US20130084776A1

US20130084776A1 - Brassiere Support System

Info

Publication number: US20130084776A1
Application number: US13/251,816
Authority: US
Inventors: Sandra Walsh
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-10-03
Filing date: 2011-10-03
Publication date: 2013-04-04

Abstract

A brassiere strap system is provided. The bra includes a left breast cup and a right breast cup. Next, a left side strap is provided that includes at least two intertwined strips next to the left breast cup and a right side strap including at least two intertwined strips next to the right breast cup. The left side strap is coupled between a left breast cup connection on a left side of the left breast cup and one of a plurality of adjustable left side connections. The right side strap is coupled between a right breast cup connection on the right breast cup and one of a plurality of adjustable right side connections. The left strap and the right strap include a backing surface and a decorative strap surface on top of each other, where the backing surface is made of a durable and contouring material.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system for holding up a brassiere.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the present day, people have worn brassieres, halter tops or tank tops in order to contain and control the movement of their breasts. Brassieres or bras, halter tops or tank tops come in different shapes sizes and colors in order to cater to the wearer of the bra. Also, the bras come in many different designs. These different designs are created by the different bra designers who have a particular way of envisioning how the person would wear the bra.
However, the designer of the bra, halter top or tank top may have a different vision than the actual wearer of the bra, halter top or tank top. The wearer of the bra, halter top or tank top may have a special sense of style where she wants to be comfortable to choose for herself what kind of strap she wants to use for the bra, halter top or tank top instead of what a particular designer chooses for her. Specifically, the wearer may choose a bra strap for her bra that goes with the outfit that she's wearing such as a silk bra strap. However, the wearer may not want to wear a silk bra, but she only wants the bra strap to be made of silk. Also, the wearer may desire to wear silver made bra strap to go with her silver dress but she doesn't desire to wear a silver bra.
The problem is the wearer of a bra has a unique style so she desires a bra strap that allows her to reflect her sense of style. Even though the wearer has a sense of style she doesn't want to use just any strap with a bra she desires that the bra strap will be secure to stay connected to the bra. Therefore, there is a need for a system that enables a wearer to easily change the look of her bra strap to reflect her own unique style while providing her with a secure bra strap that enables her to keep her breasts contained within the bra.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been accomplished in view of the above-mentioned technical background, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a brassiere strap system.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a brassiere strap system is provided. The bra includes a left breast cup and a right breast cup. Next, a left side strap is provided that includes at least two intertwined strips next to the left breast cup and a right side strap including at least two intertwined strips next to the right breast cup. The left side strap is coupled between a left breast cup connection on a left side of the left breast cup and one of a plurality of adjustable left side connections. The left strap and the right strap include a backing surface and a decorative strap surface on top of each other, where the backing surface is made of durable and contouring material. The right side strap is coupled between a right breast cup connection on a right side of the right breast cup and one of a plurality of adjustable right side connections.
In another embodiment of the invention, there is a method of assembling a brassiere. The method includes: providing a left breast cup and a right breast cup; providing a left side strap having at least two intertwined strips next to the left breast cup; providing a right side strap including at least two intertwined strips next to the right breast cup; providing the left side strap coupled between a left breast cup connection on the left breast cup and a plurality of adjustable left side connections; providing the right side strap coupled between a right breast cup connection on the right breast cup and a plurality of adjustable right side connections; and providing the left strap and the right strap with a backing surface and a decorative strap surface on top of each other, where the backing surface is made of durable and contouring material.
In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, there is another adjustable bra system that includes a left breast cup and a right breast cup. A left side strap is provided that includes at least two intertwined strips next to the left breast cup and a right side strap including at least two intertwined strips next to the right breast cup. The left side strap is coupled between a left breast cup connection on a left side of the left breast cup and one of a plurality of adjustable left side connections. The left strap and the right strap include a backing surface and decorative strap surface, wherein the backing surface is made of durable and contouring material. The right side strap is coupled between a right breast cup connection on a right side of the right breast cup and one of a plurality of adjustable right side connections. The left side includes a seam, a padding, hook eye padding, shoulder padding and a cup padding to provide comfort. The right side includes a seam, a padding, a hook eye padding shoulder padding and a cup padding, where the left side is coupled to the right side to hold the bra system together.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other advantages of the present invention will become more apparent as the following description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a brassiere strap system in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of another embodiment of a bra strap system in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of yet another embodiment of a bra strap system in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 3A shows a right side of illustration of FIG. 3 with an improved padding system;

