Adjustable Bra System

Abstract

An adjustable bra system uses pockets 13 on the back side of balcony cups 12 to store demi cup material 11 to convert a demi cup bra to a balcony cup bra. Various bridges connect bra cups together; the bridges include a quick release clasp system 719 allowing the bra cups to quickly spring off the user. Other bridges include the use of offset or staggered 617 receiving snaps allowing for shape adjustment in the bridge area. Bra cups may also have multiple wire channels to accept adjustable wire. The bra cups may also have multiple openings to accept adjustable wire of various lengths.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This utility application is based upon U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61386309 filed on or about Sep. 24, 2010. This related application is incorporated herein by reference and made part of this application. If any conflict arises between the disclosure of the invention in this utility application and that in the related provisional application, the disclosure in this utility application shall govern. Moreover, the inventor incorporates herein by reference any and all patents, patent applications, and other documents hard copy or electronic, cited or referred to in this application.

COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARK NOTICE

[0002] This application includes material which is subject or may be subject to copyright and/or trademark protection. The copyright and trademark owner(s) has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by any of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright and trademark rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] (1) Field of the Invention

[0004] The invention generally relates to bra systems. More particularly, the invention relates to devices, means and methods of creating adjustable bra systems with different support wire channel structures, adjustable cup structures, adjustable bridge structures, adjustable wire length structures and quick release clasp structures.

[0005] (2) Description of the Related Art

[0006] In the related art, bras are sold in fixed configurations such that a purchaser may obtain a balcony cup bra, demi cup bra or other single function or single style bra. In the related art, bra support structures, such as wires are rigidly attached to the bra and do not allow for multiple cup configurations.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,496,205 issued on Mar. 5, 1996 to Lee discloses a brassier having concealed pockets, but fails to disclose or anticipate means or methods of converting a demi cup bra to a balcony cup bra by use of cup enclosures and folding bra material.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 7,585,200 issued on Sep. 8, 2009 to McLaren discloses a detachable holder that is attached to a bra, but fails to provide a convertible bra style.

[0009] U.S. patent

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention overcomes shortfalls in the related art by presenting an unobvious and unique combination and configuration of bra material, bra support material, pockets, multiple channels for bra wires, bra bridge systems, quick release systems and other features. The disclosed bra systems allow a purchaser various bra style options, such as balcony cup, demi cup, and others and allows a purchaser to use multiple wire channels to adapt to user needs and selected bra styles. A quick release clasp doubles as a bridge and allows a bra to snap off at the center bridge.

[0011] One of the main advantages of this invention is the use of common wire channels with adjoining forked channels. The use of a forked channel allows for a relatively small section of wire to be moved from one fork to another to accommodate the selected bra style. The longer common wire and common wire channel remain undistributed.

[0012] Another advantage of the invention is the use of pockets within the bra material to hold unused bra sections. For example, when converting from a demi cup to a balcony cup, an upper section of the demi cup may fold into a pocket, converting the bra to a balcony cup.

[0013] These and other objects and advantages will be made apparent when considering the following detailed specification when taken in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 presents a balcony cup bra

[0015] FIG. 2 presents a balcony cup bra with balcony cup underwire

[0016] FIG. 3 presents balcony cup channeling and underwire

[0017] FIG. 4 presents balcony cup underwire and demi cup underwire

[0018] FIG. 5 presents balcony cup underwire and demi cup underwire

[0019] FIG. 6 presents an enlarged view of both balcony cup and demi cup underwire

[0020] FIG. 7 presents a side view of a underwire casing and slider system

[0021] FIG. 8 presents a double configuration and side view of underwire casing and an underwire slider

[0022] FIG. 9 presents an underwire casing, underwire slider and a slider inserted into a casing.

