32 projecting therefrom. Inner and outer rings 28, 24
each include a generally elongated member--or arm--34, 36 for
attachment of a respective underwire 14, 16 either by molding
techniques or other know methods of attachment. Locking pin 38
includes a disc shaped member 40 having a pair of legs 42, 44
having locking legs 46, 48 which snappingly engage with a circular
shaped surface 50 formed on the inner ring 28 when the rings are
assembled and the locking pin is inserted into the central opening
52 as best shown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 4, outer ring 24
includes a radially extending relief opening 54 which permits
flexibility of the ring to provide meshing flexibility and to
accommodate meshing of the sets of teeth 26, 32 when the rings are
assembled as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.
[0046] In operation, to adjust the relative angles of the
underwires to the desired orientation, each underwire 14, 16 is
rotated to the desired position by gripping and rotating either the
underwires or the elongated arms 34, 36, causing the respective
meshing sets of teeth 26, 32 to engage and ride over each other
until the desired orientation of the underwires is achieved. At
such point the respective teeth 26, 32 will remain in the last
selected engaged position in the selected angular orientation. Thus
the circumferential resistance force which will maintain the
underwires in their selected positions will be provided by the sum
total of the engaged inwardly extending teeth 26 and outwardly
extending mating teeth 32.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 7 there is illustrated an alternative
embodiment of the outer ring 24. In this embodiment the radially
inwardly extending teeth are located in three separate locations
26, rather than extending over the entire inner periphery of the
ring 24. In this embodiment it is believed that the separate
toothed sections 26 are sufficient to engage the teeth 32 of the
inner ring 28 and to retain the underwires in the desired angular
orientations. However in this embodiment, in view of the limited
number of teeth 26, the possibility of misalignment of the teeth in
engagement is reduced. Therefore the radial relief groove 54 of the
embodiment of FIG. 4 has been eliminated.
[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 8-11 there is illustrated an
alternative embodiment 56 of the invention wherein inner ring 58 is
provided with two separate outer wall sections 60, 62 having
outwardly extending teeth 64, 66 and a locking mechanism which is
provided by pin 68 extending through outer ring 70 as shown. Pin 68
includes a push button 70 at one end and a biasing spring 74
between button 70 and the outer ring 70.
[0049] An arcuately shaped member 76 is provided at the opposite
end of pin 68 on which locking teeth 78, 80 are provided to
selectively engage locking teeth 64, 66 on the outer ring when the
button 72 is released to permit the pin 68 and arcuate locking
member 76 to move upwardly into locking engagement with teeth 64,
66 to assist in maintaining a selected relative angular orientation
of the inner ring 58 and outer ring 70.
[0050] Rotation of elongated members--or arms--34, 36 and
respective underwires 14, 16 can be effected by pushing downwardly
on button 72 to release the engagement of locking teeth 78, 80 and
64, 66. When the desired angular positions of both underwires is
achieved, the pushbutton 72 is released and the locking teeth 76,
80 and 64, 66 are permitted to be engaged to lock the device and
the underwires in position. As seen in FIG. 10, the entire assembly
is secured together by locking member 82 which is formed of a
disc-like member 84 having locking legs 86, 88 having arrowhead
shaped locking tips 90, 92 at each end to engage a surface 94
formed as part of ring 58.
[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 12-14, there is illustrated still
another alternative embodiment of the connecting and adjustment
device of the previous embodiments. In the embodiment shown, the
connecting and adjusting device 100 includes outer ring 102 having
radially inwardly extending locking teeth 104 and inner ring 106
having axially extending section 108 having radially outwardly
extending teeth 110 configured and dimensioned to mesh with teeth
104 of outer ring 102. In most other respects the embodiment of
FIGS. 12-14 is identical to the embodiment of FIGS. 4-7, with the
additional feature provided by locking disc 110 having locking pins
112 which extend through apertures 114, 116 in inner ring 106 for
selective engagement in indentations 118 provided on the front face
of outer ring 102. Pin 120 includes pushbutton 122 at one end and
is threadedly attached to disc 110, while locking device 124 having
arrowhead-like locking legs 126, 128 retains the entire assembly
together as shown in FIG. 14.
[0052] In operation, when push button 122 is depressed against
spring 121 pins 112 are made to withdraw from indentations--or
apertures--118 to permit the inner ring 106 and outer ring 103 to
be rotated relative to each other to adjust the relative positions
of the underwires 14, 16. Thereafter, releasing the push button 122
permits the spring 121 to cause disc 110 and the tips of pins 112
to move axially toward outer ring 103 while pins 112 enter adjacent
indentations--or apertures--118 to provide additional rotational
locking support for the rings and the underwires.
[0053] Referring now to FIGS. 15-17 there is illustrated still
another alternative embodiment 133 of the adjustment and connecting
device of the invention wherein the inner and outer toothed rings
of the previous embodiments are substituted by disc-like members
130, 132 having upstanding generally triangular teeth 134-136
upstanding from opposed facing surfaces as shown. The assembly is
held together by a fastener 138 having a disc-shaped pushbutton 140
attached to threaded shaft 146 which is threadedly attached to end
disc 142 and biased axially away from the assembly by coil spring
144.
[0054] In operation, disc-like pushbutton 140 is depressed to
release the engagement of the toothed surfaces 130, 132 to permit
adjustment of the positions of the elongated arms 34, 36 and
respective underwires 14, 16. Thereafter, the push button 140 is
released to lock the positions of the underwires in the desired
locations.
[0055] It should be noted that in the embodiments shown, the mating
teeth shown have equally dimensioned upstanding sides, or they have
generally isosceles triangular cross-sectional configurations.
However, it is also contemplated to modify these embodiments by
providing alternative configurations for the mating engaging teeth.
For example, in some instances the upstanding engaging teeth or
members can have a right triangular cross-sectional shape. With
such right triangular engaging members, particularly in the
embodiments of FIGS. 12-17, the relative angular positions of the
elongated arms 34, 36 and respective underwires 14, 16 will be
positively locked in one direction, while releasing the teeth can
only be accomplished through the pushbutton release mechanism shown
in these embodiments. By right triangular configuration is meant
that one of the angles of the triangle is 90 degrees while the
hypotenuses of each of the mating teeth pass over each other when
adjustment of the positions of the underwires is made.
[0056] Referring to FIG. 18 there is shown still another
alternative embodiment 150 of the connecting and adjustment device
of FIG. 13, wherein the ratcheting teeth have been eliminated and
adjustment of the relative angular positions of outer ring 152 and
inner ring 154 is accomplished only by axially extending pins 156,
158 which are positioned and dimensioned to releaseably enter
indentations (or apertures) 160 in the same manner as described in
connection with the embodiment of FIGS. 12-14. Pin 162 biases disc
168 towards disc 169, and thereby also biases pins 156, 158 into
apertures 160 by spring 164. Pin 162 is threaded into threaded
aperture 166 in disc 168. Arrowhead shaped locking legs 170, 172
are also identical to the legs 126, 128 shown in FIGS. 12-14 and
serve to retain the entire assembly together in the manner shown in
FIG. 14.
[0057] It should also be understood that although pluralities of
mating engaging teeth are disclosed, any engaging surfaces are
contemplated to achieve locking of the members. For example,
roughened surfaces can be provided to engage each other, or even
knurled-type surfaces can be provided to prevent relative rotation
between the members.
* * * * *