FIG. 3B shows a left side of illustration of FIG. 3 with an improved padding;

FIG. 3C shows a right side of another illustration of FIG. 3 with another improved padding system;

FIG. 3D shows a left side of another illustration of FIG. 3 with another improved padding system;

FIG. 4 is a side view perspective the bra strap system of FIG. 2 in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 5 is a back prospective view of the bra strap system of FIG. 2 in accordance with the invention; and

FIGS. 6A and 6B shows several illustrations of bra straps used in the bra strap system in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The presently preferred embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the drawings, where like components are identified with the same numerals. The descriptions of the preferred embodiments are exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
FIG. 1 is an illustration of a brassiere strap system in accordance with the invention. A brassiere or bra strap system 100 includes: a left cup 103, a right cup 105, a right side 107, a left side 109, a left side strap 111, an intertwining loop (strip) 113, a left side breast cup hook 117, a left side hook 115, left side hook receivers 119 a, 119 b, 119 c, 119 d, 119 e and 119 f, a right side strap 121, an intertwining loop 123, a right side breast cup hook 127, a right side hook 125 and right side hook receivers 129 a, d 129 b, 129 c, 129 d, and 129 e. Left side hook receivers 119 a, 119 b, 119 c, 119 d, 119 e and 119 f may be referred as adjustable left side connections. Right side hook receivers 129 a, 129 b, 129 c, 129 d, 129 e and 129 f may be referred to as adjustable right side connections. The brassiere may also be halter top, tank top or any garment utilized to hold the wearer's breasts in place. The term strip refers to a wire-like or string-like object made of metal, fibrous materials, or natural and/or synthetic fabric materials.
Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B there are illustrations of different types of straps that may be utilized in this bra strap system that encompasses all the straps 601, 603, 605, 607, 609, 111, 121, 209, 215, 307 and 311. The straps 601, 603, 605, 607, 609, 111, 121, 209, 215, 307 and 311 are comprised of two surfaces; a backing surface that will touch the surface of the wearer's or person's skin and a decorative surface that will be visible to the observer. For example, the backing surface is 601 b, 603 b, 605 b, 607 b, 609 b, 111 b, 121 b, 209 b, 215 b, 307 b and 311 b and the decorative surface is 601 a, 603 a, 605 a, 607 a, 609 a, 111 a, 121 a, 209 a, 215 a, 307 a and 311 a The backing surface will be made of durable, comfortable, contouring material such as Thermoplastic Polyurethane or TPU silicone or similar material. The TPU silicone or similar material contours to the shape of the wearer's shoulder to comfortably hold the strap onto the shoulder. The similar material may be poly Ether Block Amide (PEBAX) resin family, polyurethane or copolyester TPE. Typically TPU has the following qualities: tensile stress of 284 to 2070 pounds square inch (psi), tensile strength 4120 to 7850 psi, tensile elongation of 350 to 690%, tear strength of 448 to 871 lbf/in and durometer hardness of 46 to 98. This TPU may have a color material of black, translucent, transparent or other colors as they become available.
Decorative surface of the straps may include beads, crystals, rhinestones, semi-precious or precious stones, metal, plastic, natural fibers or synthetic fibers. For example, strap 601 has a rope type design on the top decorative portion 601 with a TPU on the backside portion 601 b, where the decorative portion may be made of any type of fabric, such as cotton or silk. Strap 603 includes a plurality of interlocking loops or strips on the top decorative portion 603 a with a TPU on the backside portion 603 b and strap 605 is a thin plurality of interlocking loops on the top decorative portion 605 a with a TPU on the backside portion 605 b. FIG. 6B includes two straps 607 and 609, where strap 607 is made of a cloth type material that has an intricate design that can have any texture on the top decorative portion 607 a with a TPU on the backside portion 607 b. Strap 609 has a complex design with multiple geometrical shapes on the top decorative portion 609 a with a TPU on the backside portion 609 b. Even though specific straps 601, 603, 605, 707 and 609 are utilized here to depict different types of straps that may be utilized, there are many other straps that may be utilized that may be made of out of any material, such as aluminum, plastic, cotton or silk. The strap may also be of any length, width or thickness.
