U.S. patent application number 16/847621 was filed with the patent office on 2020-10-15 for brassieres.
The applicant listed for this patent is Gina Isabel Castillo Piedra. Invention is credited to Gina Isabel Castillo Piedra.
Application Number | 20200323279 16/847621 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004764560 |
Filed Date | 2020-10-15 |
![](/patent/app/20200323279/US20200323279A1-20201015-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20200323279/US20200323279A1-20201015-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20200323279/US20200323279A1-20201015-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20200323279/US20200323279A1-20201015-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20200323279/US20200323279A1-20201015-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20200323279/US20200323279A1-20201015-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20200323279/US20200323279A1-20201015-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20200323279/US20200323279A1-20201015-D00007.png)
![](/patent/app/20200323279/US20200323279A1-20201015-D00008.png)
![](/patent/app/20200323279/US20200323279A1-20201015-D00009.png)
![](/patent/app/20200323279/US20200323279A1-20201015-D00010.png)
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20200323279 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Castillo Piedra; Gina
Isabel |
October 15, 2020 |
Brassieres
Abstract
Brassiers and bikini tops have generally vertical straps such as
shoulder straps and neck straps which extend over the wearer's
shoulder or clavicle and below the upper edge of a breast cup as a
single strap with a lower front portion branching to a multi-strap
configuration. Other brassieres use a single horizontal strap which
passes through lower portions of breast cups and is securable on
the side of the wearer or in front of the wearer.
Inventors: |
Castillo Piedra; Gina Isabel;
(Fort Lee, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Castillo Piedra; Gina Isabel |
Fort Lee |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004764560 |
Appl. No.: |
16/847621 |
Filed: |
April 13, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62833634 |
Apr 12, 2019 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41F 15/002 20130101;
A41C 3/0021 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41C 3/00 20060101
A41C003/00; A41F 15/00 20060101 A41F015/00 |
Claims
1. A brassiere comprising a front portion and a rear portion, said
brassiere comprising: at least one breast cup adapted to support a
breast and comprising a top portion, an upper edge and a bottom
portion; at least one generally vertical strap extending from said
rear portion to said bottom portion of said breast cup; at least
one generally horizontal strap; said at least one generally
vertical strap extending from the top portion of a breast cup to
the bottom portion of said breast cup, said at least one vertical
strap comprising a single strap proximate the top portion of said
breast cup and branching into a plurality of lower, front straps at
a first location which is below the top portion of said breast cup
and above the bottom portion of said breast cup such that a
plurality of lower, front straps extend to the bottom portion of
said breast cup.
2. A brassiere according to claim 1 wherein said at least one
vertical strap branches into two lower, front straps.
3. A brassiere according to claim 1 wherein said at least one
vertical strap comprises two shoulder straps.
4. A brassiere according to claim 1 wherein said generally
horizontal strap forms at least a part of said rear portion and
said shoulder straps are connected to said generally horizontal
strap.
5. A brassiere according to claim 1 wherein said at least one
vertical strap is a neck strap.
6. A brassiere according to claim 1 wherein said first location is
above a wearer's nipple.
7. A brassiere according to claim 1 wherein said first location is
about one inches to about three inches below the top edge of said
at least one breast cup.
8. A brassiere according to claim 1 comprising two breast cups
wherein said breast cups comprise slots in said bottom portions and
said generally horizontal strap extends through said slots in said
breast cups.
9. A brassiere according to claim 8 wherein said generally
horizontal strap comprises connectors for attaching a first portion
of said generally horizontal strap to a second portion of said
generally horizontal strap.
10. A brassiere according to claim 1 wherein said at least one
breast cup comprises slots in said bottom portion and said
generally horizontal strap extends through said slots in said
breast cup.
11. A brassiere according to claim 8 wherein said generally
horizontal strap comprises connectors for attaching a first portion
of said generally horizontal strap to a second portion of said
generally horizontal strap.
12. A brassiere according to claim 1 further comprising at least
one decorative cover over at least one of said breast cups.
