Holders For Brassiere Shape Retention

Abstract

The present invention is directed to an article for maintaining the shape of a brassiere that includes a shaped continuous rounded portion having a terminating end at the circumference and a shaped peripheral edge portion that is integrally attached to the rounded portion and is generally orthogonal to or at an angle to the rounded portion at its terminating end.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/047,514 (filed Apr. 24, 2008), 61/049,547 (filed May 1, 2008), 61/096,357 (filed Sep. 12, 2008), and 61/106,628 (filed Oct. 20, 2008) hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention is directed toward items and methods to aid in retaining the shape of undergarments, and more particularly, to brassiere inserts for placement within brassiere cups during storage and travel.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Brassieres are articles of clothing worn by most women and are often constructed of materials with reduced or no rigidity. Consequently, as brassieres are stored, washed, and transported over the years, the delicate construction materials often loose shape, integrity, and strength.

[0004] A particular challenge in attempting to maintain brassiere shape lies in providing a holder that conforms as closely as possible to the actual shape of the brassiere. It would be further beneficial to provide holders of such a sturdy and inexpensive nature that they could be used for the maintenance and storage of every brassiere, both on the manufacturing and retail level, and on the consumer level.

[0005] The prior art includes a number of articles designed to be placed within a brassiere cup during washing, drying, and/or storage. U.S. Pat. No. 7,252,573 discloses a brassiere frame having a hemispherical shell formed from a first polymeric material, a number of apertures on the shell and a second polymeric material to aid in frictionally retaining a brassiere cup. The second polymeric material may be disposed upon part of the hemispheric shell, or upon the entire shell. U.S. Pat. No. 6,761,291 discloses a housing member that includes a pair of removably connected brassiere cup support members for receiving brassiere cups. U.S. Pat. No. 5,556,013 discloses a garment protector that includes a first and second basket member for receiving the cup portions of a garment and first and second biasing members for placement over the cup portions of the garment, so that each cup is located between a basket member and a biasing member. U.S. Pat. No. 6,742,683 discloses a device for washing, drying, and storing a brassiere that includes a body for accommodating a brassiere and a shell hinged to the body, where the brassiere is placed between the body and hinged shell portion. U.S. Pat. No. 2,951,621 discloses a garment reshaping and drying device that includes a conical hollow form having a plurality of openings to be inserted into a brassiere cup and a securing means at the base of the form. One problem that arises with the use of some existing structures is that their size and shape do not allow for ideal fit and security within a brassiere cup. This unfortunately results in slipping and disengagement of the brassiere.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention contemplates an article for maintaining the shape of a brassiere comprising: a smooth continuous rounded portion having a terminating end at the circumference, wherein the rounded portion comprises: an upper side with a radius of curvature being substantially constant; a lower side with a radius of curvature that is constantly changing; and two distinct and continuous sections, the first section is an annular body that extends from the peripheral edge portion in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the peripheral edge portion, the second section is a conical cap that intersects with the first section to complete the rounded portion; a smooth peripheral edge portion that is integrally attached to the rounded portion and is generally orthogonal to or at an angle to the rounded portion at its terminating end, wherein the peripheral edge is composed of a soft-touch polymer to prevent damage to a brassiere; wherein the article includes one or more fastening means to attach the article to a brassiere so that the article is securely inserted into a brassiere cup during storage, transport or laundering.

[0007] This aspect may be further characterized by one or any combination of the following features: the rounded portion contains one or more perforations to allow for air and water flow; a second identical article is attached to the article via a permanent or removable connecting means; the one or more fastening means include one or more attachment sites that are integrally formed with the article; the article is substantially rigid so that it maintains its shape during storage, transport, and laundering; the article is composed of a textile that wicks moisture; the article is composed of recycled materials; the article is not attached to any additional articles; the article is composed of polypropylene.

[0008] In another aspect, the present invention contemplates a method for maintaining the shape of a brassiere comprising: providing an article with a thermoformed or molded rounded portion having a terminating end at a circumference, wherein the rounded portion comprises: an upper side with a radius of curvature being substantially constant; a lower side with a radius of curvature that is constantly changing; and two distinct and continuous sections, the first section is an annular body that extends from the peripheral edge portion in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the peripheral edge portion, the second section is a conical cap that intersects with the first section to complete the rounded portion; providing a thermoformed peripheral edge portion around the article that aligns with and is generally orthogonal to the rounded portion at its terminating end, wherein the article is inserted into a brassiere cup during storage, travel or laundering so that the integrity and shape of the brassiere cup is maintained; placing at least one article within at least one brassiere cup; and fastening the at least one article to the at least one brassiere cup via one or more fastening means so that the article is securely inserted into a brassiere cup during storage, transport or laundering.