Referring to FIG. 1, left side strap 111 is coupled between the left side 109 and the left breast cup 103. Specifically, the left side trap 111 includes the left side breast cup hook 117 and the left side hook 115, where the left side breast cup hook 117 is coupled to a top portion 103 a of the breast cup 103. Top portion 103 a is able to receive the left side breast cup hook 117 by using a receiving mechanism. Even though there is one receiving mechanism used in top portion 103 a there may be a plurality of receiving mechanisms utilized. The receiving mechanism may also be referred to as a left breast cup connection. Left side hook 115 is coupled to the left side 109 through its left side hook receivers (connectors) 119 a, 119 b, 119 c, 119 d, 119 e and 119 f. In between the left side strap 111 are at least two intertwined strips or loops 113 made of a strong fabric/material utilized to hold the left side strap 111 tightly in place over a shoulder of a person wearing the bra strap system 100.
Also, these intertwined strips 113 provide a secure connection to secure the left side hook 115 to the hook receivers 119 a, 119 b, 119 c, 119 d and 119 e. Further, the intertwined strips 113 provide a secure connection to secure the left side hook 117 to the receiving mechanism of the top portion 103 a. Even though only two intertwined strips 113 are utilized, there may be 2-100 or more strips utilized to secure the left side strap 111 in place over a person's shoulder in between the left side 109 and left breast cup 103.
Right side strap 121 is coupled between the right side 107 and the right breast cup 105. Specifically, the right side trap 121 includes the right side breast cup hook 127 and the right side hook 125, where the right side breast cup hook 127 is coupled to a top portion 105 a of the breast cup 105. Top portion 105 a is able to receive the right t side breast cup hook 127 by using a receiving mechanism. Even though there is one receiving mechanism used in top portion 105 a there may be a plurality of receiving mechanisms. The receiving mechanism may also be referred to a right breast cup connection. Right side hook 125 is coupled to the right side 107 through its right side hook receivers or connectors 129 a, 129 b, 129 c, 129 d, 129 e and 129 f. In between the right side strap 121 there are at least two intertwined strips or loops 123 a made of a strong fabric/material utilized to hold the strap 121 tightly in place over a shoulder of a person wearing the bra strap system 100. Also, these intertwined strips 123 provides a secure connection to secure the right side hook 125 to the hook receivers 129 a, 129 b, 129 c, 129 d and 129 e. Further, the intertwined strips 123 provide a secure connection to secure the right side hook 127 to the receiving mechanism of the top portion 105 a. Even though only two intertwined strips 123 are utilized, there may be 2-100 or more strips utilized to secure the right side strap 121 in place over a person's shoulder in between the right side 107 and right breast cup 105.
FIG. 2 is another embodiment of the invention. Bra strap system 200 includes a left bra cup 201, right bra cup 203, a left side 205, a right side 207, a left strap 209, left intertwined strips 211, a right strap 215 and intertwined strips 217. In between the left strap 209 there are at least two intertwined strips or loops 211 made of a strong fabric/material utilized to hold the strap 209 tightly in place over a shoulder of a person wearing the bra strap system 200. Also, these intertwined strips 211 provide a secure connection to secure a left side portion of strap 209 to a receiving mechanism of the left side 205. Further, the intertwined strips 211 provide a secure connection to secure a right side port of the left side strap 209 to a receiving mechanism (left side connector) of the left side 205.
In between the right side strap 215, there are at least two intertwined strips 217 made of a strong fabric utilized to hold the right side strap 215 tightly in place over a shoulder of a person wearing the bra strap system 200. Also, these intertwined strips 217 provide a secure connection to secure as a right side portion of the strap 215 a receiving mechanism (right side connector) at the right side 207. Similar to the intertwined strips 113 and 123, the intertwined strips 211 and 217 may be 2-100 or more intertwined strips.
FIG. 3 is another embodiment of the invention. A bra strap system 300 may be referred to as a mastectomy bra utilized by persons who have recently had a single or double mastectomy where one or more breasts were removed. The bra strap system 300 includes a left bra cup 301, a covering 302, right bra cup 303, a left bra cup insert 301 a, a right bra cup insert 303 a, a left side trap 307, left intertwined strips 309, a right side strap 311 and intertwined strips 313. The left bra cup insert 301 a may be a prosthesis and the right bra cup insert 303 a may be a prosthesis. Covering 302 is utilized to cover a front portion of the wearer's breast by using a cloth or cotton material. This covering 302 may also be a typical camisole.
