U.S. patent application number 12/031198 was filed with the patent office on 2009-08-20 for bra comfort device.
Invention is credited to Gretchen S. Gonzales.
Application Number | 20090209174 12/031198 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40955562 |
Filed Date | 2009-08-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090209174 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gonzales; Gretchen S. |
August 20, 2009 |
BRA COMFORT DEVICE
Abstract
A comfort device comprising an adhesive layer and a padding
layer is provided. The padding layer includes one or more
sub-padding layers and embossing to hold the sub-padding layers
together. The padding layer comprises a plurality of scallops
disposed around the edge. A method of improving the comfort of an
undergarment is also provided.
Inventors: |
Gonzales; Gretchen S.;
(Vancouver, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARGER JOHNSON & MCCOLLOM, P.C.
210 SW MORRISON STREET, SUITE 400
PORTLAND
OR
97204
US
|
Family ID: |
40955562 |
Appl. No.: |
12/031198 |
Filed: |
February 14, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
450/57 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41B 2300/20 20130101;
A41C 3/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
450/57 |
International
Class: |
A41C 3/10 20060101
A41C003/10 |
Claims
1. A comfort device, comprising: an adhesive layer configured to
adhere the comfort device to an undergarment; and a padding layer,
the padding layer including: one or more sub-padding layers; and
embossing configured to hold the sub-padding layers together,
wherein the padding layer comprises a plurality of scallops
disposed around an edge thereof.
2. The comfort device of claim 1, further comprising an absorbent
layer between the adhesive layer and the padding layer.
3. The comfort device of claim 1, further comprising a backing
layer disposed on the adhesive layer.
4. The comfort device of claim 1, wherein the padding layer
comprises at least one additive.
5. The comfort device of claim 4, wherein the at least one additive
is one or more from a group comprising a skin moisturizer, an
antiperspirant, an antibiotic, and a topical analgesic.
6. The comfort device of claim 1, wherein the padding layer has a
color configured to match a color of the undergarment.
7. The comfort device of claim 6, wherein the color of the padding
layer is one from a group comprising white, black, beige, pink, and
blue.
8. The comfort device of claim 1, wherein the comfort device has a
substantially circular shape.
9. The comfort device of claim 1, wherein the comfort device has a
shape comprising a rectangle, an oval, or an H shape.
10. The comfort device of claim 1, wherein the adhesive layer
extends across a substantially entire surface of the padding
layer.
11. The comfort device of claim 1, wherein the adhesive layer
covers a partial surface of the padding layer.
12. The comfort device of claim 1, wherein the comfort device
comprises materials that are biodegradable and hypo-allergenic.
13. A bra comfort device, comprising: an adhesive layer configured
to adhere the comfort device to a bra; a padding layer, the padding
layer including: two or more sub-padding layers; and embossing
extending across a substantially entire diameter of the padding
layer and configured to hold the sub-padding layers together; and
an absorbent layer between the adhesive layer and the padding
layer; and a backing layer disposed on the adhesive layer, wherein
the padding layer has a substantially circular shape and comprises
a plurality of rounded scallops disposed around a substantially
entire edge thereof, and wherein the adhesive layer extends across
a substantially entire surface of the padding layer.
14. The bra comfort device of claim 13, wherein a diameter of the
bra comfort device is about 2 inches to about 5 inches.
15. The bra comfort device of claim 13, wherein a thickness of the
padding layer is about 1/64 inches to about 1/4 inches.
16. The bra comfort device of claim 13, wherein the padding layer
comprises at least one additive.
17. The bra comfort device of claim 16, wherein the at least one
additive is one or more from a group comprising a skin moisturizer,
an antiperspirant, an antibiotic, a scent-release chemical, and a
topical analgesic.
18. A method of improving the comfort of a bra, comprising:
providing a bra having an underwire at least partially protruded
through a material of the bra; providing a comfort device, the
comfort device comprising: an adhesive layer; a backing layer
disposed on a first surface of the adhesive layer; and a padding
layer disposed on a second surface of the adhesive layer; removing
the backing layer from the comfort device; adhering the comfort
device onto the bra using the adhesive layer such that the comfort
device covers the protruded underwire and is at least partially
disposed between the bra and a wearer of the bra.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein adhering the comfort device
onto the bra comprises adhering the comfort device around an edge
of the bra such that a portion of the padding layer is adjacent to
the wearer.