13. A brassiere comprising a front portion and a rear portion, said
brassiere comprising: two breast cups, each adapted to support a
breast, and each comprising a top portion, an upper edge and a
bottom portion; at least one generally vertical strap extending
from said rear portion to said bottom portion of said breast cups;
at least one generally horizontal strap; said breast cups comprise
slots in said bottom portions and said generally horizontal strap
extends through said slots in said breast cups; said generally
horizontal strap comprises connectors for attaching a first portion
of said generally horizontal strap to a second portion of said
generally horizontal strap.
14. A brassiere comprising a front portion and a rear portion, said
brassiere comprising: two breast cups, each adapted to support a
breast, and each comprising a top portion, an upper edge and a
bottom portion; at least one generally vertical strap extending
from said rear portion to said bottom portion of said breast cups;
at least one generally horizontal strap; said breast cups comprise
slots in said bottom portions and said generally horizontal strap
extends through said slots in said breast cups; said generally
horizontal strap comprises at least one connector for securing the
ends of the horizontal strap in front of the wearer.
15. A brassiere according to claim 14 wherein opposite end portions
of said horizontal strap cross in front of a wearer when the
horizontal straps are secured.
16. A brassiere according to claim 14 wherein opposite end portions
of said horizontal strap do not cross in front of a wearer when the
horizontal straps are secured.
17. A brassiere according to claim 14 wherein said at least one
generally vertical strap extends from the top portion of a breast
cup to the bottom portion of said breast cup, said at least one
vertical strap comprises a single strap proximate the top portion
of said breast cup and branching into a plurality of lower, front
straps at a first location which is below the top portion of said
breast cup and above the bottom portion of said breast cup such
that a plurality of lower, front straps extend to the bottom
portion of said breast cup.
18. A brassiere according to claim 14 wherein said at least one
vertical strap comprises two shoulder straps.
19. A brassiere according to claim 14 wherein said generally
horizontal strap forms at least a part of said rear portion and
said shoulder straps are connected to said generally horizontal
strap.
20. A brassiere according to claim 14 wherein said at least one
vertical strap is a neck strap.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 62/833,634, filed Apr. 12, 2019, which
is hereby incorporated by reference.
[0002] Brassieres which provide additional support are disclosed.
One embodiment of the disclosed brassieres is easier to use by a
woman who has limited or no use of one arm.
BACKGROUND
[0003] There is a need for brassieres which provide better support
and comfort, particularly during times of high activity such as
when the wearer is participating in sports. There is also a need
for brassieres which can be used by women amputees and other women
with disabilities.
SUMMARY
[0004] One version of the disclosed brassieres comprises two breast
cups, two shoulder straps which respectively extend over each
shoulder, and at least one strap which extends generally
horizontally, at least partially around the torso of the
wearer.
[0005] One embodiment of the disclosed brassieres comprises
shoulder straps which extend to the front lower portion of the
breast cups. The front lower portion of each shoulder strap
branches into a plurality of straps, e.g. branches into an inverted
Y-configuration. In this embodiment, the front portion of each
shoulder strap has two lower end portions. The lower ends of each
end portion of the shoulder strap are attached to a front, lower
portion of a breast cup. Thus, in this embodiment, each shoulder
strap is connected to each breast cup at two spaced positions. The
fork of the Y, i.e. the point at which a shoulder strap splits into
two sections, is preferably above the wearer's nipple. The angle
formed by the lower front straps is preferably, but not limited to,
45.degree.. The provision of two connections between the lower ends
of each shoulder strap and the lower portion of each breast cup
more evenly distributes the supporting forces of the shoulder strap
to the breast cup than a more common single point of attachment
between a brassiere's shoulder strap and a top edge of a breast
cup.
[0006] A second aspect of the disclosed brassieres comprises two
breast cups, two shoulder straps and an adjustable, generally
horizontal strap. The breast cups in this embodiment comprise a top
edge, an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portions of
the breast cups in this embodiment also comprise at least one and
preferably a plurality of slots through which the horizontal strap
passes. The horizontal strap comprises connectors for attaching a
first portion of the strap to a second portion of the strap. This
embodiment permits the horizontal strap to be attached to itself on
the side of a wearer and is particularly suitable for a wearer with
limited or no use of one of her arms, for example an amputee,
physical therapy patient, and women with arthritis. For example, if
the wearer's right arm has been amputated, the wearer can use her
left arm to secure the horizontal strap to itself on the right side
of her torso.
