U.S. patent application number 16/379438 was filed with the patent office on 2019-08-01 for bustier garment.
The applicant listed for this patent is Evelyn & Bobbie, LLC. Invention is credited to Bree R. MCKEEN.
Application Number | 20190231000 16/379438 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51223434 |
Filed Date | 2019-08-01 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190231000 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MCKEEN; Bree R. |
August 1, 2019 |
BUSTIER GARMENT
Abstract
A bustier garment may have first and second support structures
that are housed within a housing. The first and second support
structures may be positioned within the housing such that each of
the respective support structures correspond to a position between
a center and a bottom of a wearer's first and second respective
breasts when the bustier garment is worn by a wearer. In one
embodiment, the bustier garment may include first and second
support structures that are positioned and oriented within a
housing such that the respective first and second support
structures are substantially perpendicular to a vertical midline of
the garment and/or substantially parallel to a lower edge of the
garment.
Inventors: |
MCKEEN; Bree R.; (Portland,
OR) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Evelyn & Bobbie, LLC |
Portland |
OR |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
51223434 |
Appl. No.: |
16/379438 |
Filed: |
April 9, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15203421 |
Jul 6, 2016 |
10271585 |
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16379438 |
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14833669 |
Aug 24, 2015 |
9392822 |
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15203421 |
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14517743 |
Oct 17, 2014 |
9237772 |
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14833669 |
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14165271 |
Jan 27, 2014 |
8864549 |
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14517743 |
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61756989 |
Jan 25, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41C 3/02 20130101; A41C
3/142 20130101; A41C 3/08 20130101; A41C 3/10 20130101; A41C 3/0021
20130101; A41C 3/122 20130101; A41C 1/06 20130101; A41C 3/06
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41C 3/06 20060101
A41C003/06; A41C 3/12 20060101 A41C003/12; A41C 3/08 20060101
A41C003/08; A41C 3/02 20060101 A41C003/02; A41C 3/10 20060101
A41C003/10; A41C 3/00 20060101 A41C003/00; A41C 3/14 20060101
A41C003/14; A41C 1/06 20060101 A41C001/06 |
Claims
1. A bustier garment comprising: a first support structure, the
first support structure including a plurality of layers of material
and being positioned within a housing such that the first support
structure corresponds to a position between a center and a bottom
of a wearer's first breast when the bustier garment is worn by a
wearer; a second support structure, the second support structure
including a plurality of layers of material and being positioned
within the housing such that the second support structure
corresponds to a position between a center and a bottom of a
wearer's second breast when the bustier garment is worn by the
wearer; and the housing, the housing being configured to house the
first and second support structures and wrap around the wearer's
chest, thereby enabling the wearer to wear the bustier garment.
2. The bustier garment of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a
closure mechanism positioned between the first and second support
structures.
3. The bustier garment of claim 1, wherein the first and second
support structures comprise multiple pieces.
4. The bustier garment of claim 1, wherein the first and second
support structures are contoured to accommodate a positioning of
the wearer's first and second respective breasts therein when the
garment is worn by the wearer.
5. The bustier garment of claim 1, the first and second support
structures further comprising: one or more perforations.
6. The bustier garment of claim 1, the housing further comprising:
a plurality of attachment mechanisms configured to removably attach
to one or more embellishments to the garment.
7. The bustier garment of claim 1, each of the first and second
support structures further comprising: an outer extension, the
outer extension being positioned on an edge of the respective
support structure furthest away from a vertical midline of the
garment and extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to
the respective first and second support structures.
8. The bustier garment of claim 1, wherein the first support
structure is coupled to the second support structure.
9. The bustier garment of claim 1, wherein a first layer of
material of the plurality of layers of material in the first and
second support structures is different from a second layer of
material of the plurality of layers of material in the first and
second support structures.
10. The bustier garment of claim 1, wherein a thickness of a first
layer of material of the plurality of layers of material in the
first and second support structures is different from a thickness
of a second layer of material of the plurality of layers of
material in the first and second support structures.
11. The bustier garment of claim 1, wherein a degree of rigidity of
a first layer of material of the plurality of layers of material in
the first and second support structures is different from a degree
of rigidity of a second layer of material of the plurality of
layers of material in the first and second support structures.
12. The bustier garment of claim 1, wherein a shape of a first
layer of material of the plurality of layers of material in the
first and second support structures is different from a shape of a
second layer of material of the plurality of layers of material in
the first and second support structures.
13. A bustier garment comprising: a first support structure, the
first support structure including a plurality of layers and being
positioned and oriented within a first breast cup portion of a
housing such that the first support structure is substantially
parallel to a lower edge of the garment; a second support
structure, the second support structure including a plurality of
layers and being positioned and oriented within a second breast cup
portion of the housing such that the second support structure is
substantially parallel to a lower edge of the garment; and the
housing, the housing being configured to house the first and second
support structures.
14. The bustier garment of claim 13, wherein the first support
structure includes a first extension that is substantially
perpendicular to the first support structure and the second support
structure includes a second extension that is substantially
perpendicular to the second support structure.
15. The bustier garment of claim 13, wherein the housing includes a
closure mechanism positioned between the first and second support
structures.
16. The bustier garment of claim 13, wherein the first and second
support structures comprise multiple pieces.
17. The bustier garment of claim 13, wherein the first and second
support structures are contoured to accommodate a positioning of
the wearer's first and second respective breasts therein when the
garment is worn by the wearer.
18. The bustier garment of claim 13, the first and second support
structures further comprising: one or more perforations.
19. The bustier garment of claim 13, the housing further
comprising: a plurality of attachment mechanisms configured to
removably attach to one or more embellishments to the garment.