[0009] This aspect may be further characterized by one or any combination of the following features: the peripheral edge is rounded by exposure to heat or composed of a soft-touch polymer to prevent damage to a brassiere; the one or more fastening means include one or more attachment sites that are integrally formed with the article; the rounded portion contains one or more perforations to allow for air and water flow; a second identical article is attached to the article via a permanent or removable connecting means; the article is substantially rigid so that it maintains its shape during storage, transport, and laundering; the article is composed of a textile that wicks moisture; the article is composed of recycled materials; the article is not attached to any additional articles.

[0010] In an additional aspect, the present invention contemplates an article for maintaining the shape of a brassiere comprising: a smooth continuous rounded portion having a terminating end at the circumference, wherein the rounded portion comprises: an upper side with a radius of curvature being substantially constant; a lower side with a radius of curvature that is constantly changing; and two distinct and continuous sections, the first section is an annular body that extends from the peripheral edge portion in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the peripheral edge portion, the second section is a conical cap that intersects with the first section to complete the rounded portion; a smooth peripheral edge portion that is integrally attached to the rounded portion and is generally orthogonal to or at an angle to the rounded portion at its terminating end, wherein the peripheral edge is composed of a soft-touch polypropylene to prevent damage to a brassiere; wherein the article includes: a second identical article attached to the article via a permanent or removable connecting means; one or more fastening means integrally formed with the article to attach the article to a brassiere so that the article is securely inserted into a brassiere cup during storage, transport or laundering.

[0011] For any of the aspects of the invention the peripheral edge portion may extend entirely or substantially entirely around the periphery of the rounded portion. It may also extend only partially around the rounded portion (e.g., about 75% or less, about 50% or less or otherwise). The peripheral edge portion may define a continuous flange, or it may include a plurality of intermittently spaced flanges.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIGS. 1 and 2 respectively show a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention.

[0014] FIG. 3B illustrates a rear view of the embodiment of FIG. 3A.

[0015] FIG. 3C illustrates a frontal view of the embodiment of FIG. 3A and 3B.

[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates the use of the embodiment of FIGS. 3A-3B with a brassiere.

[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a variation of the embodiment of FIGS. 3a-3C (useful in the same manner as depicted in FIG. 4) but illustrating a peripheral edge portion that spans the entirety of the article.

[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates a frontal view of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates a side and back view of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates a frontal view of one embodiment of the present invention illustrating connection of two cups and an attachment slot for a brassiere.

[0021] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate views of the connection of two cups and an attachment slot for a brassiere shown at FIG. 8.

[0022] FIG. 10 illustrates a frontal view of one embodiment of the present invention illustrating a peripheral edge and a connection between the two cups.

[0023] FIG. 11 illustrates a top-down view of the embodiment in FIG. 10.

[0024] FIG. 12 illustrates a rear view of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 13 illustrates a rear view of the embodiment of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] With reference to FIGS. 1-2, the present invention provides an article 10 (e.g., holder) for maintaining the shape of a brassiere including a shaped (e.g., thermoformed) continuous rounded portion 12 having a terminating end 14 at the circumference and a shaped (e.g., thermoformed) peripheral edge portion 16. The round portion includes an upper side 18 with a radius of curvature that may be substantially constant and a lower side 20 with a radius of curvature that may be constantly changing. In one aspect, the shaped peripheral edge portion 16 may be integrally attached to the rounded portion 12 and may be generally orthogonal to the rounded portion 12 at its terminating end 14. Alternatively, the shaped peripheral edge portion 16 may be integrally attached to the rounded portion 12 and may be generally at an angle to the rounded portion 12 at its terminating end 14. Advantageously, the article may be inserted into a brassiere cup or a clothing article such as a shirt, a blouse, a corset, a bathing suit (e.g., bikini top) or otherwise having a cup-shaped portion, during storage, transport or laundering, so that the integrity and shape of the brassiere cup is maintained.