[0007] An alternative embodiment of the disclosed brassieres
comprises two breast cups, two shoulder straps and an adjustable,
generally horizontal strap with a front latching system. The breast
cups in this embodiment comprise a top edge, an upper portion and a
lower portion. The lower portions of the breast cups in this
embodiment also comprise at least one and preferably a plurality of
slots through which the horizontal strap passes. The horizontal
strap and each breast cup or a decorative cover over the breast
cups comprise, but is not limited to, connectors, e.g. Velcro.RTM.,
for attaching the horizontal strap to the breast cups or cover. In
this embodiment, the end portions of the horizontal strap extend
through a first breast cup and are secured to the second breast cup
or a cover on the second breast cup.
[0008] In a still further embodiment which comprises another front
latching system, a ring or similar structure is provided at a
position generally central between the breast cups. Each end of the
horizontal strap extends through a breast cup, through the ring or
similar structure, and then back to the same breast cup or breast
cup cover through which that end portion extends.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of a brassiere
shown on the upper torso of a person.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment of a brassiere shown
in FIG. 1 shown on the upper torso of an amputee.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a front view of a first embodiment of a brassiere
with portions removed and shown on the upper torso of a person.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a side view of a first embodiment of a brassiere
with portions removed and shown on the upper torso of an
amputee.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a rear view of a first embodiment of a brassiere
shown on the upper torso of a person.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a side view of a first embodiment of a brassiere
shown on the upper torso of an amputee with a disconnected
horizontal strap.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a front, perspective view of a breast cup of a
brassiere.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a front, perspective view of two shoulder straps
of a brassiere.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a front view a horizontal strap and two breast
cups of the first embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 10 is front view of a horizontal strap, two breast cups
and two shoulder straps of the first embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a front view of a second embodiment of a
brassiere with portions removed and shown on the upper torso of a
person.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a front view of a second embodiment of a
brassiere shown on the upper torso of a person.
[0021] FIG. 13 is a front view of a third embodiment of a brassiere
with portions removed and shown on the upper torso of a person.
[0022] FIG. 14 is a front view of a third embodiment of a brassiere
shown on the upper torso of a person.
[0023] FIG. 15 illustrates a further embodiment comprising a
multi-layered breast cup.
[0024] FIG. 16 is a front view of a bikini top embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 17 is a rear view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
16.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The various embodiments are directed to brassieres. As used
herein, the term "brassieres" includes sports bras, bikini tops and
other swimwear requiring support for breasts.
[0027] The illustrated embodiments of the disclosed brassieres
comprise two breast cups, two shoulder straps which are
respectively designed to extend over each shoulder of the wearer,
and at least one strap which extends generally horizontally, at
least partially around the torso of the wearer. One or more
optional decorative covers are provided to better conceal the inner
construction of the illustrated embodiments.
[0028] FIGS. 1-10 illustrate two aspects which are shown in a
single brassiere but which can be implemented separately. The first
of the two aspects shown in FIGS. 1-10 is a branched shoulder strap
which extends over the wearer's shoulder as a single strap, is a
single strap at the top edge of the breast cup and branches to a
plurality of straps at a location between the top edge and the
bottom edge of the breast cup. The lower branches of the shoulder
strap are secured, e.g. by sewing, to a lower portion of the breast
cup, preferably to a lower edge of the breast cup. The branching
from a single strap to two or more front lower straps preferably
occurs at a location which is above the wearer's nipple when the
brassiere is worn.
[0029] With reference to the figures, FIG. 1 is a front view of the
first illustrated embodiment which comprises a two shoulder straps
10 and 20 and a front decorative cover 75. FIG. 2 is a side view of
the first illustrated embodiment showing a portion of shoulder
strap 20, decorative cover 75 and a horizontal strap 50. As
generally illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the shoulder straps 10 and
20 are each formed as a single strap from the portion which passes
over the wearer's shoulder to a location below the upper edge of
breast cups 30 and 40, respectively. The front lower portion of
each shoulder strap branches into a plurality of straps, e.g.
branches into an inverted Y-configuration. Shoulder strap 10
branches into two lower branches 12 and 16, while shoulder strap 20
branches into two lower branches 22 and 26. In this illustrated
embodiment, the front portion of each shoulder strap has two lower
end portions but other embodiments can comprise a greater number of
lower portions. The lower portions may, but are not necessarily,
the same width. The front lower ends of each shoulder strap are
secured to a front, lower portion of a breast cup. Thus, in this
embodiment, each shoulder strap is connected to each breast cup at
two spaced, front lower positions. The fork of the Y, i.e. the
point at which a shoulder strap splits into two sections, is
preferably above the wearer's nipple.