20. The method of claim 18, further comprising placing the bra on
the wearer before adhering the comfort device onto the bra.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] The invention relates generally to the field of
undergarments. Specifically, the invention relates to a device for
improving the comfort of undergarments.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Undergarments, including brassieres and underwear, generally
come in several fixed sizes. However, human bodies come in all
shapes and sizes, and so inevitably, people have difficulty finding
undergarments that provide a comfortable fit. Generally, people
will settle on a particular size of undergarment that matches their
body proportions as close as possible, and tolerate any areas of
misfit. These areas of misfit may lead to discomfort for the wearer
such as itching, irritation, and rashes.
[0005] Bras can be an especially troubling type of undergarment for
which to find an adequate fit. It is estimated that as many as
eighty-five percent of women wear the incorrect bra size, further
evidenced by the many retailers who offer special `bra fitting`
sessions that purport to help women find the appropriate bra
size.
[0006] Generally, bras are sized by two measurements: band size,
which should approximate the circumference of the wearer's chest;
and cup size, which includes several alphabetic gradations
corresponding to the fullness of a woman's breast. Although not
providing specific numerical size information, the cup size is
generally chosen, often by trial-and-error, so as to approximate
the size of the wearer's breasts. Bras also come in several styles
such as support, athletic, strapless, underwire, padded, and
minimizing. Considering the wide range of wearer's proportions, the
wide range of bra types, and the relatively few bra sizes, it is
not surprising that finding a perfect fit can be difficult, if not
impossible for most women.
[0007] Complicating the fit issue is the fact that undergarments
need to be washed regularly. Repeated washing can lead to resizing
caused by wear, stretch, and/or shrinkage in the materials that the
undergarments are made from. As an example, a bra may have one type
of material forming the strap portion and another material or
materials forming the cup portion. These different materials may
respond differently to repeated washings and may cause the overall
fit of the bra to change over time.
[0008] Another issue that is often experienced with underwire bras
is that, after repeated washings or extended wear, the underwire
may break through the material enclosing it and protrude into the
soft tissue of the wearer's breast causing pain and discomfort.
Although underwires generally include some type of cap over the end
of the underwire, having the underwire exposed outside of the
material of the bra can still cause discomfort for the wearer when
the underwire presses against the wearer's skin. At the present
time, there are few suitable methods available to repair a bra with
a protruding underwire, and so the bras are generally discarded.
Given the generally expensive nature of brassieres relative to
other undergarments, wearer's are often reluctant to discard even a
defective bra. Consequently, women will often continue to wear bras
with protruding underwires and simply tolerate the discomfort.
[0009] There are several other potential areas of discomfort
associated with undergarments. For example, the hook section of a
bra can cause discomfort for some people and tags on any type of
undergarment can be irritating. As an additional example, the
straps of a bra can dig into a woman's shoulder or the elastic
material from which the straps are made can break down and become
irritating over time. As a further example, women with larger bra
sizes can encounter pain, discomfort, or itching from the bottom
edge of the bra. Consequently, a need remains for an inexpensive
and easy way to temporarily modify or repair undergarments to
improve the comfort of the wearer and to extend the useful life of
the undergarment.
SUMMARY
[0010] The disclosure provides a comfort device and a method of
improving the comfort of an undergarment. The comfort device
includes an adhesive layer and a padding layer. The padding layer
comprises one or more sub-padding layers and embossing to hold the
sub-padding layers together. The padding layer also includes a
plurality of scallops disposed around the edge.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the
disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following
detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a set of undergarments;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a comfort device in
accordance with some embodiments of the invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a comfort device according to some
embodiments of the invention;
[0015] FIGS. 4a through 4d illustrate various shapes of a comfort
device according to some embodiments of the present invention;
[0016] FIGS. 5a and 5b illustrate a comfort device being used to
improve the comfort of a bra according to some embodiments of the
invention;
[0017] FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrate a comfort device being used to
improve the comfort of underwear according to some embodiments of
the invention; and
[0018] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method of improving the comfort
of an undergarment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] Example embodiments are described below with reference to
the accompanying drawings. Many different forms and embodiments are
possible without deviating from the spirit and teachings of this
disclosure and so the disclosure should not be construed as limited
to the example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these example
embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough
and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to
those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the sizes and relative
sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity.
