U.S. patent application number 15/402027 was filed with the patent office on 2018-07-12 for modular bra.
The applicant listed for this patent is Komar Intimates, LLC.. Invention is credited to Christina COUTURE, Linda J. Fernandez, Bruce GETZ, Jessica PFISTER.
Application Number | 20180192710 15/402027 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62781754 |
Filed Date | 2018-07-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180192710 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PFISTER; Jessica ; et
al. |
July 12, 2018 |
Modular Bra
Abstract
A modular garment including a strapless bra and/or a bralette is
disclosed to provide comfortable and interchangeable support
configurations. Side bands of the bralette may connect to side
bands of the strapless bra, or to an adaptor when the bralette is
worn without the bra. When worn together, the front surfaces of the
bra and bralette are held flush by magnet pairs complimentarily
disposed around the bra and bralette cups.
Inventors: |
PFISTER; Jessica;
(Scarsdale, NY) ; COUTURE; Christina; (Jersey
City, NJ) ; Fernandez; Linda J.; (College Point,
NY) ; GETZ; Bruce; (Philadelphia, PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Komar Intimates, LLC. |
Jersey City |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
62781754 |
Appl. No.: |
15/402027 |
Filed: |
January 9, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41C 3/06 20130101; A41C
3/08 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41C 3/00 20060101
A41C003/00; A41C 3/06 20060101 A41C003/06 |
Claims
1. A garment comprising: a bra front portion; a bra side band
extending from each respective side of the bra front portion to a
respective distal end; a bra fastening arrangement operable to join
the respective distal ends of the bra side bands for releasably
securing the garment to a torso of an individual wearing the
garment, a position of the garment on the individual wearing the
garment defining inner and outer surfaces of the garment; and an
anchor disposed at an outer surface of each of the bra side bands
for optional attachment of a bralette.
2. The garment of claim 1, further comprising the bralette, the
bralette comprising: a bralette front portion; a bralette side band
extending from each respective side of the bralette front portion
to a respective distal end; at least one strap extending from the
bralette front portion to a respective one of the bralette side
bands; and a fastener attached at each bralette side band distal
end, the fasteners configured to be releasably engaged with the
respective anchors.
3. The garment of claim 2, wherein the bra front portion comprises
a pair of cups interconnected by a bra gore and the bralette front
portion comprises a pair of cups interconnected by a bralette gore,
and further comprising: a magnet pair disposed at the bra gore and
the bralette gore respectively for releasably interconnecting the
bra front portion and the bralette front portion.
4. The garment of claim 3, further comprising a magnet pair
disposed at respective outer edges of each of the pair of bra cups
and bralette cups for releasably interconnecting the bra cups and
the bralette cups.
5. The garment of claim 4, wherein at least one of the bra cups and
the bralette cups comprise underwire support, and wherein the
magnet pair disposed at respective outer edges of each of the pair
of bra cups and bralette cups is disposed proximate an upper
terminus of the respective underwire support.
6. The garment of claim 1, wherein the anchors are disposed
proximate the distal ends of the respective bra side bands.
7. The garment of claim 6, wherein the anchors comprise a width
that is smaller than a width of the respective bra side bands and
are located proximate a bottom thereof.
8. A garment comprising: a bra comprising opposed bra side bands
releasably connectable at respective distal ends; an anchor
disposed at an outer surface of each of the bra side bands; a
bralette comprising opposed bralette side bands; and a fastener
attached to each bralette side band, the fasteners configured to be
releasably engaged with the respective anchors to interconnect the
bra and bralette.
9. The garment of claim 8, further comprising an adapter comprising
fasteners at opposed ends, the adapter fasteners configured to be
releasably engaged with the fasteners attached to the bralette side
band.
10. The garment of claim 8, further comprising: the bra comprises a
pair of cups interconnected by a bra gore; the bralette comprising
a pair of cups interconnected by a bralette gore; and a magnet pair
disposed at the bra gore and the bralette gore respectively for
releasably interconnecting the bra and the bralette.