[0030] The "shoulder straps" described above can also be neck
straps, such as in a bikini embodiment described below in
connection with FIGS. 16 and 17. As used herein, the term
"generally vertical strap" is meant to include shoulder straps and
neck straps.
[0031] In an embodiment, the point at which a shoulder strap or
neck strap splits into multiple straps is preferably about one inch
to about fifteen inches below the top edge of the breast cup.
[0032] The point at which the shoulder or neck strap splits The
provision of two spaced connections between the lower ends of each
shoulder strap and a lower portion the breast cup more evenly
distributes the supporting forces of the shoulder strap to the
breast cup than a more common single point of attachment between a
brassiere's shoulder strap and the top edge of a breast cup.
[0033] The upper front portions of each shoulder strap 10, 20 is
optionally provided with a length and tension adjustment component
11, 21, respectively, such as a strap slide.
[0034] A second aspect of the brassiere illustrated in FIGS. 1-10
comprises an adjustable, generally horizontal strap 50 which
extends through lower portions of each of the breast cups and
substantially around the torso of the wearer. As best shown in FIG.
7, the breast cup 30 in this embodiment comprises an upper edge 32,
an upper portion 34 and a lower portion 38. The lower portion 38 of
breast cup 30 in this embodiment also comprises at least one and
preferably a plurality of slots 35 through which the horizontal
strap 50 passes. Breast cup 30 also comprises a recess 36 which is
dimensioned to receive the front lower portion of shoulder strap
10. Breast cup 40 is configured substantially as a mirror image of
breast cup 30.
[0035] The horizontal strap 50 comprises connectors 53, 54 for
attaching a first end portion of the strap 50 to a second portion
of the strap 50. This embodiment permits the horizontal strap 50 to
be attached to itself on the side of a wearer and is particularly
suitable for a wearer with limited or no use of one of her arms.
For example, if the wearer's right arm has been amputated, the
wearer can use her left arm to secure the horizontal strap 50 to
itself on the right side of her torso. Suitable connectors include
hook-and-eye fasteners, strap slides, magnets, Velcro.RTM., zipper,
clips, snap-ons, laces and the like.
[0036] FIG. 4 is a left side view of the first illustrated
embodiment showing horizontal strap 50 extending around the side of
an amputee. FIG. 5 is a rear view of this embodiment showing
shoulder straps 10 and 20 connected to horizontal strap 50 with
connectors 51, 52, respectively. While it is feasible to fix the
rear portions of the shoulder straps to horizontal strap 50, the
use of selectively releasable connectors allows the wearer the
option of crossing the shoulder straps when desired. Connectors 51
and 52 can be the same type of connectors used for securing the end
portions of horizontal 50 to each other. FIG. 6 is a right-side
view of the first illustrated embodiment showing the connectors 53,
54 on opposite end portions of strap 50 in an unsecured
configuration. As illustrated with connector 54, it is not
necessary that these connectors be positioned on the very end of
the horizontal strap.
[0037] FIG. 8 illustrates the shoulder straps 10, 20 of the first
illustrated embodiment.
[0038] FIG. 9 illustrates horizontal strap 50 passing through the
slots of breast cups 30, 40, respectively. FIG. 9 also shows
recesses 36, 46 in breast cups 30, 40, respectively, which receive
shoulder straps 10, 20.
[0039] FIG. 10 shows all of the components of the first illustrated
embodiment, with the exception of optional decorative cover 75.
FIG. 10 shows shoulder straps 10, 20, breast cups 30, 40 and
horizontal strap 50.
[0040] As noted above, a brassiere can benefit from incorporating
one aspect of the disclosed brassieres without necessarily
incorporating another aspect even though the first illustrated
embodiment described herein includes two aspects.