[0027] More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, illustrating one embodiment of the present invention having a first and a second article 10, being generally symmetrical, though not required and a brassiere 22. It is appreciated that the brassiere 22 having cups 24, may be placed over the first and second articles 10 (FIG. 1), such that each article 10 may be configured to receive a respective cup 24 of the brassiere 22, (FIG. 2). Desirably, the peripheral edge portions 16 of the articles 10 may be co-planar such that the articles 10 may lay generally flat on the surface therebelow, though not required. In one aspect of this embodiment, the articles may be configured such that the peripheral edge portion 16 may be at an angle (e.g. orthogonally, diagonally, or otherwise) to the rounded portion 12 so as to provide additional support, height, width, depth, or otherwise, and any combination thereof for the article 10.

[0028] It is appreciated that the holders are preferably a thin walled construction (e.g., less than 2 mm, more preferably less than 1 mm).

[0029] It is contemplated that the radius of curvature of the upper side 18 of the rounded portion 12 may be substantially similar to the inner radius of the cup 24 so that upon insertion of the holder 10 into the cup 24, the brassier cup may be substantially supported thereby. By supporting the cup 24, it is appreciated that the material of the cup 24 may be displaced over the holder 10 such that a substantial portion of the surface 26 of the holder 10 may be adjacent to or in contact with the inner material of the cup 24, there may be a relatively minimal amount of space between the inner material of the cup 24 and the holder 10, there may be substantially no overlap of material of the cup 24, or any combination thereof.

[0030] It is further contemplated that the rounded portion 12 may further include a boss portion (not shown) generally extending from or about the upper side 18 of the rounded portion 12. Desirably, the boss portion may be positioned generally about the apex (e.g., top portion) of the rounded portion 12. It is appreciated that the boss portion may be defined by a radius of curvature that may be substantially constant, a radius of curvature that may be constantly changing, or both such that the boss portion may include a first portion having a radius of curvature that may be substantially constant and a second portion having a radius of curvature that may be constantly changing. It is further appreciated that the boss portion may be configured to conform to portions of the brasserie 22 that may be displaced outward from the cup 24 or inward from the cup 24 to accommodate one or more anatomical feature (e.g., nipple).

[0031] In one aspect, the edge 16 (and/or preferably also all other surfaces of the holder) is preferably finished to have a smooth surface that is free of nicks, burrs, or other sharp features that would have the potential to snag a textile material.

[0032] The embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 may be generally hemispherical (e.g., the device as a whole or the rounded portion has a profile that is substantially the same throughout a revolution of about 180.degree. about a revolution axis).

[0033] The article may have a geometry that has a curvature that is less than a hemisphere (e.g., the device as a whole or the rounded portion has a profile that is substantially the same throughout a revolution of about 60 to about 150.degree. about a revolution axis, and more preferably throughout a revolution of about 75 to about 120.degree. about a revolution axis). For example, turning to FIGS. 3A-3B through FIG. 5, there are shown more detailed illustrations of such an embodiment. The embodiment of FIGS. 3A-3C and 4 illustrate an embodiment of an article 110 having a rounded portion 112, and a terminating end 114. The terminating end 114 may be a free end (114') or it may adjoin a peripheral portion 116. As with the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, this embodiment may optionally feature an upper portion 118 and a lower portion 120 that may have the same or a different radius of curvature relative to each other. The embodiment of FIGS. 3A-3C and 4 also feature optional breathing holes, though such feature may be excluded. As seen, as referred to above, the embodiment of FIGS. 3A-3B and 4 feature for the rounded portion a surface profile geometry that extends for a revolution slightly beyond about 90.degree. about a revolution axis (e.g., rather than approximating a generally hemispherical surface geometry, it generally approximates about a quarter of a spherical surface). As used with a brassiere 122 in FIG. 4 (as in FIG. 2), the devices help resist crushing of the brassier during packing, storage or other compressive stresses, helps the brassiere to retain its true shape during packing, storage, other compressive stresses, or any combination of these.