[0023] FIG. 10 presents various views of underwire

[0024] FIG. 11 presents a balcony bra with slit openings for insertion of adjustable length underwire

[0025] FIG. 12 presents a balcony bra with adjustable length underwire

[0026] FIG. 13 presents a front view of an adjustable bridge

[0027] FIG. 14 presents an expanded view of an adjustable bridge

[0028] FIG. 15 presents a front view of an adjustable bridge in a first configuration

[0029] FIG. 16 presents a front view of an adjustable bridge in a second configuration

[0030] FIG. 17 presents an expanded view of an adjustable bridge in a first configuration

[0031] FIG. 18 presents a front view of a bridge in a third configuration

[0032] FIG. 19 presents an inside view of a bridge in a third configuration

[0033] FIG. 20 is an expanded front view of a bridge in a third configuration

[0034] FIG. 21 is an expanded inside view of a bridge in a third configuration

[0035] FIG. 22 is an inside view of a bridge in a third configuration

[0036] FIG. 23 is a front view of a slider bridge or a bridge in a front configuration

[0037] FIG. 24 is a back view of a bridge in a slider configuration

[0038] FIG. 25 is a front view of a bow tie bridge or a bridge in a bow tie configuration

[0039] FIG. 26 is a back view of a bridge in a bow tie configuration

[0040] FIG. 27 is a front view of a first snap bridge or a bridge in a first snap configuration

[0041] FIG. 28 is a back view of a first snap bridge or a bridge in a first snap configuration

[0042] FIG. 29 is an exploded view from FIG. 28 showing snaps

[0043] FIG. 30 is a front view of a second configuration of a snap bridge

[0044] FIG. 31 is a back view of a second configuration of a snap bridge

[0045] FIG. 32 is an exploded view of snaps from FIG. 31

[0046] FIG. 33 is a front view of a first configuration of a hook and eye bridge

[0047] FIG. 34 is a back view of a first configuration of a hook and eye bridge

[0048] FIG. 35 is an exploded view of loops from a first configuration of a hook and eye bridge

[0049] FIG. 36 is a front view of a second configuration of a hook and eye bridge

[0050] FIG. 37 is a back view of a second configuration of a hook and eye bridge

[0051] FIG. 38 is an exploded view of loops from a second configuration of a hook and eye bridge

[0052] FIG. 39 is a front view of a demi cup configuration ready to convert into a balcony cup configuration.

[0053] FIG. 40 is a plan view of the front side of a square clasp

[0054] FIG. 41 is a plan view of the back side of a square clasp

[0055] FIG. 42 is a plan view of the front side of a round clasp

[0056] FIG. 43 is a plan view of the back side of a round clasp

[0057] FIG. 44 is a plan view of the front side of a shield shaped clasp

[0058] FIG. 45 is a plan view of the back side of a shield shaped clasp

[0059] FIG. 46 presents various perspective views of clasp components

[0060] FIG. 47 presents four views of a clasp used as a bridge

[0061] FIG. 48 is a back view of a demi cup being converted to a balcony cup by use of a cup pocket

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS

[0062] 10 a demi cup bra configuration

[0063] 11 demi cup material

[0064] 12 balcony cup

[0065] 13 pocket within balcony cup, sometimes used to store demi cup material 11

[0066] 14 seams defining the pocket 13 within the balcony cup

[0067] 200 a balcony cup bra

[0068] 201 balcony cup underwire

[0069] 202 balcony cup channeling and underwire

[0070] 301 demi cup underwire

[0071] 400 adjustable length underwire

[0072] 401 underwire casing

[0073] 402 underwire slider in a single configuration

[0074] 403 underwire slider in a double configuration

[0075] 404 underwire casing as shown in a bottom view

[0076] 405 underwire slider shown in a top view

[0077] 406 a slider inserted into an underwire casing, top view

[0078] 407 a perspective view of a underwire casing or housing

[0079] 408 a perspective view of underwire

[0080] 409 a slider inserted into a casing in a single configuration

[0081] 410 a notch on a slider

[0082] 411 notch receiving areas with an underwire casing 401

[0083] 500 slit or void openings for insertion of adjustable length underwire

[0084] 600 a contemplated bridge in a first configuration

[0085] 601 slit for bridge to slide through

[0086] 602 rectangular grommet or ring

[0087] 603 a general channel for a bra cup

[0088] 604 a bridge in a second configuration

[0089] 605 a bridge in a third configuration as seen from the front

[0090] 606 a bridge in a third configuration as seen from the inside

[0091] 607 a bridge in a slider configuration also known as a slider bridge

[0092] 608 a rectangular loop or ring of a slider bridge

[0093] 609 a bow tie bridge or a bridge in a bow tie configuration

[0094] 610 a bow tie slit

[0095] 611 a bow tie hook

[0096] 612 a bow tie loop

[0097] 613 is a first embodiment of a snap or snaps bridge or a bridge in a first snap bridge configuration

