U.S. patent application number 13/251816 was filed with the patent office on 2013-04-04 for brassiere support system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Sandra Walsh. Invention is credited to Sandra Walsh.
Application Number | 20130084776 13/251816 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47993003 |
Filed Date | 2013-04-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130084776 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Walsh; Sandra |
April 4, 2013 |
Brassiere Support System
Abstract
A brassiere strap system is provided. The bra includes a left
breast cup and a right breast cup. Next, a left side strap is
provided that includes at least two intertwined strips next to the
left breast cup and a right side strap including at least two
intertwined strips next to the right breast cup. The left side
strap is coupled between a left breast cup connection on a left
side of the left breast cup and one of a plurality of adjustable
left side connections. The right side strap is coupled between a
right breast cup connection on the right breast cup and one of a
plurality of adjustable right side connections. The left strap and
the right strap include a backing surface and a decorative strap
surface on top of each other, where the backing surface is made of
a durable and contouring material.
Inventors: |
Walsh; Sandra; (Dacula,
GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Walsh; Sandra |
Dacula |
GA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
47993003 |
Appl. No.: |
13/251816 |
Filed: |
October 3, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
450/57 ; 450/86;
450/92 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41C 3/12 20130101; A41C
3/0028 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
450/57 ; 450/86;
450/92 |
International
Class: |
A41C 3/12 20060101
A41C003/12; A41C 5/00 20060101 A41C005/00; A41C 3/10 20060101
A41C003/10 |
Claims
1. An adjustable bra system comprising: a left breast cup and a
right breast cup; a left side strap is provided that includes at
least two intertwined strips next to the left breast cup and a
right side strap including at least two intertwined strips next to
the right breast cup; the left side strap is coupled between a left
breast cup connection on a left side of the left breast cup and one
of a plurality of adjustable left side connections; the left strap
and the right strap includes a backing surface and a decorative
strap surface on top of each other, wherein the backing surface is
made of durable and contouring material; and the right side strap
is coupled between a right breast cup connection on a right side of
the right breast cup and one of a plurality of adjustable right
side connections.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the left strap and the right strap
includes a plurality of loops.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein the left strap and the right strap
are decorative straps.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein the left strap and the right strap
are made from a plurality of materials.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the left breast cup includes an
insert or prosthesis and the right breast cup includes an insert or
a prosthesis.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein the left bra strap includes
multiple geometrical designs.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein the right bra strap includes
multiple geometrical designs.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein the backing surface is made of a
thermoplastic polyurethane silicone material.
9. The system of claim 1 wherein the backing surface is made of
poly Ether Block Amide resin family
10. The method for assembling a brassiere: providing a left breast
cup and a right breast cup; providing a left side strap having at
least two intertwined loops next to the left breast cup and a right
side strap having at least two intertwined loops next to the right
breast cup; providing a left side strap coupled between a left
breast cup connection on the left breast cup and a plurality of
adjustable left side connection; providing a right side strap
coupled between a right breast cup connection on the right breast
cup and a plurality of adjustable right side connections; and
providing the left strap and the right strap with a backing surface
and a decorative strap surface on top of each other, wherein the
backing surface is made of durable and contouring material
11. The method of claim 10 wherein the left side strap and the
right side strap includes a plurality of loops.
12. The method of claim 10 further comprises providing decorative
straps for the left side strap and the right side strap.
13. The method of claim 10 further comprising providing a metal or
metal like material for the left strap and the right strap.
14. An adjustable bra system comprising: a left breast cup and a
right breast cup; a left side strap is provided that includes at
least two intertwined strips next to the left breast cup and a
right side strap including at least two intertwined strips next to
the right breast cup; the left side strap is coupled between a left
breast cup connection on a left side of the left breast cup and one
of a plurality of adjustable left side connections; the left strap
and the right strap includes a backing surface and decorative strap
surface, wherein the backing surface is made of durable and
contouring material; the right side strap is coupled between a
right breast cup connection on a right side of the right breast cup
and one of a plurality of adjustable right side connections; the
left side includes a seam, a padding, hook eye padding, a shoulder
padding and a cup padding to provide comfort; and the right side
includes a seam, a padding, a hook eye padding, a shoulder padding
and a cup padding, wherein the left side is coupled to the right
side to hold the bra system together.
15. The system of claim 14 wherein the right side has the seam
padding in the range of 1-4 mm.