20. The bustier garment of claim 13, each of the first and second
support structures further comprising: an outer extension, the
outer extension being positioned on an edge of the respective
support structure furthest away from a vertical midline of the
garment and extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to
the respective first and second support structures.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is CONTINUATION of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 15/203,421 entitled "BUSTIER GARMENT WITH SUPPORT
STRUCTURES HAVING A PLURALITY OF LAYERS" filed on Jul. 6, 2016,
which is CONTINUATION of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/833,669, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,392,822 entitled "Support Bustier
Garment" filed on Aug. 24, 2015, which is a CONTINUATION of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 14/517,743, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,237,772
entitled "Support Bustier Garment" filed on Oct. 17, 2014, which is
a CONTINUATION of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/165,271, now
U.S. Pat. No. 8,864,549, entitled "Support Bustier Garment" filed
on Jan. 27, 2014, which is a NON-PROVISIONAL of U.S. Patent
Application No. 61/756,989 filed Jan. 25, 2013, all of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of apparel and,
more specifically to a support bustier garment. The support bustier
garment may be configured to reposition a portion of a volume of
the wearer's respective breast and support a portion of a weight of
the wearer's respective breast when worn by the wearer.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Brassieres have been used for lifting and shaping the
breasts for approximately 100 years. Brassieres (and other related
garments, such as underwire swimwear tops) are typically
manufactured using two U-shaped metal components or "underwires,"
which serve to create a rounded housing for each breast. The
underwire also serves to create a uniform shape in accordance with
a fashionable silhouette. The underwire is conventionally a flat
U-shape, and does not conform to the curved dimensions of the
wearer's rib cage. Thus, the underwire brassiere in its traditional
form frequently creates areas of poking and rubbing at the ends of
the wire (between breasts and in underarm areas), as well as
pinching at the lowermost point of the underwire (at the bottom of
the breast, directly under the nipple) where the underwire pushes
into the ribs. The larger the breasts, the more significant these
pressure points tend to be. Seams and fabric casements, which serve
to hold the underwire in place, can further exacerbate the pinching
and rubbing of the wire against the skin and ribs.
[0004] The underwire casement of traditional brassieres typically
attaches to three straps. The primary back strap attaches laterally
around the rib cage, in most cases fastening in the rear near the
spine. The two shoulder straps attach to the underwire casement in
the front and to the lateral strap in the rear. The two shoulder
straps run over the belly of the trapezius muscles and support the
weight of the breasts against these muscles of the neck and
shoulders (primarily the trapezius and levator scapulae muscles).
In this way, the force of the lifted breast effectively hangs from
the neck and shoulders.
[0005] In typical brassiere construction, and especially in larger
breasted wearers, all three straps typically create discomfort for
the wearer. To support the load of the breast tissue, conventional
shoulder straps push down on the trapezius muscles, which in turn
forces the head forward and the spine out of proper postural
alignment. This misalignment frequently results in tension in the
head, neck and shoulders that is directly linked to wearing a
conventional bra. This pressure on the trapezius muscles is made
visible in the surface indentations frequently left behind in the
shoulders of brassiere wearers. Further, these indentations
frequently become permanent after years of continued brassiere
wear. The effects can also be seen in the slouched or hunched
spinal posture of large-breasted, brassiere-wearing women.
[0006] In addition, if the primary back strap is fitted tightly
enough to the torso such to relieve some of the pressure from the
shoulder straps, then the pressure of the underwire casement
against the body (and the rubbing and pinching related to the
casement) in turn increases. In the case of brassiere garments
where the shoulder straps have been removed entirely (i.e.
"strapless" brassieres), the garment typically slides down the
torso over time, moving out of its intended placement and
flattening the profile of the breasts, with aesthetically
displeasing results. The result is that wearers are forced to
frequently tug the garment back into place, undermining the
intention of the wearer for the state of their undergarment to
remain private. (Imagine, by way of example, a bride with a
strapless dress and strapless brassiere, which begins to fall down
during her wedding ceremony. To remain modest and avoid
embarrassment, she has no choice but to tug her undergarment back
into place, thus revealing the state of her undergarment slippage
to any who are observing her.)
[0007] In addition, underwire-alternative brassieres that possess
rigid regions or thick seams directly beneath the breast fail to
provide a comfortable alternative because of resulting pressure on
the top of the abdominal cavity when the wearer sits or otherwise
bends at the waist.
[0008] In summary, the traditional construction of the bra brings
with it a set of specific design features that are inherently
linked to chafing, rubbing, poking, and pinching of the skin;
tension and pain in the muscles of the wearer; and pressure or
compression of the upper abdominal cavity.
SUMMARY
[0009] Support bustier garments worn by a wearer having two breasts
are herein described. The support bustier garment may include a set
of two support structures and a housing. The support structures may
be positioned within the housing such that each support structure
corresponds to a position between a center and a bottom of the
wearer's breast when the garment is worn by the wearer. On some
occasions, the housing may include one or more attachment
mechanisms (e.g., snap, tension and/or magnet closure) configured
to removably attach to one or more embellishments, such as straps
or a camisole.
[0010] The support structures may be curved to approximate a shape
of a woman's breast. Each of the support structures may be
configured to reposition a portion of a volume of one of the
wearer's breasts (e.g., push breast tissue from an outside of a
breast toward a midline of the wearer or lift a portion of the
breast tissue from an original position to a higher position
measured relative to the user's waist) when the garment is worn by
a wearer. Stated differently, each support structure repositions a
volume of a different one of the wearer's breasts. The support
structures may also serve to shape the wearer's breasts. The
support structures may be manufactured using, for example, a
molding process, a cutting process, and/or a punch process. The
support structure may be made from one material or may include a
plurality of layers of material.