[0020] It will be understood that, although the terms first,
second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various
elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms.
These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another
element. Thus, a first element discussed below could be termed a
second element without departing from the teachings of the
disclosure.
[0021] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be
limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the"
are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood
that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this
specification, specify the presence of stated features, elements,
and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of
one or more other features, elements, components, and/or groups
thereof.
[0022] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and
scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly
understood by one skilled in the art to which this disclosure
pertains. It will be further understood that terms, such as those
defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as
having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the
context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an
idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined
herein.
[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a set of undergarments.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, a set of undergarments may include a
bra 10 and underwear 20. The bra 10 may include a band strap 12,
which attaches around a wearer's chest, shoulder straps 14, which
loop over the wearer's shoulders or extend around the upper torso
or lower back, and cups 16, which hold and support the breasts of
the wearer. The bra 10 may also include hooks 18 or other fastening
mechanisms such as snaps, Velcro.RTM., ties, and the like, which
are used to secure the band strap 12 around the wearer's chest.
Although shown in FIG. 1 as being at the back of the band strap 12,
the hooks 18 may also be in other positions on the bra 10,
including in the front section between the strap and the cup or
between the cups 16. The shoulder straps 14 may include adjusters
15, which are used to adjust the length of the shoulder straps 14,
or to provide support to lift the cup area.
[0025] The bra 10 may also include underwires 11. The underwires 11
are typically sewn into the material of the bra 10 below the cups
16. The underwires 11 are generally made from either metal or a
stiff plastic so as to provide rigid support for the bra 10. Often
the underwires 11 include some type of cap over the ends of the
underwires 11 to minimize the occurrence of the underwires
penetrating the material of the bra 10. However, even when this
precaution is taken, the underwires 11 can still penetrate the
material of the bra 10 and cause discomfort to the wearer. The most
common area of the bra 10 for the underwires 11 to break through is
under the arm of the wearer, as shown by regions A in FIG. 1.
[0026] The underwear 20 typically includes a waistband 22 and a tag
24. The waistband 22 generally includes an elastic material to hold
the underwear 20 in place on the wearer. The tag 24 typically
includes information concerning the construction of the underwear
20 and use and care instructions. The tag 24 may be made from a
different material than the remainder of the underwear 20 and may
be a source of irritation or discomfort to the wearer.
[0027] A person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that
the bra 10 and underwear 20 may be made from various materials and
in various colors. As an example, the bra 10 may be made mostly
from cotton, polyester, silk, satin, lycra, lace, bamboo fibers,
and the like, but may also include some type of cushion or padding
material in the cups 16. The underwear 20 may be made almost
entirely from a single material such as cotton, polyester, silk,
satin, lycra, lace, bamboo fibers, and the like. The bra 10 and
underwear 20 may be, for example, white, pink, beige, black, or
combinations of any colors or patterns. Additionally, the underwear
may include any type of embellishment or design.
[0028] Any portion of the bra 10 and/or the underwear 20 can cause
discomfort to the wearer. The extent of this discomfort depends on
many factors including, for example, the proportions of the wearer,
the construction of the undergarment, the material from which the
undergarment is made, the process of manufacture of the
undergarment, and/or the wear state of the undergarment. Currently,
a wearer has few options for relieving this discomfort other than
hiring a seamstress to correct the problem causing the discomfort
or discarding the undergarment.