16. The system of claim 14, wherein the right side has the padding
with a crisscross pattern with a padding in the range of 8-14 mm.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a system for holding up a
brassiere.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In the present day, people have worn brassieres, halter tops
or tank tops in order to contain and control the movement of their
breasts. Brassieres or bras, halter tops or tank tops come in
different shapes sizes and colors in order to cater to the wearer
of the bra. Also, the bras come in many different designs. These
different designs are created by the different bra designers who
have a particular way of envisioning how the person would wear the
bra.
[0003] However, the designer of the bra, halter top or tank top may
have a different vision than the actual wearer of the bra, halter
top or tank top. The wearer of the bra, halter top or tank top may
have a special sense of style where she wants to be comfortable to
choose for herself what kind of strap she wants to use for the bra,
halter top or tank top instead of what a particular designer
chooses for her. Specifically, the wearer may choose a bra strap
for her bra that goes with the outfit that she's wearing such as a
silk bra strap. However, the wearer may not want to wear a silk
bra, but she only wants the bra strap to be made of silk. Also, the
wearer may desire to wear silver made bra strap to go with her
silver dress but she doesn't desire to wear a silver bra.
[0004] The problem is the wearer of a bra has a unique style so she
desires a bra strap that allows her to reflect her sense of style.
Even though the wearer has a sense of style she doesn't want to use
just any strap with a bra she desires that the bra strap will be
secure to stay connected to the bra. Therefore, there is a need for
a system that enables a wearer to easily change the look of her bra
strap to reflect her own unique style while providing her with a
secure bra strap that enables her to keep her breasts contained
within the bra.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention has been accomplished in view of the
above-mentioned technical background, and it is an object of the
present invention to provide a brassiere strap system.
[0006] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a brassiere
strap system is provided. The bra includes a left breast cup and a
right breast cup. Next, a left side strap is provided that includes
at least two intertwined strips next to the left breast cup and a
right side strap including at least two intertwined strips next to
the right breast cup. The left side strap is coupled between a left
breast cup connection on a left side of the left breast cup and one
of a plurality of adjustable left side connections. The left strap
and the right strap include a backing surface and a decorative
strap surface on top of each other, where the backing surface is
made of durable and contouring material. The right side strap is
coupled between a right breast cup connection on a right side of
the right breast cup and one of a plurality of adjustable right
side connections.
[0007] In another embodiment of the invention, there is a method of
assembling a brassiere. The method includes: providing a left
breast cup and a right breast cup; providing a left side strap
having at least two intertwined strips next to the left breast cup;
providing a right side strap including at least two intertwined
strips next to the right breast cup; providing the left side strap
coupled between a left breast cup connection on the left breast cup
and a plurality of adjustable left side connections; providing the
right side strap coupled between a right breast cup connection on
the right breast cup and a plurality of adjustable right side
connections; and providing the left strap and the right strap with
a backing surface and a decorative strap surface on top of each
other, where the backing surface is made of durable and contouring
material.
[0008] In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, there
is another adjustable bra system that includes a left breast cup
and a right breast cup. A left side strap is provided that includes
at least two intertwined strips next to the left breast cup and a
right side strap including at least two intertwined strips next to
the right breast cup. The left side strap is coupled between a left
breast cup connection on a left side of the left breast cup and one
of a plurality of adjustable left side connections. The left strap
and the right strap include a backing surface and decorative strap
surface, wherein the backing surface is made of durable and
contouring material. The right side strap is coupled between a
right breast cup connection on a right side of the right breast cup
and one of a plurality of adjustable right side connections. The
left side includes a seam, a padding, hook eye padding, shoulder
padding and a cup padding to provide comfort. The right side
includes a seam, a padding, a hook eye padding shoulder padding and
a cup padding, where the left side is coupled to the right side to
hold the bra system together.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] These and other advantages of the present invention will
become more apparent as the following description is read in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a brassiere strap system in
accordance with the invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is an illustration of another embodiment of a bra
strap system in accordance with the invention;
[0012] FIG. 3 is an illustration of yet another embodiment of a bra
strap system in accordance with the invention;
[0013] FIG. 3A shows a right side of illustration of FIG. 3 with an
improved padding system;
[0014] FIG. 3B shows a left side of illustration of FIG. 3 with an
improved padding;
[0015] FIG. 3C shows a right side of another illustration of FIG. 3
with another improved padding system;
[0016] FIG. 3D shows a left side of another illustration of FIG. 3
with another improved padding system;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a side view perspective the bra strap system of
FIG. 2 in accordance with the invention;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a back prospective view of the bra strap system of
FIG. 2 in accordance with the invention; and
[0019] FIGS. 6A and 6B shows several illustrations of bra straps
used in the bra strap system in accordance with the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The presently preferred embodiments of the invention are
described with reference to the drawings, where like components are
identified with the same numerals. The descriptions of the
preferred embodiments are exemplary and are not intended to limit
the scope of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a brassiere strap system in
accordance with the invention. A brassiere or bra strap system 100
includes: a left cup 103, a right cup 105, a right side 107, a left
side 109, a left side strap 111, an intertwining loop (strip) 113,
a left side breast cup hook 117, a left side hook 115, left side
hook receivers 119a, 119b, 119c, 119d, 119e and 119f, a right side
strap 121, an intertwining loop 123, a right side breast cup hook
127, a right side hook 125 and right side hook receivers 129a,d
129b, 129c, 129d, and 129e. Left side hook receivers 119a, 119b,
119c, 119d, 119e and 119f may be referred as adjustable left side
connections. Right side hook receivers 129a, 129b, 129c, 129d, 129e
and 129f may be referred to as adjustable right side connections.