[0011] Each of the support structures may also be configured to
support a portion of the weight of each of the wearer's breasts
when worn by the wearer. Stated differently, each support structure
supports a portion of the weight of a different one of the wearer's
breasts. At times, the support structures may be configured to
extend orthogonally from the plane of a torso of the wearer when
the garment is worn by the wearer. The support structures may be
self-supporting independently of the housing. Stated differently,
the support structures may retain their shape, even when not worn,
independently of the housing.
[0012] The support structure may be configured to exert a force
opposing the portion of the weight of the wearer's breasts when the
garment is worn by the wearer. For example, the support structure
may be configured to apply a force substantially equal in magnitude
and substantially opposite in direction to the weight of the
wearer's breasts such that the weight of the wearer's breasts is
supported and is at rest. At times, the force may be applied to the
wearer's breast independently of the housing.
[0013] In some embodiments, each support structure may be
configured to redistribute the portion of the weight of the
wearer's breasts to the wearer's torso when the garment is worn by
the wearer.
[0014] In some embodiments, the support structure may include one
or more perforations. The perforations may be of any size and
positioned anywhere within the support structure, provided the
support structure maintains its structural integrality.
[0015] The housing of the garment may be coupled to the set of
support structures and be configured to house the set of support
structures and wrap around the wearer's chest, thereby enabling the
wearer to wear the garment. The housing may be manufactured from,
for example, fabric, plastic, elastic, fasteners, closure
mechanisms, or any combination thereof. On some occasions, the
housing may include decorative features (e.g., colors, printed on
patterns, applied detailing, etc.).
[0016] In some embodiments, the garment may include a set of
flexible structures positioned within the housing such that each
flexible structure is coincident with one of the support structures
of the set of two support structures. On some occasions, each of
the flexible structures having a lower extension positioned within
the housing so as to be coincident with a portion of a torso of the
wearer located under the wearer's breast when the garment is worn
by the wearer. In one embodiment, the lower extensions of the
flexible structures may be coupled together, thereby forming a
continuous band of the flexible structure under both breasts of the
user. In this embodiment, the coupled flexible structures may
extend to the sides of the wearer's torso and/or around the back of
the wearer. In another embodiment, a width of the lower extension
being proportional to the portion of the weight being supported by
at least one of the support structure, the flexible structure, and
a combination thereof. For example, when the amount of weight being
supported by the support structures and flexible structures is
relatively large, then the width of the lower extension may be
relatively large, in proportion to the supported weight and,
conversely, when the amount of weight being supported by the
support structures and flexible structures is relatively small,
then the width of the lower extension may be relatively small, in
proportion to the supported weight.
[0017] In yet another embodiment, the garment may include a layer
of flexible material coupled to each support structure and
positioned within the housing. The layer of flexible material may
be configured to conform to the shape of the wearer's breasts and
support a portion of the weight of the wearer's breasts when worn
by the wearer.
[0018] In a further embodiment, each of the support structures may
include a band, an inner extension, and an outer extension. The
band may extend between and be coupled to the inner and outer
extensions and may be configured to correspond to a position
between a center and a bottom of the wearer's breast. The band may
extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to a midline of
the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer. In this way, the
band may wrap around a portion of the wearer's breast.
[0019] The inner extension may be positioned at or near a midline
of the wearer and extend above, below, and/or above and below the
band, in a vertical direction substantially in parallel with the
midline of the wearer when worn by the wearer. The outer extension
may extend in a vertical direction substantially in parallel with a
side of the wearer above, below, and/or above and below the band
when worn by the wearer. At times, the inner extension and/or outer
extension may extend in manner that approximates a shape of a curve
of the wearer's inner or outer breast, respectively. At times, each
of the support structures may further include a side extension
configured to correspond to a side of the wearer when the garment
is worn by the wearer. When the garment is worn, the side extension
may wrap around the side of the wearer and may provide support to
the portion of the weight of the breast by transferring a portion
of the breast weight to the wearer's side when the wearer wears the
garment.
[0020] In another embodiment, the garment includes a set of
flexible structures positioned within the housing such that each
flexible structure corresponds to a position extending between a
center and a bottom of the wearer's breast when the garment is worn
by the wearer. Each flexible structure may be configured to
reposition a portion of a volume of the wearer's breast and support
a portion of a weight of the wearer's respective breast when worn
by the wearer. The housing may be coupled to the set of flexible
structures and may be configured to house the set of flexible
structures and wrap around the wearer's chest, thereby enabling the
wearer to wear the garment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The present application is illustrated by way of example,
and not limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0022] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary support bustier garment,
consistent with some embodiments of the present invention;
[0023] FIGS. 2A and 2B depict rear views of an exemplary support
bustier garment 100, consistent with some embodiments of the
present invention;
[0024] FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary closure expander for support
bustier garment, consistent with some embodiments of the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 4 depicts exemplary components of support bustier
garment, consistent with some embodiments of the present
invention;
[0026] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate exemplary constructions of
support bustier garment, consistent with some embodiments of the
present invention;
[0027] FIG. 6A depicts front view of several components of support
bustier garment, consistent with some embodiments of the present
invention;
[0028] FIG. 6B depicts a side view of several components of support
bustier garment, consistent with some embodiments of the present
invention;
[0029] FIGS. 7A and 7B depict side views of several components of
support bustier garment, consistent with some embodiments of the
present invention;
[0030] FIGS. 8A and 8B depict extended undersides of support
bustier garment, consistent with some embodiments of the present
invention;
[0031] FIG. 9 depicts a body support garment 900, consistent with
some embodiments of the present invention; and
[0032] FIGS. 10A and 10B depict front and rear views of optional
embellishments for support bustier garment, consistent with some
embodiments of the present invention.