[0029] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a comfort device in
accordance with some embodiments of the invention.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 2, a comfort device 30 includes an
adhesive layer 32 and a padding layer 34. The comfort device may
also include a backing layer 36, which covers the adhesive layer 32
when the comfort device 30 is not in use. The padding layer 34 may
include one or more sub-padding layers 35. The number and thickness
of the sub-padding layers 35 may be chosen so as to maximize the
comfort of the comfort device 30 while minimizing the overall
thickness of the comfort device 30. According to some embodiments,
the overall thickness of the comfort device 30 may be between about
1/64'' and about 1/4''. The comfort device 30 may also include
embossing 38, which holds together the sub-padding layers 35. The
embossing 38 may also hold the adhesive layer 32 onto the padding
layer 34. The materials comprising the comfort device 30 may be
chosen such that the comfort device 30 is disposable and
biodegradable. According to some embodiments, the comfort device 30
may also include an absorbent layer 39. Alternatively, the
sub-padding layers 35 may be made from a material that includes
absorbent properties.
[0031] The adhesive layer 32 may comprise any type of adhesive that
is suitable for adhering the comfort device 30 to fabrics that are
used to make undergarments and/or to adhere to the adhesive layer
32 to itself. The adhesive should have sufficient adhesive strength
such that the comfort device 30 is maintained in position during
use. But, the adhesive strength should also be low enough that the
comfort device 30 can be removed from the undergarment after use,
for example, prior to washing the undergarment, without damage to
the undergarment. According to some embodiments, the adhesive layer
32 may comprise fabric hook-and-loop fasteners, such as
Velcro.RTM..
[0032] The padding layer 34 may be made from a material that is
soft to the touch and/or a material that is absorbent. As an
example, the padding layer 34 may include cotton. The padding layer
34 may include one or more additives. The additives may include a
skin moisturizer, such as aloe vera, an antiperspirant, an
antibiotic, a scent-release chemical, and/or a topical analgesic.
These additives may, among other things, improve the condition of
the wearer's skin, minimize perspiration, treat skin
rashes/irritation, and/or emit a pleasant fragrance. Also, the
padding layer 34 may be hypo-allergenic to minimize the occurrence
of allergic reactions by the user.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a comfort device according to some
embodiments of the invention.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 3, a comfort device 30 includes the
padding layer 34 and the embossing 38. The comfort device 30 may
have a generally circular shape with a plurality of scallops 42
around the circumference. The scallops 42 may improve the adhesion
between the comfort device 30 and an undergarment relative to a
shape without scallops by increasing the surface area of adhesion.
The embossing 38 may extend across the comfort device 30 in regular
patterns, extend along the edge of the comfort device 30, or form
an irregular pattern on the surface of the comfort device 30. The
comfort device 30 may have one of several different colors or it
may be multi-colored. The color of the comfort device 30 may be
chosen such that it matches the color of typical undergarments. For
example, the color of the comfort device 30 may be one or more of
white, beige, pink, black, and blue. The comfort device 30 may have
a length/diameter of about 2'' to about 5''.
[0035] FIGS. 4a through 4d illustrate various shapes of a comfort
device according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 4a through 4d, a comfort device 30 may
have a substantially circular shape (as shown in FIG. 4a), a
substantially oval shape (as shown in FIG. 4b), a rectangular shape
(as shown in FIG. 4c), or an `H` shape (as shown in FIG. 4d). A
comfort device 30 may have any other shape that is suitable for
adhering to undergarments and improving the comfort of the
undergarments for the wearer. Also, a comfort device 30 having any
of these shapes may also include scallops 42 along the edge of the
shape.
[0037] The adhesive layer 32 may extend across a substantially
entire surface of the comfort device 30 or the adhesive layer 32
may cover only a portion of the surface of the comfort device 30.
As an example, when the comfort device 30 has a rectangular shape,
the adhesive layer 32 may only cover end portions of the comfort
device 30. As a further example, when the comfort device 30 has an
`H` shape, the adhesive layer 32 may be disposed only on the
protruding portions of the `H`. In this case, when the comfort
device 30 is used, the protruding portions may adhere to each
other, but not the undergarment, such that the comfort device 30
may be re-positioned on the undergarment by, for example, sliding
along a strap.