The brassiere may also be halter top, tank top or any garment
utilized to hold the wearer's breasts in place. The term strip
refers to a wire-like or string-like object made of metal, fibrous
materials, or natural and/or synthetic fabric materials.
[0022] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B there are illustrations of
different types of straps that may be utilized in this bra strap
system that encompasses all the straps 601, 603, 605, 607, 609,
111, 121, 209, 215, 307 and 311. The straps 601, 603, 605, 607,
609, 111, 121, 209, 215, 307 and 311 are comprised of two surfaces;
a backing surface that will touch the surface of the wearer's or
person's skin and a decorative surface that will be visible to the
observer. For example, the backing surface is 601b, 603b, 605b,
607b, 609b, 111b, 121b, 209b, 215b, 307b and 311b and the
decorative surface is 601a, 603a, 605a, 607a, 609a, 111a, 121a,
209a, 215a, 307a and 311a The backing surface will be made of
durable, comfortable, contouring material such as Thermoplastic
Polyurethane or TPU silicone or similar material. The TPU silicone
or similar material contours to the shape of the wearer's shoulder
to comfortably hold the strap onto the shoulder. The similar
material may be poly Ether Block Amide (PEBAX) resin family,
polyurethane or copolyester TPE. Typically TPU has the following
qualities: tensile stress of 284 to 2070 pounds square inch (psi),
tensile strength 4120 to 7850 psi, tensile elongation of 350 to
690%, tear strength of 448 to 871 lbf/in and durometer hardness of
46 to 98. This TPU may have a color material of black, translucent,
transparent or other colors as they become available.
[0023] Decorative surface of the straps may include beads,
crystals, rhinestones, semi-precious or precious stones, metal,
plastic, natural fibers or synthetic fibers. For example, strap 601
has a rope type design on the top decorative portion 601 with a TPU
on the backside portion 601b, where the decorative portion may be
made of any type of fabric, such as cotton or silk. Strap 603
includes a plurality of interlocking loops or strips on the top
decorative portion 603a with a TPU on the backside portion 603b and
strap 605 is a thin plurality of interlocking loops on the top
decorative portion 605a with a TPU on the backside portion 605b.
FIG. 6B includes two straps 607 and 609, where strap 607 is made of
a cloth type material that has an intricate design that can have
any texture on the top decorative portion 607a with a TPU on the
backside portion 607b. Strap 609 has a complex design with multiple
geometrical shapes on the top decorative portion 609a with a TPU on
the backside portion 609b. Even though specific straps 601, 603,
605, 707 and 609 are utilized here to depict different types of
straps that may be utilized, there are many other straps that may
be utilized that may be made of out of any material, such as
aluminum, plastic, cotton or silk. The strap may also be of any
length, width or thickness.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, left side strap 111 is coupled between
the left side 109 and the left breast cup 103. Specifically, the
left side trap 111 includes the left side breast cup hook 117 and
the left side hook 115, where the left side breast cup hook 117 is
coupled to a top portion 103a of the breast cup 103. Top portion
103a is able to receive the left side breast cup hook 117 by using
a receiving mechanism. Even though there is one receiving mechanism
used in top portion 103a there may be a plurality of receiving
mechanisms utilized. The receiving mechanism may also be referred
to as a left breast cup connection. Left side hook 115 is coupled
to the left side 109 through its left side hook receivers
(connectors) 119a, 119b, 119c, 119d, 119e and 119f. In between the
left side strap 111 are at least two intertwined strips or loops
113 made of a strong fabric/material utilized to hold the left side
strap 111 tightly in place over a shoulder of a person wearing the
bra strap system 100.