[0041] A third aspect of the disclosed brassieres is illustrated in
FIGS. 11 and 12 and comprises two shoulder straps 110, 120, two
breast cups 130, 140 and an adjustable, generally horizontal strap
150 with a front latching system. The lower portions of the breast
cups 130, 140 in this illustrated embodiment also comprise at least
one and preferably a plurality of slots through which the
horizontal strap 150 passes. As in the embodiment described above
with reference to FIGS. 1-10, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and
12 comprises a single horizontal strap 150. The illustrated front
latching mechanism operates by securing a first end portion 155 of
horizontal strap 150 to the decorative cover 176 positioned over
the left breast cup 140 and a second end portion 157 of horizontal
strap 150 to the decorative cover 175 positioned over the right
breast cup 130. In this embodiment, the opposite ends of horizontal
strap 150 cross each other. The actual connector used can be one or
more of the connectors described above with respect to connectors
53 and 54. The use of a front latching system is more convenient
for some users, particularly users who are partially disabled.
[0042] A fourth aspect of the disclosed brassieres is illustrated
in FIGS. 13 and 14 and comprises two shoulder straps 210, 220, two
breast cups 230, 240 and an adjustable, generally horizontal strap
250 with a front latching system. The lower portions of the breast
cups 230, 240 in this illustrated embodiment also comprise at least
one and preferably a plurality of slots through which the
horizontal strap 250 passes. As in the embodiment described above
with reference to FIGS. 1-10, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 and
14 comprises a single horizontal strap 250. The illustrated front
latching mechanism illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 does not
necessitate the crossing of horizontal strap 250 and utilizes a
ring 280 or similar component such as a double strap slide which
allows each end of horizontal strap 250 to be folded back in the
direction from which it was woven through the slots 235 of the
breast cups. FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate the use of a ring 280. The
ring operates by passing a first end portion 255 of horizontal
strap 250 which passes through right breast cup 230 through ring
280 and securing the first end portion 255 to the decorative cover
275 positioned over the right breast cup 230. Similarly, a second
end portion 257 of horizontal strap 250 which passes through left
breast cup 240 is passed through ring 280 and secured to the
decorative cover 276 positioned over the left breast cup 240. Thus,
in this embodiment, the ends of horizontal strap 250 do not cross
in front of the wearer. The manner of securing the horizontal strap
250 to the cover can be any suitable method. For example,
connectors such as one or more of the connectors described above
with respect to connectors 53 and 54 can be utilized. As with the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the use of a front latching
system is more convenient for some users, particularly users who
are partially disabled.
[0043] The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 comprises
separate decorative covers 275, 276 over breast cups 230, 240,
respectively. While the embodiments described above in connection
with FIGS. 1-12 are shown with single decorative covers, the breast
cups in those embodiments can also be provided with two or more
decorative covers. The decorative covers are preferably fixedly
secured to the breast cups, e.g. by sewing.
[0044] The disclosed horizontal straps can be formed of a material
with elastic properties which permit stretching during use or can
have a fixed length. The term "strap" as used herein includes a
stretchable structure more commonly referred to as a band. A
plurality of complementary fasteners are optionally provided at
different positions on the horizontal strap to allow the wearer to
adjust the length and tension on the horizontal strap.
[0045] The breast cups of still further embodiments are formed in
multiple layers with the inverted Y-shaped portion of the shoulder
straps sandwiched between layers of the breast cup and with the
generally horizontal straps passing through the inner layer of each
breast cup. FIG. 15 illustrates an alternate embodiment comprising
an outer breast cup 330, a shoulder strap 310 and an inner breast
cup 332.
[0046] FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate a bikini top embodiment which
comprising a single neck strap 410 comprising right lower straps
412, 416 and left lower straps 422, 426, a right tension adjuster
411, a left tension adjuster 421, right breast cup 430, left breast
cup 440 and horizontal strap 450. This embodiment is similar to the
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-10, but has a single neck strap
410 rather than two shoulder straps.
[0047] While the illustrated embodiments each comprise two breast
cups, other embodiments of the branched shoulder strap and
horizontal strap comprise a single breast cup and are useful for
persons having a single breast, e.g. a mastectomy patient.
* * * * *