[0033] Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals and
characters, unless otherwise stated, are used to denote like
features, elements, support structures, or portions of the
illustrated embodiments. Moreover, while the subject invention will
now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, the
description is done in connection with the illustrative
embodiments. It is intended that changes and modifications can be
made to the described embodiments without departing from the true
scope and spirit of the subject invention as defined by the
appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] A support bustier that provides support for a wearer's
breasts is herein described. Support bustier garment (as well as
related support garments, such as camisoles, slips, and swimwear)
simultaneously directs the volume of the breasts into an
aesthetically pleasing shape, contains unwanted movement of the
breasts and of the garment, and supports a natural and healthful
body posture.
[0035] The support bustier garment comprises a housing that
encloses and conforms to a portion of the wearer's chest. The
housing may include one or more closure/adjustment mechanisms to
enable a wearer to put the support bustier on (i.e., wear the
support bustier), take the support bustier off (i.e., remove the
support bustier), and/or adjust the fit of the support bustier.
Exemplary closure/adjustment mechanisms include snaps, magnetic
closures, tension closures, hook-eye closures, expandable materials
(e.g., spandex and/or elastic), and tying mechanisms.
[0036] The support bustier garment further comprises one or more
support structures attached to the housing. For the sake of
convenience, the following discussion will refer to two support
structures, one for each breast, but this is not intended to limit
the scope of the invention in any way. For example, one support
structure could support the weight of both breasts or four support
structures (two on each side) may support each breast.
[0037] In some embodiments, the configuration the support bustier
garment, the support structure, and/or the housing may be partially
user configurable. For example, the tightness of the conformity of
the housing to the wearer's chest may be user configurable via, for
example, use of various closure mechanisms or selection of material
from which the housing or support bustier garment is manufactured.
In another example, the housing may coincidentally or separately
accommodate attachment of a plurality of support structures. For
example, a first structure may offer relatively little breast
weight support. The support of this first structure may be
augmented by addition of a second support structure coincidentally
attached to the housing and/or the first support structure and the
combination of the first and second support structures may act in
combination to provide more support than the first support
structure alone.
[0038] In some instances, the support structure may be removably
attached to the housing so that, at times, it may be removed from
the housing (e.g., prior to laundering or to enable interchanging a
first support structure with a second support structure).
[0039] On occasions when the support bustier garment includes two
support structures, the support structures may be manufactured in
the same manner so as to be mirror symmetrical to one another or
may be non-symmetrical. For example, one support structure may be a
first size or manufactured to have a first set of dimensional
specifications while the second support structure may be a second
size or manufactured to a second set of dimensional specifications.
In this way, the support bustier garment may support two different
sized breasts or an artificial or prosthetic breast and a natural
breast at the same time.
[0040] The support structure may be shaped and positioned to
support a portion of the weight of each of the wearer's respective
breasts. For example, the support structure may be positioned
within the housing so as to coincide with the underside of the
wearer's breasts thereby forming a weight-bearing shelf upon which
a portion the weight of each respective breast rests.
[0041] The support structure may be manufactured from any
acceptable material including, for example, foam, elastic, spandex,
fabric, compound elastomer resins, plasticized rigid PVC compounds,
polyolifin reticulated compounds, polyolefinic reticulated
compounds, a resin, a closed-cell resin, an ethylene vinyl acetate
(EVA) material, rubber, foam rubber, and/or some combination
thereof. In some embodiments, the support structure may be
constructed from a plurality of layers of, for example, the same or
different materials. The layers may vary in thickness in any
dimension. In some instances, the support structure and/or housing
may be manufactured from a slip resistant or non-slip material. In
other embodiments, the support structure and/or housing may be
manufactured from an absorbent material (e.g. cotton).
[0042] Support bustier garment 100 is differentiated from
traditional underwire brazier garments because the primary support
structure does not lie under the breast. Instead, support bustier
garment exerts forces on breast weight to support breast weight and
reposition a portion of breast volume. Furthermore, support bustier
garment creates a secure housing for the breasts, directing the
volume of the breasts upward and forward in accordance with a
fashionable silhouette, and keeping both the breasts and the
garment in place during normal daily movements (e.g. standing,
sitting, taking deep breaths, or eating a substantial meal), but
without creating pain in the skin, ribs, muscles or other tissues
surrounding the breasts. Support bustier garment also provides a
smooth garment that cannot be detected under her outerwear
garments. Further, support bustier garment does not create
unnatural lumps, rolls, or other compression of the tissue around
the edges of the garment. In addition, support bustier garment
provides breast support that is supported by the endurance muscles
of her "core", not the delicate stabilizing muscles of the neck and
shoulders.
[0043] Turning now to FIG. 1, an exemplary support bustier garment
100 consistent with some embodiments of the invention is depicted.
Support bustier garment 100 is worn by a wearer 110 having one or
two breasts or artificial/prosthetic breasts. Typically, wearer 110
is a woman with one breast on each side of a midline 111 extending
vertically through the center of wearer's 110 body. On some
occasions, support bustier garment 100 may not include shoulder
straps (i.e., strapless). On other occasions support bustier
garment 100 may include straps that serve a decorative and/or
functional purpose. An exterior surface of a housing 130 for
support bustier garment 100 is depicted in FIG. 1. Housing 130 may
serve to encase, or house, one or more components (not shown and
described below) of support bustier garment 100 and facilitate the
wearing of support bustier garment 100 by wearer 110. Housing 130
may be made from any acceptable material including, but not limited
to, fabric, foam, elastic, spandex, LYCRA.TM., nylon, straps,
closure mechanisms (e.g., clasps, hook-eye combinations, etc.), and
some combination thereof. Housing 130 may be affixed to components
of support bustier garment 100 (not shown) via any appropriate
process including, but not limited to, sewing, chemical bonding,
gluing, and/or heat bonding. Additionally, housing 130 may include
decorative accents (e.g., printed on patterns or colors and/or
affixed decorative detailing (e.g., lace, ribbon, beads,
etc.)).
