Foundation garments – Breast or chest – e.g. – brassieres – Shoulder strap arrangements and connecting features
Reexamination Certificate
2000-09-11
2001-10-16
Calvert, John J. (Department: 3741)
Foundation garments
Breast or chest, e.g., brassieres
Shoulder strap arrangements and connecting features
Reexamination Certificate
active
06302761
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to feminine undergarments, and more particularly to an improved brassiere providing comfort, adjustability and support while minimizing fatigue and improving the posture of the user.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A wide variety of brassiere designs are known in the prior art. Unfortunately, many if not most available brassieres suffer from numerous shortcomings. Many brassieres are uncomfortable to wear in that their thin straps, support wires, bones and/or elastic parts poke, dig or cut into the skin of the wearer. Other brassieres are difficult to adjust or severely limited in their available adjustment, requiring the user to endure discomfort or improper fit while wearing. Numerous brassieres do not provide proper support, leading to unbalanced weight distribution, and the potential for chafing and skin rashes. Many brassieres are not made from durable or long lasting materials, or they wear unevenly, resulting in the exposure of such things as the support wires, bones and/or pins, as well as the loss of elasticity and shape.
Most brassieres have thin straps that go directly over the shoulders to a back strap, with adjustment buckles on the shoulder straps. Such designs limit the available range of adjustment and only provide support at the top of the breast cups. The chest-encircling belt of many brassieres is fastened together in the back, while others are fastened between the breast cups. Donning brassieres with back fasteners usually involves wrapping the belt around the chest and fastening it together in front where the user can see it, and then sliding the brassiere 180° to move the fastener to the back. This exercise may result in painful rubbing, chafing or worse. Many brassieres are made of synthetic materials that do not ventilate well potentially resulting in excess perspiration leading to rashes and chafing.
It is therefore desirable to provide a durable, comfortable and adjustable brassiere providing adequate and balanced breast support that is made from breathable materials without the use of wires, bones or elastic. The present invention provides such an improved brassiere design that overcomes many of the drawbacks of existing brassiere while at the same time improving the posture and well being of the wearer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is an improved brassiere that provides a high level of comfort, wide ranging adjustability and improved breast support while minimizing fatigue and improving the posture of the user. The support system of the present invention precludes sagging or flapping and elevates the breasts while simultaneously balancing and securing them very close to the chest. This configuration alters the center of gravity and redistributes the weight of the user in a manner that avoids chafing and heat rash, and improves the posture and general well being of the user.
The improved brassiere of the present invention includes a pair of breast cups having an adjustable detachable coupling between them. The inside edge of each cup is attached to the coupling; the outside edge of each cup is attached to a first end of two independent shoulder straps. The configuration of the two shoulder straps provides dual support of the weight of the breasts. The attachment of the first end of each shoulder strap is at an angle pointing directly to a roll of cotton piping in the cup that supports the weight of each breast. Each strap then wraps under the arm, across the back and over the opposite shoulder where it is adjustably attached to the top framework of the opposite cup. By this design, each shoulder strap lifts and pulls back from the bottom of one cup while simultaneously pulling up on the other cup. Each of the two shoulder straps moves and provides support independently of the other since they are not attached to each other. This configuration of shoulder straps is more efficient in that the action of adjusting a strap flows directly to the targeted area without restriction or diversion by any stitching or fastening, particularly where the straps cross in the back.
A unique swivel acts as a guide for the straps where they cross in the back. The swivel includes two hollow sleeves that are pivotally attached to each other. One of the two shoulder straps is slidably disposed in each sleeve. This configuration allows the straps to adjust their position when a strap is shortened or lengthened by the user to obtain the most comfortable fit. Each strap can slide within its sleeve or rotate about the pivot without affecting the other strap or sleeve. The swivel also provides stability and prevents twisting and tangling of the straps. The swivel combined with the front coupling allows easy entry and removal of the garment. The guides of the swivel also create a breathing space between the straps and the user's body that reduces abrasion or pressure.
A third adjustable strap across the lower back functions independently of the shoulder straps and serves as an anchor that prevents the cups from slipping up and over the breast in the event of sudden movement or excessive tightening of the shoulder straps. The front coupling is adjustable, allowing different widths of separation between the cups to obtain the most comfortable fit. A plurality of snaps and/or hooks and eyes, a plurality of hooks and loops (Velcro®), or other suitable fasteners are used to secure the coupling.
In use, the swivel guide mechanism normally rests against the spine in the shoulder area. Because the shoulder straps are slidably disposed in the sleeves of the swivel, it will move up or down slightly as the wearer moves, stretches, bends over, etc. Slumping by the wearer causes the straps to tighten and the swivel guide to be pressed against the spine. A natural reaction to this increased pressure is for the wearer to sit up straighter, push the shoulders back, and bend forward from the hips. Thus, the design of the present invention assists the wearer in improving posture.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention no boning, wire or elastic is used. Instead, 22/32-inch cotton piping is used around the lower breast cups for support. This material is soft, yet firm, and fits into the natural curve of the body where the lower breast abuts the rib cage. Wider, sturdier cotton belting up to 1½ inches wide is preferred for the straps, as opposed to the smaller more conventional ½″ straps. This wider and stronger cotton belting disperses the weight over a wider area, thus reducing the pressure against the body and providing greater support of the weight. Duck cloth (similar to canvas) is preferred to reinforce strap attachments and buffer the wearer from the hardness of the metal D-rings used to fasten and adjust the straps. Duck cloth is also preferred to support the snaps and hook and eye closures of the front coupling. It is preferred that the entire framework of the brassiere of the present invention be constructed of a sturdy cotton fabric that is interlined with fusible fleece and lined with cotton flannel to buffer the pressure of the support network. This provides a soft, absorbent surface against the body without compromising the firmness required for adequate support. Synthetic, stretch materials provide very little support and lack ventilation needed for comfort.
It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved brassiere for supporting and elevating the breasts while balancing and securing them close to the wearer's chest.
It is another important object of the present invention to provide a brassiere which improves the posture and overall well being of the wearer through a pair of uniquely attached adjustable shoulder straps which cross in the back through a unique swivel such that slumping by the user presses the swivel against the wearer's back urging the wearer to improve posture.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved brassiere having a pair of adjustable shoulder straps w
Calvert John J.
Hoey Alissa L.
Miller Mark D.
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