11. The garment of claim 10, further comprising a magnet pair
disposed at respective outer edges of each of the pair of bra cups
and bralette cups for releasably interconnecting the bra cups and
the bralette cups.
12. The garment of claim 11, wherein at least one of the bra cups
and the bralette cups comprise underwire support, and wherein the
magnet pair disposed at respective outer edges of each of the pair
of bra cups and bralette cups is disposed proximate an upper
terminus of the respective underwire support.
13. The garment of claim 8, wherein the anchors are disposed
proximate distal ends of the respective bra side bands.
14. The garment of claim 13, wherein the anchors comprise a width
that is smaller than a width of the respective bra side bands and
are located proximate a bottom thereof.
15. A garment comprising: a bralette front portion comprising a
pair of bralette cups joined at a gore; a bralette side band
extending from each respective side of the bralette front portion
to a respective distal end; at least one strap extending from the
bralette front portion to a respective one of the bralette side
bands; a fastener attached at each bralette side band distal end; a
magnet disposed at the gore; and a magnet disposed at respective
outer edges of each of the pair of bralette cups.
16. The garment of claim 15, further comprising an adapter
comprising fasteners at opposed ends, the adapter fasteners
configured to be releasably engaged with the respective fasteners
at the bralette side band distal ends.
Description
I. BACKGROUND
A. Field of Invention
[0001] The present invention generally relates to brassieres (i.e.,
bra) and, in particular to a new and useful modular bra and
combination.
B. Description of the Related Art
[0002] Brassieres are common undergarments typically used to
support, lift and or conceal the chest area of an individual, and
are traditionally available in the predominant styles referred to
as strap or strapless.
[0003] A strapless bra is well-known, and generally consists of a
strip of material having a front portion that traverses a person's
torso, that is shaped and sized to conceal, accommodate and or
support breasts by means commonly referred to as cups. The strip of
material typically extends about the back of a wearer where
opposed, fastening ends connect, ensuring the bra remains in
place.
[0004] A strapless bra is typically used when a wearer desires to
have the region around the shoulder exposed. There are drawbacks
associated with a strapless bra which are attributable to the
directional force of the support, which is primarily horizontal. In
particular, due to the planar limitation of a strapless bra about a
chest, disproportionate tension is required to minimize the amount
of displacement of the bra--tension of which is dictated by
gravity, bust size, and constant fluctuations in a wearer's torso
due to breathing, causing the bra to require adjustment. Further,
due to limitations of the direction support, adequacy of a
strapless bra commonly diminishes as the bust size and or cup size
increases.
[0005] A strap bra is essentially a strapless bra with an addition
of at least one extra support band or strap that connects the front
portion of a bra, about each cup, to part of the bra located about
the back of a wearer when fastening ends are connected. Because a
bra with straps has a supplementary directional pull that is
vertical, or lifts towards the shoulders, in additional to the
generally horizontal pull of a strapless style bra, a bra with
straps requires less horizontal tension. As a result, a strap bra
may be more desirable than a strapless bra when maximum lift,
support or comfort is desired and typically requires less
adjustment and attention.
[0006] A common drawback to a strap bra is when a wearer is in a
strapless dress or gown, in which case, it may be considered
unfashionable or unkempt to show straps. As a result, an individual
may be compelled to wear a strapless bra in certain instances. It
is also not uncommon for a wearer to change in and out of a
strapless bra to a strap bra to lessen the time of discomfort. This
typically requires an individual to completely remove the bras and
store the one not being worn at the time.
[0007] Alternatively, some strapless bras have an option to add or
remove straps. This alternative however is not a sufficient
substitute for a bra with straps, particularly because the
strapless style is not designed for vertical force about the cups
and or is insufficient when compared to a bra with straps,
particularly for individuals who require more support.