[0044] Optionally, wearer 110 may put on or take off support
bustier garment 100 via a closure mechanism, such as a front
closure mechanism 120 positioned, within housing 130 so as to
approximately align with midline 111 when worn. Additionally, or
alternatively, wearer 110 may put on or take off support bustier
garment 100 via a rear and/or side closure mechanism (not shown) or
via an expansion and/or contraction of one more materials
comprising support bustier garment 100. Returning now to the
closure mechanism depicted in FIG. 1, front closure mechanism 120
may include two corresponding parts that, when joined, close
support bustier garment 100 around wearer 110. Likewise, when the
two corresponding parts of front closure mechanism 120 are
separated, wearer 110 is enabled to take off, or remove, support
bustier garment 100. Front closure mechanism 110 may be affixed to
support bustier garment 100 via any acceptable process including,
but not limited to, sewing, chemical bonding, gluing, and/or heat
bonding. On some occasions, front closure mechanism 120 may be an
extension of one or more components of support bustier garment
100.
[0045] FIG. 2A depicts a rear view of an exemplary support bustier
garment 100 and, more specifically, housing 130. In the embodiment
of FIG. 2A, the back portion of housing 130 is a single continuous
band. At times, it may be made from a flexible and/or expansive
material (e.g. spandex, mesh, and/or elastic). The front and back
of housing 130 may be made from a different and/or the same
material(s).
[0046] FIG. 2B depicts a rear view of an exemplary support bustier
garment 100 and, more specifically, housing 130 with an exemplary
rear closure mechanism 210. Rear closure mechanism 210 may be any
appropriate closure mechanism (e.g., hook/eye, magnetic, tension,
and/or snap closure). On some occasions, rear closure mechanism 210
may be expandable.
[0047] In the embodiment of FIG. 2B, support structure 410 and/or
flexible structure 420 extend around side 115 of wearer 110. Such
an extension enables support structure 410 and/or flexible
structure 420 to support a portion of the weight of wearer's 110
breasts by transferring a portion of the weight of wearer's 110
breasts to wearer's side 115 and/or back.
[0048] FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary closure expander 310. Closure
expander 310 may increase the size, or circumference, of support
bustier garment 100 by expanding a distance between the
corresponding parts of front closure mechanism 120 and/or rear
closure mechanism 210. Closure expander 310 may be configured to
cooperate with (i.e., fit into) the corresponding parts of front
closure mechanism 120 and/or rear closure mechanism 210.
[0049] FIG. 4 depicts exemplary components of support bustier
garment 100 including a support structure 410 and a flexible
structure 420 and a cup 610. The size and/or shape of support
structure 410 may vary, as depicted in FIG. 4, according one or
more design/manufacturing considerations. For example, when support
structure 410 is used to support and/or reposition a relatively
large amount of breast weight, support structure 410 may include
all 3 variations depicted in FIG. 4. Stated differently, in the
instance of supporting a relatively large amount of breast weight,
support structure 410 may be larger than a support structure 410
used to support a relatively small amount of breast weight. When
support structure 410 is used to support a relatively small amount
of breast weight, support structure 410 may not include any
extensions (i.e., outer extension 450 may only include the
right-most portion depicted in FIG. 5). For embodiments where an
amount of breast weight supported and/or repositioned falls between
the relatively large and small amounts of this example, support
structure with only the right-most and center portions may be
used.
[0050] Support structure 410 may be manufactured via, for example,
a molding process, a punch process, a cutting process, and/or a
composite process using, for example, a single layer of a single
material, multiple different materials or multiple layers of the
same or different material(s). In most instances, support
structures 410 will have rounded and/or tapered edges and may be
manufactured and/or placed within support bustier garment 100 so as
to not cause discomfort to wearer 110 (e.g., poking or chafing the
skin) or extensions (e.g., bumps or ridges) beyond the surface of
housing 130. Support structures 410 may be manufactured from any
suitable material including, but not limited to, foam, silicon,
plastic, vinyl, compound elastomer resins, plasticized rigid PVC
compounds, polyolifin reticulated compounds, polyolefinic
reticulated compounds, a resin, a closed-cell resin, an ethylene
vinyl acetate (EVA) material, rubber, foam rubber, and/or some
combination thereof.
[0051] Support structure 410 may be configured to provide support
for a portion of the weight of wearer's 110 breast and, in some
instances, may serve as the primary structural support, or
skeleton, of support bustier garment 100. Support structure 410 and
may be partially or wholly self-supporting such that is
substantially retains its shape, even when not worn. The shape,
composition, and placement of support structure 410 within housing
130 contribute to the achievement of this support.
[0052] Often times, support structure 410 may be shaped like a band
460 that is curved to approximate a shape of wearer's 110 breasts.
Band 460 may be shaped to extend from an inner extension 430
through a center point 440 to an outer extension 450. In this way,
when viewed from above, support structure 410 may have a shape
approximating a "c"-like shape. Additionally, support structure 410
may be flexible enough to conform to the shape of wearer's 110
breast when worn, yet rigid enough to shape and support wearer's
110 breast.
[0053] In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, support structure 410
has a substantially vertically disposed outer extension 450, which
may extend in a direction approximately in parallel to midline 111
(e.g., within 20 degrees of midline 111) in a direction
approximating a wearer's breast, and/or in a direction
approximating a torso (i.e., ribcage or chest) of a wearer. In some
embodiments, outer extension 450 may extend around a side 115
and/or back of wearer 110. Outer extension 450 may be shaped and
positioned so as to provide support for an outer side of wearer's
110 breasts by, for example, distributing weight from wearer's 110
breast to wearer's 110 chest and/or rib cage. Although the outer
extension 450 depicted in FIG. 1 extends both above and below band
460, this may not always be the case as outer extension 450 may
extend either only above or below band 460. Additionally, in some
embodiments, outer extension 450 may shaped to correspond to a
position partially underneath wearer's 110 breast when worn.