Referring to FIG. 3A, there is a description of a padding system that may be used on this mastectomy bra 300. This mastectomy bra 300 has the right bra cup 303 that is connected to a right side 315 that hooks onto a left side 317 of the bra 300 similar to left side 109 and right side 107 of the bra strap system 100. Right side 315 includes a seam 315 a, a padding 315 b, a hook eye padding 315 c, shoulder padding 315 d, an insert 315 e and a cup padding 303 b. Seam 315 a is a padded seam of 1-4 mm with a preferred seam of 1-2 mm. Padding 315 b is a crisscross pattern padding for pressure point with a 8-14 mm padding with a preferred padding of 10-12 mm. Even though a crisscross padding is utilized any type of padding formation may be used such as a zigzag or any type of pattern. Hook eye padding 315 c is positioned closed to a left side hook eye padding 317 c to attach the right side 315 to the left side 317. This hook eye padding 315 c includes a padding area between 6-12 mm with a preferred padding of 8-10 mm. Shoulder padding 315 d has an oval padding area, which may also have a circular, rectangular or any other type of shape padding area. Insert 315 e is next to the right breast cup 303. This insert 315 e is used for extra elasticity and it be made of lycra/lace or any type of material that provides extra elasticity. Cup padding 301 b has a padding at a right angle to push pressure outward, where the padding is anywhere from 6-14 mm with a preferred padding of 10-12 mm. Referring to FIG. 3B, left side 317 includes a seam 317 a, a padding 317 b, a hook eye padding 317 c, a shoulder padding 317 d and a cup padding 301 b is equivalent to right side 315, seam 315 a, padding 315 b, hook eye padding 315 c, shoulder padding 315 d, insert 315 e and cup padding 303 b so a description will not be provided here.
Referring to FIG. 3C there is another illustration of the right side 315 of FIG. 3. Right side 315 includes diagonal padding 315 f, seam 315 g, a padded seam 315 h, flexible contour strap 315 i and an opening 315 j. Diagonal padding 315 f has two portions used for added comfort. Insert 315 g utilizes an insert, such as lace/lycra for extra stretching capability. Padded seam 315 h provides additional comfort to a wearer with padding in between 6-12 mm with a preferred padding of 8-10 mm. Flexible strap 315 i provides added comfort to the wearer of the bra strap system 300. Opening 315 j is in between the right side 315 for pad removal such as removing diagonal padding 315 f or padded seam 315 h. Referring to FIG. 3D there is another illustration of the left side 317 of FIG. 3. Left side 317 includes diagonal padding 317 f, seam 317 g, a padded seam 317 h, flexible contour strap 317 i and an opening 317 j, which is equivalent to right side 315 includes diagonal padding 315 f, seam 315 g, a padded seam 315 h, flexible contour strap 315 i and an opening 315 j so a description will not be provided herein.
Referring to FIG. 3 between the left side trap 307 there are at least two intertwined strips or loops 309 made of a strong fabric/material utilized to hold the left side strap 307 tightly in place over a shoulder of a person wearing the bra strap system 300. Also, these intertwined strips 309 provide a secure connection to secure a left side portion of left side strap 307 to a receiving mechanism of the left bra cup 301. Further, the intertwined strips 309 provide a secure connection to secure a right side port of the left strap 307 to a receiving mechanism of the left side. Left breast cup insert 301 a and right breast cup insert 303 a are utilized typically to insert bra padding into a typical bra similar to bra used by breast cancer survivors.
In between the right strap 311, there are at least two intertwined strips 313 made of a strong fabric/material utilized to hold the strap 311 tightly in place over a shoulder of a person wearing the bra strap system 300. Also, these intertwined strips 313 provide a secure connection to secure a right side portion of the strap 311 to a receiving mechanism (right breast cup connector) at the right side of breast cup 303. Similar to intertwined strips 113 and 123, the intertwined strips 309 and 311 may be 2-100 or more intertwined strips.
FIG. 4 shows a side portion of FIG. 2. In this side view of FIG. 2 one can see how the strap 209 is connected to the left cup 201. Also, the intertwined strips 211 are shown in this drawing. FIG. 5 is a back view of FIG. 2. All of the components described in FIG. 2 are shown in this back view here so a description will not be provided. One can see how the straps 209 and 215 are depicted in relation to their respective intertwined strips 207 and 217 in order to secure the straps 209 and 215 to the respective bra cups 203 and 201 and the left side 203 and the right side 205.
This invention provides a brassiere strap system that allows its wearer to have a comfortable, conforming and stylish strap that allows the wearer to easily switch from one strap to another strap. The straps are comprised of two surfaces; a backing surface that will touch the surface of the wearer's or person's skin and a decorative surface that will be visible to the observer. The backing surface is made of a durable material that is comfortable and flexible to fit on the person's skin while the decorative side of the strap include beads, crystals, rhinestones, semi-precious or precious stones, metal, plastic, natural fibers or synthetic fibers. Further, this brassiere strap system includes a mastectomy bra that provides the wearer extra padding on the left and right side of the bra.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An adjustable bra system comprising:

a left breast cup and a right breast cup;

a left side strap is provided that includes at least two intertwined strips next to the left breast cup and a right side strap including at least two intertwined strips next to the right breast cup;

the left side strap is coupled between a left breast cup connection on a left side of the left breast cup and one of a plurality of adjustable left side connections;

the left strap and the right strap includes a backing surface and a decorative strap surface on top of each other, wherein the backing surface is made of durable and contouring material; and

the right side strap is coupled between a right breast cup connection on a right side of the right breast cup and one of a plurality of adjustable right side connections.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the left strap and the right strap includes a plurality of loops.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the left strap and the right strap are decorative straps.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the left strap and the right strap are made from a plurality of materials.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the left breast cup includes an insert or prosthesis and the right breast cup includes an insert or a prosthesis.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the left bra strap includes multiple geometrical designs.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the right bra strap includes multiple geometrical designs.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein the backing surface is made of a thermoplastic polyurethane silicone material.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein the backing surface is made of poly Ether Block Amide resin family

10. The method for assembling a brassiere:

providing a left breast cup and a right breast cup;

providing a left side strap having at least two intertwined loops next to the left breast cup and a right side strap having at least two intertwined loops next to the right breast cup;

providing a left side strap coupled between a left breast cup connection on the left breast cup and a plurality of adjustable left side connection;

providing a right side strap coupled between a right breast cup connection on the right breast cup and a plurality of adjustable right side connections; and

providing the left strap and the right strap with a backing surface and a decorative strap surface on top of each other, wherein the backing surface is made of durable and contouring material

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the left side strap and the right side strap includes a plurality of loops.

12. The method of claim 10 further comprises providing decorative straps for the left side strap and the right side strap.

13. The method of claim 10 further comprising providing a metal or metal like material for the left strap and the right strap.

14. An adjustable bra system comprising:

a left breast cup and a right breast cup;

the left strap and the right strap includes a backing surface and decorative strap surface, wherein the backing surface is made of durable and contouring material;

the right side strap is coupled between a right breast cup connection on a right side of the right breast cup and one of a plurality of adjustable right side connections;

the left side includes a seam, a padding, hook eye padding, a shoulder padding and a cup padding to provide comfort; and

the right side includes a seam, a padding, a hook eye padding, a shoulder padding and a cup padding, wherein the left side is coupled to the right side to hold the bra system together.

15. The system of claim 14 wherein the right side has the seam padding in the range of 1-4 mm.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein the right side has the padding with a crisscross pattern with a padding in the range of 8-14 mm.