[0034] FIG. 5 illustrates an article 210 similar to that of FIGS. 3A-3C and 4, but has a peripheral flange (which though shown as a continuous flange may include notches or cutouts that define a plurality of intermittently spaced flange portions) that substantially or entirely surrounds a rounded portion 212 that terminates at an end 214. The flange (as in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-4, as well) is effectively defined by a peripheral edge portion 216. The embodiment of FIG. 5 depicts the peripheral edge portion as substantially or entirely surrounding the entirety of rounded portion 212. Of course, it is possible it will surround less than the entirety of the rounded portion. As with the embodiment of FIGS. 3A-3C and 4, the rounded portion of this embodiment may have a geometry that has a curvature that is less than a hemisphere (e.g., the device as a whole or the rounded portion has a profile that is substantially the same throughout a revolution of about 60 to about 150.degree. about a revolution axis, and more preferably throughout a revolution of about 75 to about 120.degree. about a revolution axis). It will be appreciated that for any of the embodiments herein, the rounded portions may include an upper portion with a radius of curvature being substantially constant and a lower portion with a radius of curvature that is constantly changing; the rounded portions may include an upper portion with a radius of curvature being constantly changing and a lower portion with a radius of curvature that is constantly changing; the rounded portions may include an upper portion with a radius of curvature being substantially constant changing and a lower portion with a radius of curvature that is substantially constant; or any combination thereof.

[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment wherein the holder is made up of two connected articles 310 wherein each article includes one or more attachment sites 311 for a brassiere to be attached to the articles. The two articles may be integrally formed as a continuous piece. The connection site 312 for the articles may vary in length depending on brassiere size. In one preferred embodiment, the two articles may be connected via an attachment mechanism. In another preferred embodiment, the attachment mechanism may be adjustable to allow for use with brassieres of varying sizes and brassieres where the distance between cups may vary. The one or more attachment sites 311 for a brassiere are located adjacent to a point on a brassiere where the straps are attached to a cup such that brassiere straps can be easily threaded through the one or more attachment sites. In one preferred embodiment, these attachment sites may be integrally formed with the articles. In another preferred embodiment, the attachment sites may be removable to allow for complete detachment from the article or attachment to a different location on the article.

[0036] FIG. 7 illustrates two connected articles 310 via a connection site 312 and two attachment sites 311 shown with no attached brassiere. FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a frontal view and an exploded view of the connection site between the two articles 312 and the attachment site 311 for a brassiere detailing a t-shaped embodiment of an attachment site that facilitates the entry and exit of a brassiere strap and simultaneously engages a brassiere strap such that a strap is unlikely to become disengaged without intentional manipulation of the brassiere strap. FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate an indentation 313 at the top of each cup, wherein the outer top half of each cup extends further to the top of the article whereas the inner top half of each cup extends only to a point near or at the level of the connection site 312.

[0037] FIGS. 12 and 13 depict multiple attachment sites 311 located on the inner surface of the articles 310. In this preferred embodiment, a brassiere can be slipped into two separate attachment sites for more secure fit. In a more preferred embodiment, one attachment site may include a clip arranged in a perpendicular relationship with a brassiere strap and another attachment site may include a clip arranged in a position parallel to a brassiere strap. One or more clips may come into contact with a brassiere strap and one or more may not come into contact with a brassiere strap or may only come into contact with a cup portion of a brassiere. In another preferred embodiment, the clips of the attachment sites 311 may be flexible to allow for a brassiere or brassiere strap to be placed within the clip or to be disengaged from the clip. In yet another preferred embodiment, the clip may include a closure that can be opened for insertion of a brassiere or brassiere strap and then closed after insertion or after removal of the brassiere or brassiere strap.

[0038] In another aspect, the holder may further include a backing layer to create a storage compartment. For example, the holder may have a wall within the cup that is hingedly connected to the holder and can be opened and closed for storing small holders (e.g., jewelry, cosmetics, etc.) within the holder when the holder is within the brassiere. The wall of the holder thus would provide a barrier from such holder contacting the brassiere.

[0039] The present invention may provide a method for maintaining the shape of a brassiere including providing an article with a shaped (e.g., thermoformed) rounded portion having a terminating end at a circumference. The rounded portion including an upper side with a radius of curvature being substantially constant and a lower side with a radius of curvature that is constantly changing. Providing a shaped peripheral edge portion around the article that aligns with and is generally orthogonal to the rounded portion at its terminating end, wherein the article is inserted into a brassiere cup during storage, travel, or laundering so that the integrity and shape of the brassiere cup is maintained. Placing at least one article within at least one brassiere cup.