Additionally, it is not uncommon for some wearers to have a strap
bra over a strapless bra, however the bras do not layer well, the
fastening ends protrude and or catch, and the excessive bulk of
duplicative cup and bra material is unsightly and
uncomfortable.
[0008] There is a need in the undergarment industry to provide a
brassiere that may be easily converted from a bra with straps to a
strapless style bra without having to remove the entire garment,
and that is aesthetically pleasing, simple, and provides support as
required and comfort as desired.
II. SUMMARY
[0009] The instant invention relates to a strap bra, referred to
herein as bralette, that is designed to relesably connect to a
strapless bra and avoid the need to completely remove the strapless
bra in order to have the look, feel, comfort, support and benefits
associated with a strap bra.
[0010] In an embodiment, the bralette consists of a minimal amount
of parts complimentary to the underlying strapless bra and or a
minimal amount of material that may be less dense than the
underlying material, thereby minimizing and or reducing bulk while
maximizing support and aesthetics.
[0011] In an embodiment, the bralette consists of material that
traverses and or covers a portion of the front (i.e., surface) of
the strapless bra and releasably connects by use of complimentary
magnets disposed within the bralette and within the strapless
bra.
[0012] In an embodiment, bralette straps extend vertically, over a
wearer's shoulder, from a cup region of the bralette and relesably
connect to bralette bands that extend horizontally from the cup
area of the bralette, bands of which may have fasteners that
relesably connect to corresponding anchors about ends of the
strapless bra bands.
[0013] In an embodiment, the bralette is designed such that it may
be sized and shaped to be as functional as a typical brassiere and
may be used without the strapless bra. In such an embodiment, bands
extending horizontally from the cup area of the bralette may
alternatively connect to the opposing bralette band. An adjustable
adapter may be provided to connect fastening ends of the bralette
together.
[0014] In an embodiment of the invention, the bralette may be
interchangeable such that other bralettes may connect to an
underlying strapless bra such that a wearer may have multiple
options and styles of bra combinations, achievable merely by
changing the bralette but using the same strapless bra.
[0015] It is an embodiment of the invention that the strapless bra
and bralette have seamless connection, which the inventors have
determined include the addition of connectivity means such as
magnets disposed below the surface of each allowing for the bras to
connect and disconnect with relative ease. And, because the
connection means are located below the surface, there is no
instance of damage or poor aesthetics caused by exposed
connectors.
III. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The invention may take physical form in certain parts and
arrangement of parts, some embodiments of which will be described
in the specification and illustrated in accompanying drawings which
form a part hereof, wherein, when referring to the drawings, the
inventor identifies the following components thereto,
[0017] FIG. 1 is a front view of a brassiere that is strapless as
according to an embodiment of the instant invention.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the brassiere in FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a front view of a brassiere that has straps as
according to an embodiment of the instant invention, referred to as
bralette.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the brassiere in FIG. 3, which as
shown has an adapter interposed to connect fastening ends of the
bralette together.
[0021] FIG. 4A is an embodiment of an adapter shown in FIG. 4.
[0022] FIG. 5 is front view of an embodiment of the instant
invention when the brassiere of FIG. 3 is combined with the
brassiere of FIG. 1. The circles in broken lines show location of
connecting means according to an embodiment of the instant
invention.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a rear view of an embodiment of the instant
invention as shown in FIG. 5.
[0024] FIG. 7 is a front view of a bra according to the instant
invention showing an embodiment of the location of connecting means
as indicated by circles, namely magnets located below a
surface.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a front view of a bralette according to the
instant invention showing an embodiment of the location of
connecting means as indicated by circles, namely magnets located
below a surface.
[0026] FIG. 9 is the cross-section identified in FIG. 7.
[0027] FIG. 10 is the cross-section identified in FIG. 8.
[0028] FIG. 11 is a summary, 3-step view from left to right showing
an embodiment of connecting means, namely magnets prepped for
attachment to a brassiere according to an embodiment of the instant
invention.
IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] The following invention is for a modular brassiere that
provides for combinations and methods of use whereby a strapless
bra is combinable with a bralette to improve support, improve
aesthetics and functionality, whereby the bralette easily connects
and disconnects to the strapless bra bands and or surface.
[0030] FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of a brassiere that
is strapless 10. The strapless bra 10 essentially comprises a front
portion 5 that traverses a torso of an individual and is primarily
used to conceal and or support the bust, and or chest area of an
individual, and typically consists of two symmetrical regions,
commonly referred to as cups 15, interconnected by a center gore
16. Disposed about the outer perimeter of cups 15 is optional
support means, commonly referred to as underwire 20. Underwire 20
is typically used when cups 15 are of a size and or dimension that
necessitate additional support of the bust. In general, the larger
the bust, the larger the cup 15 and the greater need for additional
support.
[0031] Extending distal from the front 5 of bra 10 are side bands
25, which extend around the back of a wearer a distance a and have
fasteners generally disposed about band 25 at end 35 and consists
of complimentary fasteners that connect to the opposing end 35 of
opposing band 25 about l (fasteners not shown, but of which are
commonly known in the industry and field). FIG. 2 shows a rear
image of an embodiment of a strapless bra according to the instant
invention, showing the ends 35 connected, which is a typical way a
strapless bra connects. As shown in FIG. 2 however, the bra 10
includes the addition of anchors 30, which are generally disposed
about bands 25, and as shown are near ends 35, although they may be
located anywhere along the bands 25. In an embodiment anchors 30
may be material formed in a hoop shape that is shaped and sized to
accept a hook styled fastener, although other types of anchors
known in the art may be used, such as a hook or loop style material
(such as sold by Velcro Industries), a half of a snap, a button or
a button hole, etc.
[0032] In an embodiment, anchor 30 is a loop of grosgrain twill
tape inserted between a hook and eye fastener and a mesh back wing
material and secured with a zz stitch. It is within the scope of
the invention that anchors 30 may be disposed at an outer surface
of band 25 (inner and outer surfaces defined as when worn by an
individual) between the area l and origin of the band 25 towards
the front 5 at O. Anchors 30 are to be more fully explained herein,
but are disclosed to relesably connect to the bralette, and
particularly bralette bands 65 described below, thereby reducing
the horizontal tension required for the strapless bra, and
improving overall comfort.
[0033] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a bra with straps 40 according
to an embodiment of the instant invention, and referred to as a
bralette. The bralette 40 has a front portion 60 which traverses an
individual's torso and is used to conceal, support and or cover the
chest of an individual, and includes cups 50 (with the same purpose
as 15) interconnected at a gore 51, and an optional underwire
support 45 (with the same purpose as 20), and straps 55 which may
be of variable lengths based on use of adjuster 150. Bands 65
extend from the front of the bralette and have anchors 70 disposed
thereon to connect to fasteners 80 located on straps 55. Like
anchors 30, anchors 70 may be of a hoop shape which is capable of
being connected to fasteners 80 that may for example be in the form
of a hook as shown.
[0034] FIG. 4 is a rear view of bra 40 as shown in FIG. 3. Bands 65
have fasteners 75 about each end used to connect to corresponding
anchors 30 of strapless bra 10 when the two are worn together (see
FIG. 6). It is an embodiment of the invention that bra 40 may be
worn without a strapless bra. In this embodiment, an adapter 90 may
be provided to serve as means to connect fasteners 75, which can
hook into hoop, i.e., anchor as shown in the adapter 90 as 91 (see
FIG. 4a). As understood, the adapter 90 is adjustable in length and
has loops or other type of fastener disposed at each end 91 to
connect to fastener 75 located about each end of bands 65. While
the embodiment as shown provides that bands 65 are a fixed length,
it is within the scope of the invention that at least one band 65
may have an adjustable length and the fasteners 75 may directly
connect to each.