[0054] In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, support structure 410
has a vertically disposed inner extension 430, which may extend in
a direction substantially in parallel midline 111 (e.g., within 20
degrees of midline 111) in a direction approximating a wearer's
breast, and/or in a direction approximating a torso (i.e., sternum)
of wearer 110. Inner extension 430 may be shaped and positioned so
as to provide support for an inner side of wearer's 110 breasts by,
for example, distributing weight from wearer's 110 breast to
wearer's 110 chest and/or rib cage. Although the inner extension
430 depicted in FIG. 4 extends both above and below band 460, this
may not always be the case as inner extension 450 may extend above
and/or below band 460. Additionally, in some embodiments, inner
extension 430 may be shaped to partially fit underneath wearer's
110 breast. On some occasions, inner extension 430 may serve as
structural support for a front closure mechanism (not shown), such
as front closure mechanism 120 by which wearer 110 may put on or
remove support bustier garment 100.
[0055] When viewed from the front, support structure 410 may have
any number of different shapes, which may be dependent upon, for
example, functional, weight bearing, and/or decorative
considerations. For example, the shape of support structure 410 may
vary (e.g., overall size or configuration) to provide more or less
support as preferred by, for example, wearer 110 and/or in
accordance with support needs associated with various types of
activities (e.g., athletic activities or wearing clothing exposing
a portion of wearer's 110 chest as would be the case with a
strapless evening gown).
[0056] In some embodiments, a shape of support structure 410 may
vary in accordance with wearer's 110 breast size (e.g., cup size)
or body size (e.g., chest circumference or weight), such that a
support structure 410 designed to be worn by a wearer 110 with
relatively large breasts may be configured differently (e.g.,
larger overall, larger band 460, and/or larger inner/outer
extensions 450/430) than a support structure 410 for a wearer 110
with relatively small breasts.
[0057] Additionally, support structures 410 may be composed from
one or more different materials depending upon, for example,
functional, weight bearing, and/or decorative considerations. For
example, the composition of support structure 410 may vary (e.g.,
overall size or configuration) to provide more or less support as
preferred by, for example, wearer 110 and/or in accordance with
support needs associated with various types of activities. An
amount of support provided by support structure 410 may be adjusted
by, for example, composing support structure 410 from materials
with varying rigidity, flexibility, thickness, and/or
malleability.
[0058] Further, support structures 410 may be placed within housing
130 depending upon, for example, functional, weight bearing, and/or
decorative considerations. For example, the placement of support
structures 410 may vary (e.g., higher or lower) to provide more or
less support as preferred by, for example, wearer 110 and/or in
accordance with support needs associated with various types of
activities. Additionally, or alternatively, support structure 410
may be placed below the apex, or nipple, of wearer's 110 breast.
Such placement may contribute to a smooth appearance (i.e., no bump
or ridge) when support bustier garment 100 is worn. Support
structure 410 may be resident within or on an inner or outer
surface of housing 410.
[0059] The placement of support structures 410 within a housing may
also vary in accordance with wearer's 110 breast size (e.g., cup
size), such that a support structure 410 designed to be worn by a
wearer 110 with relatively large breasts may be positioned
differently (e.g., a greater proportion of support structure 410
may be placed on the underside of wearer's 110 breast) from the
position of support structures 410 for a wearer 110 with relatively
small breasts.
[0060] In some instances, support structures 410 may cooperate with
flexible structure 420 to support a portion of the weight of
wearer's 110 breasts and provide a secure comfortable fit when worn
by wearer 110. Flexible structure 420 may be configured to shape
the wearer's breasts (e.g., provide lift and/or separation of the
breasts). Flexible structure 420, as well as support structure 410,
may be manufactured from any suitable material including, but not
limited to, foam, silicon, plastic, vinyl, compound elastomer
resins, plasticized rigid PVC compounds, polyolifin reticulated
compounds, polyolefinic reticulated compounds, a resin, a
closed-cell resin, an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) material,
rubber, foam rubber, and/or some combination thereof. Flexible
structures 420 may be manufactured via, for example, a molding
process, a punch process, a cutting process, and/or a composite
process using multiple different materials or multiple layers of
the same material. In most instances, flexible structures 420 will
have rounded and/or tapered edges and may be manufactured and/or
placed within support bustier garment 100 so as to not cause
discomfort to wearer 110 (e.g., compressing the chest or chafing
the skin).
[0061] Flexible structure 420 may extend above and/or below support
structure 410. In some instances, flexible structure 420 may be one
piece to which support structure 410 is affixed and/or support
structure 410 may be embedded within flexible structure 420.
Flexible structures 420 may be affixed to support structures 410
via any acceptable process including, but not limited to, sewing,
chemical bonding, gluing, and/or heat bonding. Support structures
420 may be resident within a housing (not shown) and may, in some
instances, include decorative accents (e.g., printed on patterns or
colors and/or affixed decorative detailing).
[0062] Flexible structure 420 may be manufactured and/or configured
so as to expand and contract with movements of wearer's 110 body
(e.g., breathing, twisting, movement of the arms, bending at the
waist, etc.). Flexible structure 420 may have any number of
different shapes, which may be dependent upon, for example,
functional, weight bearing, and/or decorative considerations. For
example, the shape of flexible structures 420 may vary (e.g.,
overall size or configuration) to provide more or less support as
preferred by, for example, wearer 110 and/or in accordance with
support needs associated with various types of activities.