[0040] The article is configured to maintain the integrity and shape of the brasserie cup during storage, travel, or laundering. Among the advantages of the articles 10 is that they are stackable. They can be packaged and sold in a stacked arrangement, in sets of 2 or more. They may be packaged in a container that that is molded or formed to have a predetermined shape (e.g., an ornamental three-dimensional fanciful geometry, as distinguished from a box with flat sides). More specifically, it is possible that the articles will have a resilient construction such that upon being subject to compression, it will resume its original shape.

[0041] Other features of the article may include one or more of, the material of the article may be capable of withstanding elevated temperatures (e.g., above room temperature such as in a dryer during the operation thereof); the material is color safe such that it substantially prevents discoloration of the brasserie (e.g., the colorant of the material does not transfer to wet fabric, the material of the article does not absorb the colorant from a wet fabric; typically at least two articles or pair of articles are included per box for manufacturing and/or retail purposes; the articles, when not substantially symmetrical, may be generally shaped for anatomical simulation; the article may be transparent, opaque, or include a portion of each; the article may include an embossed pattern, a step of embossing, or both; the article may be flocked, the article may be washable (e.g., in a washer), dryable (e.g., in a dryer), or both; the fastening means may be a clip, the brasserie may be held in place generally around the article in tension, or both; the article may be permanently or temporarily fastened to another article, a brasserie, or both; the properties of the article may be uniform throughout or they may vary; there may be a holder configured for use in doing laundry (e.g., washer and/or dryer); there may be a holder configured for use during packaging; the article may be configured to substantially maintain its shape while placed in dresser drawers, gym bags, shopping bags, duffle bags, netted lingerie bag, accessory bag, or otherwise; the article may be configured to fit various sizes of brasseries or otherwise (e.g., cup sizes A, B, C, etc . . . , or otherwise); the peripheral edge portion may include a finished portion (e.g., bezel); the article may include one or more holes for air drying, cut-out for art-work, or both; the article may include a foam bun; the article may be recyclable, made from post-consumer recycled materials, or both; or any combination thereof.

[0042] Illustrative materials include for example polyolefins (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene or a polymer, copolymer or blend including the same), polyamides, polyesters, polyethylene terephthalate, polytrimethylene terephthalate, polyurethane, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, or any combination thereof. It is appreciated that one or more of these material may be utilized in forming a material that is substantially a non-slip plastic, though not required.

[0043] One or more manufacturing techniques may be employed, including but not limited to forming (e.g., thermoforming, vacuum forming, pressure forming, or any combination thereof), molding (e.g., injection molding, blow molding, rotational molding, transfer molding, compression molding), extrusion, or any combination thereof.

[0044] Though one or more of the following features may be employed in the article of the invention, optionally the present invention may be characterized further as being free of any of the following: one or more apertures (e.g., holes); multiple materials forming at least a portion of encapsulation, layers of different material, or both (e.g. a second polymeric material integrally formed (e.g., molded) onto at least selected portions of a first polymeric material); one or more materials of variable stiffness (e.g., having a portion with a first hardness and a portion with a second hardness); a peripheral edge having a constantly changing radius; a peripheral edge that is generally non-planar; a support member (e.g., one or more members interconnected to form a frame, a biasing member such as a spring, or otherwise) that provides additional reinforcement for maintaining the shape of the article; an embossing; a corrosive material (e.g., material that may cause corrosion of the brassiere); outwardly displaced members (e.g., points such as tongues that dig into the material) extending from the surface (e.g., one or more apertures) of the article that are configured to engage the material of the brassiere cup as the cup is forced down over the article; or any combination thereof.

[0045] It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

[0046] It will be further appreciated that functions or structures of a plurality of components or steps may be combined into a single component or step, or the functions or structures of one-step or component may be split among plural steps or components. The present invention contemplates all of these combinations. Unless stated otherwise, dimensions and geometries of the various structures depicted herein are not intended to be restrictive of the invention, and other dimensions or geometries are possible. In addition, while a feature of the present invention may have been described in the context of only one of the illustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, for any given application. It will also be appreciated from the above that the fabrication of the unique structures herein and the operation thereof also constitute methods in accordance with the present invention. The present invention also encompasses intermediate and end products resulting from the practice of the methods herein. The use of "comprising" or "including" also contemplates embodiments that "consist essentially of" or "consist of" the recited feature.