[0098] 614 snaps of a first embodiment or first configuration of a snap bridge

[0099] 615 is a second embodiment of a snap or snaps bridge or a bridge in a second snap configuration

[0100] 616 snaps of a second embodiment of a snap bridge

[0101] 617 staggered or offset receiving snaps of a second embodiment of a snap bridge

[0102] 618 is a first embodiment of a hook and eye bridge

[0103] 619 are loops or eyes on the inside of a first embodiment of a hook and eye bridge

[0104] 620 are hooks for insertion into the loops or eyes 619 of a hook and eye bridge 618

[0105] 621 is a second embodiment of a hook and eye bridge

[0106] 622 are loops or eyes on the inside of a second embodiment of a hook and eye bridge

[0107] 623 offset or staggered receiving hooks used to secure loops 622.

[0108] 624 grommet securing material, bridging the gap between channeling material or a bra cup and a grommet.

[0109] 700 front side of a square clasp piece

[0110] 701 back side of a square clasp piece

[0111] 702 front side of a round clasp piece

[0112] 703 back side of a round clasp piece

[0113] 704 is a front side of a shield shape clasp piece

[0114] 705 is a back side of a shield shape clasp piece

[0115] 710 a spring for the spring casing 711

[0116] 711 spring casing or spring housing to retain the spring 710

[0117] 712 spring inside of spring housing

[0118] 713 spring slider

[0119] 714 spring slider attached to spring and spring casing, internal view

[0120] 715 spring slider attached to spring and spring casing, external view

[0121] 716 grommet defined by upper wall of spring slider 713

[0122] 717 slider

[0123] 718 grommet defined by upper wall of slider 717

[0124] 719 complete quick release clasp

[0125] 720 bra bridge material, sometimes used to secure bra cups to bridge components

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0126] The following detailed description is directed to certain specific embodiments of the invention. However, the invention can be embodied in a multitude of different ways as defined and covered by the claims and their equivalents. In this description, reference is made to the drawings wherein like parts are designated with like numerals throughout.

[0127] Unless otherwise noted in this specification or in the claims, all of the terms used in the specification and the claims will have the meanings normally ascribed to these terms by workers in the art.

[0128] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise," "comprising" and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in a sense of "including, but not limited to." Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number, respectively. Additionally, the words "herein," "above," "below," and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application.

[0129] The above detailed description of embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while steps are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform routines having steps in a different order. The teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to other systems, not only the systems described herein. The various embodiments described herein can be combined to provide further embodiments. These and other changes can be made to the invention in light of the detailed description.

[0130] Any and all the above references and U.S. patents and applications are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions and concepts of the various patents and applications described above to provide yet further embodiments of the invention.

[0131] These and other changes can be made to the invention in light of the above detailed description. In general, the terms used in the following claims, should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above detailed description explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention encompasses the disclosed embodiments and all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention under the claims.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 1, a balcony cup bra 200 is shown upon a drawn model. FIG. 2 shows a balcony cup underwire 201. FIG. 3 shows balcony cup channeling and underwire 202. A channel is a sleeve or other type of void sometimes used to secure underwire. Underwire is sometimes used to add support to a bra cup.

[0133] FIG. 4 shows a contrast between a balcony cup underwire 201 and a demi cup underwire 301. The difference between the two become most apparent at the cleavage area or area were the two bra cups connect. One aspect of one embodiment of a disclosed bra system is that a bra may have multiple wire channels to accommodate different wire configurations. FIG. 4 features a multi-channel underwire bra that enables a wearer to switch between various bra cup shapes. FIG. 5 presents an alternative view of FIG. 4

[0134] FIG. 6 presents an expanded view of FIG. 5, highlighting the different shapes of a balcony cup underwire 201 and a demi cup underwire 301.

[0135] FIG. 7 a side view of a single configuration of components comprising an underwire casing 401, an underwire slider 402 and a slider inserted into a casing 409.