[0038] FIGS. 5a and 5b illustrate a comfort device being used to
improve the comfort of a bra according to some embodiments of the
invention.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 5a and 5b, a bra 10 may have an underwire
11 protruding inward from the bra, as shown at B. The protruding
underwire 11 may cause discomfort for the wearer as the underwire
11 presses against the wearer's skin. To alleviate this discomfort,
comfort device 30 is positioned over the protruding underwire 11
and around the bottom of the bra 10, as shown in FIG. 5b. The
adhesive layer 32 adheres the comfort device 30 to the bra 10. In
this way, comfort device 30 prevents contact of the underwire 11
with the skin of the wearer and thereby improves the comfort of the
bra. Comfort device 30 may be applied before the bra 10 is placed
on the wearer or it may be applied while the wearer is already
wearing the bra 10. When provided, the backing layer 36 may be
removed from the comfort device 30 before the comfort device is
adhered to the bra 10. Although the comfort device 30 is shown as
improving the comfort of the wearer by covering a protruding
underwire 11, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate
that the comfort device 30 could be applied to any other portion of
the bra 10 to alleviate discomfort caused by, for example, the
hooks 18, adjusters 15, side seams, or any other source of
discomfort.
[0040] FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrate a comfort device being used to
improve the comfort of underwear according to some embodiments of
the invention.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 6a and 6b, a wearer may experience
discomfort from underwear 20 due to, for example, the tag 24. To
alleviate this discomfort, comfort device 30 is positioned over the
tag 24. Although shown as just covering the tag 24, the comfort
device 30 can also be wrapped around the waistband 22 of the
underwear 20. The adhesive layer 32 adheres the comfort device 30
to the underwear 20. In this way, comfort device 30 prevents
contact of the tag 24 with the skin of the wearer and thereby
improves the comfort of the underwear 20. Comfort device 30 may be
applied before underwear 20 is placed on the wearer or it may be
applied while the wearer is already wearing the underwear 20. When
provided, the backing layer 36 may be removed from the comfort
device 30 before the comfort device is adhered to the underwear 20.
Although the comfort device 30 is shown as improving the comfort of
the wearer by covering the tag 24, a person of ordinary skill in
the art will appreciate that the comfort device 30 could be applied
to any other portion of the underwear 20 to alleviate any other
source of discomfort.
[0042] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method of improving the comfort
of an undergarment.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 7, at step 710, an undergarment is
provided. The undergarment may be, for example, a bra or underwear.
The undergarment may cause discomfort to a wearer due to, for
example, a protruded underwire or a tag. At step 720, a comfort
device is provided. The comfort device may include any of the
features described above with respect to FIGS. 2-6b. At step 730,
the backing layer is removed from the comfort device. The backing
layer may be discarded. At step 740, the comfort device is adhered
to the undergarment using the adhesive layer of the comfort device.
When the undergarment is a bra with a protruded underwire, the
comfort device is adhered to the bra such that the protruded
underwire is covered by the comfort device and the padding layer is
directed toward the skin of a wearer. The comfort device may be
positioned such that the comfort device wraps around an edge of the
undergarment. Also, the comfort device may be positioned such that
it wraps around a strap of the undergarment. In this case, the
comfort device may adhere to itself and/or the undergarment.
According to some embodiments, at step 710, providing the
undergarment may comprise placing the undergarment on a wearer. A
person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the
comfort device may be removed and repositioned as necessary to
provide the desired comfort for the wearer. According to some
embodiments, the comfort device can be removed and reused on the
same undergarment or a different undergarment.
[0044] According to embodiments of the invention, undergarments can
be easily and inexpensively modified to improve the comfort of the
wearer. Also, undergarments that have become worn over time can be
modified using a comfort device as an alternative to discarding the
undergarments.
[0045] Although the invention has been described with reference to
women's undergarments, and specifically bras and underwear, a
person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that
embodiments of the invention are also applicable to men's
undergarments and other types of women's undergarments such as
camisoles, slips, body shapers, and the like. For example, men's
underwear also typically include a tag which may be a source of
discomfort for the wearer. Consequently, a comfort device according
to embodiments of the invention could be used to alleviate this
discomfort.
[0046] The foregoing is illustrative of the invention and is not to
be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few example
embodiments of the invention have been described, those skilled in
the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are
possible in the example embodiments without materially departing
from the novel teachings and advantages of the invention.
Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included
within the scope of the invention as defined in the following
claims.
* * * * *