[0047] The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended to acquaint others skilled in the art with the invention, its principles, and its practical application. Those skilled in the art may adapt and apply the invention in its numerous forms, as may be best suited to the requirements of a particular use. Accordingly, the specific embodiments of the present invention as set forth are not intended as being exhaustive or limiting of the invention. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes.

Claims

1. An article for maintaining the shape of a brassiere comprising: i. a smooth continuous rounded portion having a terminating end at the circumference, wherein the rounded portion comprises: a. an upper side with a radius of curvature being substantially constant; b. a lower side with a radius of curvature that is constantly changing; and c. two distinct and continuous sections, the first section is an annular body that extends from the peripheral edge portion in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the peripheral edge portion, the second section is a conical cap that intersects with the first section to complete the rounded portion; ii. a smooth peripheral edge portion that is integrally attached to the rounded portion and is generally orthogonal to or at an angle to the rounded portion at its terminating end, wherein the peripheral edge is composed of a soft-touch polymer to prevent damage to a brassiere; wherein the article includes one or more fastening means to attach the article to a brassiere so that the article is securely inserted into a brassiere cup during storage, transport or laundering.

2. The article of claim 1, wherein the rounded portion contains one or more perforations to allow for air and water flow.

3. The article of any of claim 1, wherein a second identical article is attached to the article via a permanent or removable connecting means.

4. The article of claim 1, wherein the one or more fastening means include one or more attachment sites that are integrally formed with the article.

5. The article of claim 3, wherein the one or more fastening means include one or more attachment sites that are integrally formed with the article.

6. The article of claim 1, wherein the article is substantially rigid so that it maintains its shape during storage, transport, and laundering.

7. The article of claim 1, wherein the article is composed of a textile that wicks moisture.

8. The article of claim 1, wherein the article is composed of recycled materials.

9. The article of claim 1, wherein the article is not attached to any additional articles.

10. The article of claim 1, wherein the article is composed of polypropylene.

11. A method for maintaining the shape of a brassiere comprising: i. providing an article with a thermoformed or molded rounded portion having a terminating end at a circumference, wherein the rounded portion comprises: a. an upper side with a radius of curvature being substantially constant; b. a lower side with a radius of curvature that is constantly changing; and c. two distinct and continuous sections, the first section is an annular body that extends from the peripheral edge portion in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the peripheral edge portion, the second section is a conical cap that intersects with the first section to complete the rounded portion; ii providing a thermoformed peripheral edge portion around the article that aligns with and is generally orthogonal to the rounded portion at its terminating end, wherein the article is inserted into a brassiere cup during storage, travel or laundering so that the integrity and shape of the brassiere cup is maintained; iii. placing at least one article within at least one brassiere cup; and iv. fastening the at least one article to the at least one brassiere cup via one or more fastening means so that the article is securely inserted into a brassiere cup during storage, transport or laundering.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the peripheral edge is rounded by exposure to heat or composed of a soft-touch polymer to prevent damage to a brassiere.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the one or more fastening means include one or more attachment sites that are integrally formed with the article.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the rounded portion contains one or more perforations to allow for air and water flow.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein a second identical article is attached to the article via a permanent or removable connecting means.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the article is substantially rigid so that it maintains its shape during storage, transport, and laundering.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein the article is composed of a textile that wicks moisture.

18. The method of claim 11, wherein the article is composed of recycled materials.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein the article is not attached to any additional articles.

20. An article for maintaining the shape of a brassiere comprising: i. a smooth continuous rounded portion having a terminating end at the circumference, wherein the rounded portion comprises: a. an upper side with a radius of curvature being substantially constant; b. a lower side with a radius of curvature that is constantly changing; and c. two distinct and continuous sections, the first section is an annular body that extends from the peripheral edge portion in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the peripheral edge portion, the second section is a conical cap that intersects with the first section to complete the rounded portion; ii. a smooth peripheral edge portion that is integrally attached to the rounded portion and is generally orthogonal to or at an angle to the rounded portion at its terminating end, wherein the peripheral edge is composed of a soft-touch polypropylene to prevent damage to a brassiere; wherein the article includes a second identical article attached to the article via a permanent or removable connecting means and one or more fastening means integrally formed with the article to attach the article to a brassiere so that the article is securely inserted into a brassiere cup during storage, transport or laundering.