[0136] FIG. 8 presents a side view of a double configuration of a casing and underwire slider 403

[0137] FIG. 9 presents a top view of underwire casing 404 with notch receiving areas 411 that sometimes receive notches 410 from sliders. A top view of a slider 405 is shown with one notch 410. FIG. 9 also shows 406 an underwire slider inserted into a casing.

[0138] FIG. 10 shows two views of an underwire casing or housing 407 and one view of an underwire 408. Both notches 410 and notch receiving areas 411 are shown.

[0139] FIG. 11 presents a plan view of bra having voids 500 defined by the underwire channeling, the voids sometimes used to accept adjustable length underwire.

[0140] FIG. 12 shows adjustable length underwire 400 as inserted into a channel.

[0141] FIG. 13 presents a first configuration of an adjustable bridge 600. A front view of a bra and bridge 600 is shown.

[0142] FIG. 14 presents an expanded view of bridge 600, and more carefully showing a void or slit 601 used for accepting the bridge 600. The slit 601 is defined by the interior surfaces of the grommet 602 or ring, which sometimes takes the shape of a rectangle. Channeling material 603 is shown to the outside either grommet 602. Grommet securing material 623 is shown in connection with channeling 603 and grommet or ring 602.

[0143] FIG. 15 presents a front view of a first bridge configuration 600. FIG. 16 presents a front view of a second bridge configuration 604. In the second configuration, the grommet is parallel to the channel.

[0144] FIG. 17 presents another front view of an adjustable bridge, capable of adjustment from a first configuration 600 to a second configuration 604.

[0145] FIG. 18 presents a front view of a third bridge configuration 605 wherein the grommet is built into the bra cup or channel material.

[0146] FIG. 19 presents an inside view of a bar showing the inside portions 606 of a third bridge configuration.

[0147] FIG. 20 is an expanded front view of the third presented bridge configuration 605. The grommet is built into a void within the channel. The grommet defines a void to accept the bridge material.

[0148] FIG. 21 is an expanded inside view 606 of the third presented bridge. Here again, the grommet and void are contained within the underwire channeling.

[0149] FIG. 22 presents an alternative inside view of the third presented bridge 606, integrated with underwire channeling.

[0150] FIG. 23 is a front view of a slider bridge 607, the slider bridge material, sometimes shown as 607, passes through a loop 608 and then one or more sliders 609 for adjustment. The sliders 609 sometimes take the form of two connected loops.

[0151] FIG. 24 is a back view of a slider bridge and presents cut-a-way views of bridge material fitted into a loop 608 and one or more sliders 609.

[0152] FIG. 25 is a front view of a bow tie bridge 609.

[0153] FIG. 26 is a back view of a bow tie bridge having voids or slits 610 defined by the bridge material, and having a hook 611 and a bow tie loop 612. The bridge material may be placed in or around the bow tie loop 612 and the bow tie loop may be connected to the bow tie hook 611 for insertion into the voids 610.

[0154] FIG. 27 is a front view of a first configuration of a snap or snaps bridge 613. FIG. 28 is a back view of a first configuration of a snap or snaps bridge showing snaps 614. FIG. 29 presents an exploded view of snaps 614.

[0155] FIG. 30 is a front view of second snap bridge configuration 615. FIG. 31 shows an offset or staggered set or receiving snaps 617. The offset snaps 617 provide additional adjustment to the bridge angle. FIG. 32 provides an exploded view of snaps 616.

[0156] FIG. 33 provides a front view of a hook and eye bridge 618. FIG. 34 is a back side view showing loops 619 or eyes and hooks 620. FIG. 35 is an exploded view of the eyes or hooks 619.

[0157] FIG. 36 is a front view of a second embodiment 621 of a hook and eye configuration. FIG. 37 is a back view of the second hook and eye embodiment and shows loops 622 and offset receiving hooks 623. FIG. 38 is an expanded view of loops 622.

[0158] FIG. 39 is a front view of a demi cup configuration 10 having a hidden pocket 13 inside connected balcony cup, allowing the demi cup material 11 to fold into the hidden pocket 13.

[0159] FIG. 40 is a plan view of the front side of a square clasp 700. FIG. 41 shows the back side 701 of a square clasp.

[0160] FIG. 42 is a plan view of the front side 702 of a round clasp. FIG. 43 is the back side 703 of a round clasp.