[0063] The shape of flexible structures 420 may also vary in
accordance with wearer's 110 breast size (e.g., cup size) or body
size (e.g., chest circumference or weight), such that a flexible
structure 420 designed to be worn by a wearer 110 with relatively
large breasts may be configured differently (e.g., larger overall)
than flexible structures 420 for a wearer 110 with relatively small
breasts.
[0064] Additionally, flexible structure 420 may be composed from
one or more different materials depending upon, for example,
functional, weight bearing, and/or decorative considerations. For
example, the composition of flexible structures 420 may vary (e.g.,
overall size or configuration) to provide more or less support as
preferred by, for example, wearer 110 and/or in accordance with
support needs associated with various types of activities. An
amount of support provided by flexible structure 420 may be
adjusted by composing flexible structures 420 from materials with
varying rigidity, flexibility, thickness, and/or malleability.
[0065] The composition of flexible structures 420 may also vary in
accordance with wearer's 110 breast size (e.g., cup size), such
that a flexible structure 420 designed to be worn by a wearer 110
with relatively large breasts may be composed differently (e.g.,
using a stronger, more rigid, or thicker material and/or multiple
layers of the same and/or a different material) than flexible
structures 420 for a wearer 110 with relatively small breasts.
[0066] Further, flexible structures 420 may be positioned within
housing 130 to incorporate, for example, functional, weight
bearing, containment, and/or decorative considerations. For
example, the placement of flexible structures 420 may vary (e.g.,
higher or lower) to provide more or less support as preferred by,
for example, wearer 110 and/or in accordance with support needs
associated with various types of activities.
[0067] The size, position, shape, and/or composition of cup 610 may
be dependent upon various concerns (e.g., functional, structural,
decorative, and/or manufacturing). Often times, cup 610 may be made
from fabric, foam, or some combination thereof. Cup 610 may be
positioned on an interior or exterior surface of support structure
410 and/or flexible structure 420. In some embodiments, cup 610 may
make up a portion of an interior surface of housing 130 and, when
worn by wearer 110, may be directly adjacent to the surface of
wearer's 110 breasts.
[0068] Cup 610 may connect a top portion of inner extension 430
with a top portion of outer extension 450. This connection may
provide structure to support bustier garment 100 and assist support
structure 410 and flexible structure 420 with supporting a portion
of the weight and/or repositioning a portion of a volume from a
wearer's breast.
[0069] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate exemplary constructions of
support bustier garment 100. For example, 5A illustrates two
exemplary extensions 510 and 520 that may be added to support
structure 410 so as to increase the size and/or support provided by
support structure 410.
[0070] FIG. 5B depicts a support structure 410 with exemplary
support structure 410 perforations 550 and exemplary flexible
structure 420 perforations 560. Perforations 550 may be of any size
or pattern and may be located at any position along support
structure 410. Perforations 560 may be of any size or pattern and
may be located at any position along flexible structure 420.
Perforations 550/560 may serve to, for example, increase airflow
between a skin surface of a wearer and the air outside the surface
of the skin and, in this way, may increase the overall
breathability of support bustier garment 100, allow for
transference of moisture and/or body heat from a surface of a
wearer's skin. Additionally, or alternatively, perforations 550 may
serve to increase the flexibility and/or decrease the weight of
support structure 410 and/or support bustier garment 100.
[0071] Perforations 550/560 may be formed via a cutting, punching,
and/or molding process. Additionally or alternatively, support
structure 410 may be fabricated in such a way that perforations 550
are inherent to the fabrication process. Further, in some
embodiments, perforations 550 may only partially extend through
support structure 410 so that a portion (although in most instances
a thinner portion) of support structure 410 remains in the
perforated region(s).
[0072] FIG. 6A depicts a front view of several components of
support bustier garment 100, including support structure 410,
flexible structure 420, and a cup 610.
[0073] FIG. 6B depicts a side view of several components of support
bustier garment 100, including support structure 410, flexible
structure 420, and cup 610. As can bee seen in FIG. 6B, outer
extension 450 extends above and below band 460 in a manner that is
substantially parallel with side 115 of wearer 110. Substantially
parallel in this instance is plus or minus 20 degrees from a
vertical meridian extending from the shoulder to the hip of wearer
110. At times, outer extension 450 may be shaped so as to
approximate a shape of an outer curve of wearer's 110 breast. On
some occasions, outer extension 450 may be fabricated using
dimensional specifications specific wearer 100. On other occasions,
outer extension 450 may be fabricated using dimensional
specifications generalized to a group of wearers 100 sharing one or
more characteristics (e.g., cup size, weight, chest circumference,
etc.).
[0074] FIG. 7A depicts a side view of several components of support
bustier garment 100, including support structure 410 and flexible
structure 420 and the upward forces the support structure 410 and
flexible structure 420 exert on wearer's 110 breast. Wearer's 110
breast has a weight, or force down, WB. Support structure 410
and/or flexible structure 420 of support bustier garment 100 exert
upward force(s) F.sub.su and/or F.sub.fu opposing W.sub.B or a
portion thereof when worn by wearer 110. It is important to note
that, in most cases, support structure 410 and/or flexible
structure 420 of support bustier garment 100 exert force(s)
F.sub.su and/or F.sub.fu independently of housing 130 (not shown).
In some embodiments, support structure 410 and/or flexible
structure 420 may form a shelf upon which breast weight W.sub.B or
a portion thereof rests upon the shelf, which provides upward
support to weight of breast. On some occasions, force(s) F.sub.su
and/or F.sub.f may also act to reposition a portion of the volume
of wearer's 110 breasts. Such repositioning may include pushing a
portion of the breast volume up, toward the midline, provide a more
uniformly round appearance to wearer's 110 breast.