[0025] Also, these intertwined strips 113 provide a secure
connection to secure the left side hook 115 to the hook receivers
119a, 119b, 119c, 119d and 119e. Further, the intertwined strips
113 provide a secure connection to secure the left side hook 117 to
the receiving mechanism of the top portion 103a. Even though only
two intertwined strips 113 are utilized, there may be 2-100 or more
strips utilized to secure the left side strap 111 in place over a
person's shoulder in between the left side 109 and left breast cup
103.
[0026] Right side strap 121 is coupled between the right side 107
and the right breast cup 105. Specifically, the right side trap 121
includes the right side breast cup hook 127 and the right side hook
125, where the right side breast cup hook 127 is coupled to a top
portion 105a of the breast cup 105. Top portion 105a is able to
receive the right t side breast cup hook 127 by using a receiving
mechanism. Even though there is one receiving mechanism used in top
portion 105a there may be a plurality of receiving mechanisms. The
receiving mechanism may also be referred to a right breast cup
connection. Right side hook 125 is coupled to the right side 107
through its right side hook receivers or connectors 129a, 129b,
129c, 129d, 129e and 129f. In between the right side strap 121
there are at least two intertwined strips or loops 123a made of a
strong fabric/material utilized to hold the strap 121 tightly in
place over a shoulder of a person wearing the bra strap system 100.
Also, these intertwined strips 123 provides a secure connection to
secure the right side hook 125 to the hook receivers 129a, 129b,
129c, 129d and 129e. Further, the intertwined strips 123 provide a
secure connection to secure the right side hook 127 to the
receiving mechanism of the top portion 105a. Even though only two
intertwined strips 123 are utilized, there may be 2-100 or more
strips utilized to secure the right side strap 121 in place over a
person's shoulder in between the right side 107 and right breast
cup 105.
[0027] FIG. 2 is another embodiment of the invention. Bra strap
system 200 includes a left bra cup 201, right bra cup 203, a left
side 205, a right side 207, a left strap 209, left intertwined
strips 211, a right strap 215 and intertwined strips 217. In
between the left strap 209 there are at least two intertwined
strips or loops 211 made of a strong fabric/material utilized to
hold the strap 209 tightly in place over a shoulder of a person
wearing the bra strap system 200. Also, these intertwined strips
211 provide a secure connection to secure a left side portion of
strap 209 to a receiving mechanism of the left side 205. Further,
the intertwined strips 211 provide a secure connection to secure a
right side port of the left side strap 209 to a receiving mechanism
(left side connector) of the left side 205.
[0028] In between the right side strap 215, there are at least two
intertwined strips 217 made of a strong fabric utilized to hold the
right side strap 215 tightly in place over a shoulder of a person
wearing the bra strap system 200. Also, these intertwined strips
217 provide a secure connection to secure as a right side portion
of the strap 215 a receiving mechanism (right side connector) at
the right side 207. Similar to the intertwined strips 113 and 123,
the intertwined strips 211 and 217 may be 2-100 or more intertwined
strips.
[0029] FIG. 3 is another embodiment of the invention. A bra strap
system 300 may be referred to as a mastectomy bra utilized by
persons who have recently had a single or double mastectomy where
one or more breasts were removed. The bra strap system 300 includes
a left bra cup 301, a covering 302, right bra cup 303, a left bra
cup insert 301a, a right bra cup insert 303a, a left side trap 307,
left intertwined strips 309, a right side strap 311 and intertwined
strips 313. The left bra cup insert 301a may be a prosthesis and
the right bra cup insert 303a may be a prosthesis. Covering 302 is
utilized to cover a front portion of the wearer's breast by using a
cloth or cotton material. This covering 302 may also be a typical
camisole.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 3A, there is a description of a padding
system that may be used on this mastectomy bra 300. This mastectomy
bra 300 has the right bra cup 303 that is connected to a right side
315 that hooks onto a left side 317 of the bra 300 similar to left
side 109 and right side 107 of the bra strap system 100. Right side
315 includes a seam 315a, a padding 315b, a hook eye padding 315c,
shoulder padding 315d, an insert 315e and a cup padding 303b. Seam
315a is a padded seam of 1-4 mm with a preferred seam of 1-2 mm.