[0161] FIG. 44 is front view 704 of a shield shaped clasp. FIG. 45 is a back view 705 of a shield shaped clasp.

[0162] FIG. 46 presents a quick release clasp system 719, comprising a spring 710, spring case or spring housing 711, a spring inside of the casing 712, a spring slider 713, with the spring slider having a connection point 716 to accept bra bridge material. The spring and spring casing may fit into the spring slider as shown at 714. The spring slider with spring and spring casing assembly 715 may be an independent piece that fits in and out of a larger slider 717. The slider 717 will have a bra material attachment point 718.

[0163] FIG. 47 presents four views of a bra system with a quick release clasp system 719 used as a bridge between two bra cups. Bra material 720 can be seen attached to clasp connection points 716 and 718. The quick release system 719 can be seen in a state of separation with the spring slider 713 separated from the slider 717.

[0164] FIG. 48 is a back view of a demi cup bra being converted into a balcony bra. The demi cup material 11 can be seen going into the pocket 13, with the pocket being defined by pocket seam lines 14.

[0165] Embodiments of the disclosed systems include, but are not limited to the following items. Terms used in the items may be helpful in defining terms in the claims, but are not limiting.

[0166] Item 1. An adjustable bra system comprising: [0167] a) two balcony cups 12 attached to two sets of demi cup material 11; [0168] b) the bottom portions of the two balcony cups having channeling and underwire 202 [0169] c) the two balcony cups having back sides with pockets 13 defined by seams 14 with the pockets 13 capable of holding the demi cup material, converting the bra system from a demi cup to a balcony cup; [0170] d) the two balcony cups connected with a quick release clasp 719 system, the quick release clasp system comprising: [0171] i) a first clasp component 715 comprising a spring 710, a spring casing 711, and a spring slider with the spring slider having a connection point 716 for attaching bra bridge material 720 connected to a bra cup; [0172] ii) with the first clasp component 715 fitting into a second component comprising a slider 717, with the slider having a connection point 718 for attaching bra bridge material 720 connected to a bra cup; and [0173] e) the two balcony cups each having two channel sections to two sets of underwire comprising balcony cup underwire 201 and demi cup underwire 301.

[0174] The adjustable bra system of item 1 using adjustable slider wire 402 with the slider wire having notches and the adjustable bra system using casing 401 with notch receiving areas 411 fitted to accept the notches on the slider wire.

[0175] The adjustable bra system of item 1 having a plurality of openings 500 defined by the underwire channeling fitted to adjustable length underwire 400.

[0176] The adjustable bra system of item 1 using a slider bridge to connect the two balcony cups, the slider bridge comprising a loop 608 connected to bra bridge material connected to a balcony cup, two or more sliders 609 with the sliders comprising two connected loops, with the sliders accepting material adjusted by the sliders to control the distance between the balcony cups.

Claims

1. An adjustable bra system comprising: a) two balcony cups attached to two sets of demi cup material; b) the bottom portions of the two balcony cups having channeling and underwire; c) the two balcony cups having back sides with pockets defined by seams with the pockets capable of holding the demi cup material, converting the bra system from a demi cup to a balcony cup; d) the two balcony cups connected with a quick release clasp system, the quick release clasp system comprising: i) a first clasp component comprising a spring, a spring casing, and a spring slider with the spring slider having a connection point for attaching bra bridge material connected to a bra cup; ii) with the first clasp component fitting into a second component comprising a slider, with the slider having a connection point for attaching bra bridge material connected to a bra cup; and e) the two balcony cups each having two channel sections to two sets of underwire comprising balcony cup underwire and demi cup underwire.

2. The adjustable bra system of claim 1 using adjustable slider wire, with the slider wire having notches and the adjustable bra system using casing with notch receiving areas fitted to accept the notches on the slider wire.

3. The adjustable bra system of claim 1 having a plurality of openings defined by the underwire channeling fitted to adjustable length underwire.

4. The adjustable bra system of claim 1 using a slider bridge to connect the two balcony cups, the slider bridge comprising a loop connected to bra bridge material connected to a balcony cup, two or more sliders with the sliders comprising two connected loops, with the sliders accepting material adjusted by the sliders to control the distance between the balcony cups.