[0075] In some instances, an extended underside 810 of support
bustier garment 100 may extend down a chest of wearer 110 as
depicted in FIG. 8. Extended underside 810 may be made from, for
example, housing 130 and/or flexible structure 420. In some
instances, extended underside 810 may include additional support
structures similar to support structures 410 (not shown). These
additional support structures may be vertically and/or horizontally
oriented and may serve to support breast weight and/or shape the
torso of wearer 110.
[0076] FIG. 7AB depicts a side view of several components of
support bustier garment 100, including support structure 410 and
flexible structure 420 and the forces the support structure 410 and
flexible structure 420 exert on wearer's 110 breast toward the
inside of wearer's 110 torso and toward the outside of wearer's 110
torso. A portion of the volume of wearer's 110 breast exerts a
force outward as it extends outward from the torso F.sub.BO and
force that resists compression of the breast F.sub.BI.
[0077] Support structure 410 and/or flexible structure 420 of
support bustier garment 100 exert outward force(s) F.sub.so and/or
F.sub.fo that oppose F.sub.BI to reposition a portion of the volume
of the breast outward from the torso of wearer 110. Support
structure 410 and/or flexible structure 420 of support bustier
garment 100 also exert inward force(s) F.sub.sl and/or F.sub.FI
that oppose F.sub.BO to reposition a portion of the volume of the
breast in toward the torso of wearer 110.
[0078] It is important to note that, in most cases, support
structure 410 and/or flexible structure 420 of support bustier
garment 100 exert force(s) F.sub.so, F.sub.fo, F.sub.FI and/or
F.sub.fi independently of housing 130 (not shown).
[0079] In some instances, extended underside 810 or 815 of support
bustier garment 100 may extend down a chest of wearer 110 as
depicted in FIGS. 8A and 8B, respectively. Extended undersides 810
and/or 815 may be made from, for example, housing 130 and/or
flexible structure 420. In some instances, extended undersides 810
and/or 815 may include additional support structures similar to
support structures 410 (not shown). These additional support
structures may be vertically and/or horizontally oriented and may
serve to support breast weight and/or shape the torso of wearer
110.
[0080] FIG. 9 depicts a body support garment 900 that includes a
support bustier garment 100 as well as optional torso support
garments 910A, 910B, and 910C. Torso support garments 910A, 910B,
and 910C may extend from and/or be attached to support bustier
garment 100 and be of variable lengths, such that torso support
garment 910A extends from under wearer's 110 breasts to an
approximate position of wearer's 110 waist, torso support garment
910B extends from an approximate position of wearer's 110 waist to
an approximate position of wearer's 110 hips, and torso support
garment 910B extends from the approximate position of wearer's 110
hips to an approximate position of wearer's 110 upper leg. In some
embodiments, body support garment 900 may include gaps or other
features (not shown) that may enable free movement of wearer
110.
[0081] Body support garment 900 may be configured to include
support bustier garment 100 as well as torso support garment 910A,
support bustier garment 100 as well as torso support garments 910A
and 910B, and support bustier garment 100 as well as torso support
garments 910A, 910B, and 910C. In some instances, support bustier
garment 100 and torso support garments 910A, 910B, and/or 910C may
be detachable and/or sold separately and assembled by wearer 110
prior to being worn. Wearer 110 may put on/take off support bustier
garment 100 and torso support garments 910A, 910B, and/or 910C via,
for example, a front and/or rear closure mechanism not shown), such
as front and/or rear closure mechanisms 120 or 210.
[0082] Torso support garments 910A, 910B, and/or 910C may include
one or more torso support structures 920, which may be composed of
a material similar to the material used to manufacture support
structure 410 and/or flexible structure 420. Torso support
structures 920 may be positioned so as to support and/or shape the
torso, or portions thereof, of wearer 110. Such support may be
provided for a myriad of considerations including, but not limited
to, physical and/or structural support or the torso, shaping of the
torso into a shape desired by wearer 110 (e.g., form a narrower
circumference of the torso at the waist than at the chest and/or
hips), or to decorative accents to a garment. In some embodiments,
one or more of torso support garments 910A, 910B, and/or 910C may
be incorporated into swimwear, slips, and/or clothing.
[0083] FIGS. 10A and 10B depict a front and rear view optional
embellishments or add-ons for support bustier garment 100
respectively. Exemplary embellishments include a camisole
attachment 1030 and strap attachments 1010A and 1010B, which may be
attached, removably or otherwise, to support bustier garment 100
via an attachment mechanism 1020, such as a magnet, snap, tension
closure and/or hook/eye. Additionally, or alternatively, camisole
attachment 1030 and/or strap attachments 1010A and 10106 may be
attached via sewing, gluing, or bonding.
[0084] Strap attachments 1010A and 10106 may serve a decorative
and/or functional (e.g., holding up support bustier garment 100)
and may be interchanged according to a wearer's preference. Strap
attachments 1010A and 10106 may be manufactured from a variety of
materials, such as fabric, elastic, ribbon, lace, silicon, and/or
some combination thereof.
[0085] Camisole attachment 1030 may serve a decorative and/or
functional (e.g., covering wearer's 110 torso and/or support
bustier garment 100) and may be interchanged according to a
wearer's preference. Camisole attachment 1030 may be manufactured
from a variety of materials, such as fabric or leather.
[0086] Additional embellishments and/or embodiments for support
bustier garment 100 include slips and swimwear. Swimwear may
include two-piece or one-piece swimming attire.
[0087] Hence, support bustier garment that reposition a portion of
a volume of the wearer's respective breast and support a portion of
a weight of the wearer's respective breast when worn by the wearer
have been herein described.
* * * * *