Padding 315b is a crisscross pattern padding for pressure point
with a 8-14 mm padding with a preferred padding of 10-12 mm. Even
though a crisscross padding is utilized any type of padding
formation may be used such as a zigzag or any type of pattern. Hook
eye padding 315 c is positioned closed to a left side hook eye
padding 317c to attach the right side 315 to the left side 317.
This hook eye padding 315c includes a padding area between 6-12 mm
with a preferred padding of 8-10 mm. Shoulder padding 315d has an
oval padding area, which may also have a circular, rectangular or
any other type of shape padding area. Insert 315e is next to the
right breast cup 303. This insert 315e is used for extra elasticity
and it be made of lycra/lace or any type of material that provides
extra elasticity. Cup padding 301b has a padding at a right angle
to push pressure outward, where the padding is anywhere from 6-14
mm with a preferred padding of 10-12 mm. Referring to FIG. 3B, left
side 317 includes a seam 317a, a padding 317b, a hook eye padding
317c, a shoulder padding 317d and a cup padding 301b is equivalent
to right side 315, seam 315a, padding 315b, hook eye padding 315c,
shoulder padding 315d, insert 315e and cup padding 303b so a
description will not be provided here.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 3C there is another illustration of the
right side 315 of FIG. 3. Right side 315 includes diagonal padding
315f, seam 315g, a padded seam 315h, flexible contour strap 315i
and an opening 315j. Diagonal padding 315f has two portions used
for added comfort. Insert 315g utilizes an insert, such as
lace/lycra for extra stretching capability. Padded seam 315h
provides additional comfort to a wearer with padding in between
6-12 mm with a preferred padding of 8-10 mm. Flexible strap 315i
provides added comfort to the wearer of the bra strap system 300.
Opening 315j is in between the right side 315 for pad removal such
as removing diagonal padding 315f or padded seam 315h. Referring to
FIG. 3D there is another illustration of the left side 317 of FIG.
3. Left side 317 includes diagonal padding 317f, seam 317g, a
padded seam 317h, flexible contour strap 317i and an opening 317j,
which is equivalent to right side 315 includes diagonal padding
315f, seam 315g, a padded seam 315h, flexible contour strap 315i
and an opening 315j so a description will not be provided
herein.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 3 between the left side trap 307 there are
at least two intertwined strips or loops 309 made of a strong
fabric/material utilized to hold the left side strap 307 tightly in
place over a shoulder of a person wearing the bra strap system 300.
Also, these intertwined strips 309 provide a secure connection to
secure a left side portion of left side strap 307 to a receiving
mechanism of the left bra cup 301. Further, the intertwined strips
309 provide a secure connection to secure a right side port of the
left strap 307 to a receiving mechanism of the left side. Left
breast cup insert 301a and right breast cup insert 303a are
utilized typically to insert bra padding into a typical bra similar
to bra used by breast cancer survivors.
[0033] In between the right strap 311, there are at least two
intertwined strips 313 made of a strong fabric/material utilized to
hold the strap 311 tightly in place over a shoulder of a person
wearing the bra strap system 300. Also, these intertwined strips
313 provide a secure connection to secure a right side portion of
the strap 311 to a receiving mechanism (right breast cup connector)
at the right side of breast cup 303. Similar to intertwined strips
113 and 123, the intertwined strips 309 and 311 may be 2-100 or
more intertwined strips.
[0034] FIG. 4 shows a side portion of FIG. 2. In this side view of
FIG. 2 one can see how the strap 209 is connected to the left cup
201. Also, the intertwined strips 211 are shown in this drawing.
FIG. 5 is a back view of FIG. 2. All of the components described in
FIG. 2 are shown in this back view here so a description will not
be provided. One can see how the straps 209 and 215 are depicted in
relation to their respective intertwined strips 207 and 217 in
order to secure the straps 209 and 215 to the respective bra cups
203 and 201 and the left side 203 and the right side 205.
[0035] This invention provides a brassiere strap system that allows
its wearer to have a comfortable, conforming and stylish strap that
allows the wearer to easily switch from one strap to another strap.
The straps are comprised of two surfaces; a backing surface that
will touch the surface of the wearer's or person's skin and a
decorative surface that will be visible to the observer. The
backing surface is made of a durable material that is comfortable
and flexible to fit on the person's skin while the decorative side
of the strap include beads, crystals, rhinestones, semi-precious or
precious stones, metal, plastic, natural fibers or synthetic
fibers. Further, this brassiere strap system includes a mastectomy
bra that provides the wearer extra padding on the left and right
side of the bra.
* * * * *