[0035] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a bralette 40 according to the
instant invention worn over the strapless bra 10. As shown bralette
40 fits complimentarily over the strapless bra 10. The bralette 40
is specifically designed so that it has a shape complimentary to
the strapless bra 10, including for example, the position of the
underwire 20 and 40, lying about adjacent to each in an embodiment
to optimize comfort and appearance. As shown, the material of the
bralette 40 allows the strapless bra 10 to be visible, although it
may be opaque in other embodiments. In an embodiment of the
invention, there is minimal material of the bralette 40. As shown,
material of the bralette 40 is of minimal density, but maximum
strength. The inventors of the instant invention have discovered
that use of a meshed material provides intended results by reducing
bulk, is aesthetically pleasing, and has sufficient strength to
provide necessary support and resistance to wear and breakage. As a
result, it is an embodiment of the invention that the bralette 40
may be alternatively used as means of support on its own as
previously discussed (see FIG. 4).
[0036] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the embodiment in FIG. 5. As shown,
bands 65 of bralette 40 have fasteners 75 at ends, disclosed as
hooks, which attach to hooped anchors 30 located on bands 25. While
the width of anchors 30 are shown as a fraction of the width of
bands 25, and located at the bottom thereof, it is within the scope
of the invention that the width of anchors 30 may be located at the
top of band 25 and or have a width that is about equal to the width
of the area of the band 25 where the anchors 30 attach to the band
25, for example so that the rear of the strapless bra 10 is
covered. The inventors have discovered that the location of the
anchors 30 and corresponding fasteners 75 provides additional
support to the wearer, thereby reducing the necessary tension of
the strapless bra 10. As can be understood from FIG. 6, the
embodiment allows for a wearer to simply disconnect the bralette 40
without having to remove the bra 10 and without necessarily having
to remove any clothing that may lie over the bras, for example,
merely by detaching fasteners 75 from anchors 30 and detaching
fasteners 80 from anchors 70.
[0037] In developing the article subject to this invention, the
inventors discovered that depending on the material of the bras and
amount of coverage or support necessary, the bralette 40,
particularly the front portion 60, could separate from the front
surface of the strapless bra 10 and or the two may shift producing
unwanted results. Because the goal of the instant invention is to
be not only functional, but aesthetically pleasing, it was
necessary to ensure that the garments, when combined, appear to be
an intentional single article. Wherefore, the inventors have
discovered that it is possible to include in the garments
complimentary connectivity means that would reduce if not eliminate
any gapping there between, or shift, be aesthetically pleasing as
well as functional.
[0038] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of such a solution which includes
arranging magnets on bra 10 at locations 120, 130 and 140, whereby
140 and 120 are disposed in the area about the location of the
upper terminus of the optional underwire 20 and or about the outer
edge of cups 15; and, whereby 130 is in a location on the gore 16
approximately equidistant between cups 15. The locations as
disclosed were discovered to be ideal and minimal for providing
esthetically pleasing close alignment and mutual support between
the bra and bralette cups, especially in the embodiment when
underwire is necessary. The magnets used by the inventors are
neodymium magnets and were connected to the strapless bra 10 below
the front surface so that they were not visible. In an embodiment,
the magnets are housed within an enveloped material that is
stitched to the underside of the strapless bra 10. FIG. 8 shows the
complimentary arrangement of connectivity means, which includes
magnets disposed below the front surface of the bralette 40 at
locations 121, 131 and 141, specific to connect to magnets on the
underlying strapless bra 10. Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 7,
magnets may be housed within an enveloped material that is then
stitched to the underside of the bra 40 (see FIGS. 9-11). Of course
the magnets are arranged so that the polarity allows the
corresponding magnet pairs to attract.
[0039] It is an embodiment of the invention to provide a method of
allowing a wearer to have multiple options of wearing the garments
which includes having the ability to provide a strapless bra that
can connect to different bralettes, for example to replace the
bralette when a different design, color, style or support is
desired by the wearer.
* * * * *