US20210030077A1

US20210030077A1 - Garment for supporting breasts and decreasing tension forces

Info

Publication number: US20210030077A1
Application number: US16/945,747
Authority: US
Inventors: Leslie DeAngelo; Rick DeAngelo; Olivia DeAngelo
Original assignee: Rlt Enterprises Inc
Current assignee: Rlt Enterprises Inc
Priority date: 2019-08-01
Filing date: 2020-07-31
Publication date: 2021-02-04

Abstract

An undergarment for supporting breasts while decreasing tension and compression forces caused by the inner interaction between the undergarment components, the wearer's breasts, and torso may include a wider elastic center gore to which the cups are attached. As the wearer secures the undergarment around their torso, tension and compression forces, causing décolletage skin wrinkling may be dispersed by positioning the breasts away from the body's midline and creating a separation between the breasts.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/881,867 filed on Aug. 1, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is generally related to an undergarment generally worn by women. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to an undergarment configured to support breasts while decreasing tension and compression forces caused by the inner interaction between the undergarment components, wearer's breasts, and torso.

BACKGROUND

The décolletage is the upper part of a woman's torso, comprising her neck, shoulders, back and chest. Because the skin covering the chest area gets a lot of sun exposure and tends to be thinner than that on the arms and legs, it is often subject to the UV radiation damage, known to accelerate up the aging process. In particular, UV radiation causes the collagen in the skin to break down, resulting in a premature development of fine lines, wrinkles, and crepiness in the intermammary cleft region. Thus, the sun exposure along with normal aging process contributes to wrinkling of the décolletage area.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one or more embodiments, various features and functionality can be provided to enable or otherwise facilitate prevention, correction, and concealment of skin defects.
In some embodiments, an undergarment may comprise a center support element and a pair of cups. In some embodiments, the center support element may comprise a first side end and a second side end. In some embodiments, a first cup of the undergarment may be affixed to the first side end of the center support element and a second cup may be affixed to the second side end of the center support element.
In some embodiments, each cup may comprise an outer contour defined by an outer perimeter. In some embodiments, the undergarment may comprise a wire lining the outer perimeter of the outer contour of each of the cups. The perimeter wire may be configured to force the breast to stay within a particular shape. For example, the breasts may be contained inside the perimeter wire outlining the cups by being forced to stay within the perimeter wire outline. In some embodiments, the perimeter wire outlining the cup may be configured to force the breasts to stay within a particular position by guiding the breast into a direction away from the body's midline.
In some embodiments, the center support element comprises middle region located between the first and second side ends. In some embodiments, the middle region may have a “U” shape.
In some embodiments, the first and second side ends of the central support element are defined by a first height. In some embodiments, the middle region of the central support element is defined by a second height. In some embodiments, the first height of the first and second side ends is greater than the second height of the middle region.
These and other objects, features, and characteristics of the present disclosure, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. The drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate a front planar view and a front perspective view, respectively of a prior art brassier.

FIG. 2A illustrates a front planar view of an undergarment configured to reduce tension and compression forces applied to the breasts, according to an implementation of the disclosure.

FIGS. 2B-2D illustrate a front planar view of an undergarment comprising a center gore, according to an implementation of the disclosure.

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate attachment points between the center gore and cups illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2D, according to an implementation of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein are support undergarments for providing breast support while reducing tension and compression forces which may cause the formation of wrinkles in the décolletage. The details of some example embodiments of the embodiments of the present disclosure are set forth in the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent to one of skill in the art upon examination of the following description, drawings, examples and claims. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.
As alluded to above, intermammillary cleft wrinkles may include deep, vertical creases that may appear as the skin becomes older and thinner. There are various physical causes for the wrinkles appearing more prominently. Some causes include physiological changes within the body, such as weakening of collagen bonds within the skin of the neck area caused by aging and exposure to UV radiation.
Other reasons include one or more mechanical forces acting upon the breasts causing tissue compression which results in potential décolletage skin damage. For example, a preference for sleeping on one side may damage the skin and give the breasts a sagged or dropped appearance. This may also be caused in part by gravitational forces. In particular, as gravity forces the weight of the top breast onto the bottom breast, the breast can slide past the body's midline, thereby compressing the décolletage skin resulting in its wrinkling.
Another example of intermammary cleft wrinkle formation caused by mechanical forces includes repeated application of tension and compression forces that result from the interaction of undergarment components, wearer's breasts, and torso. Specifically, when combination of tension and compression forces is applied by the undergarment components onto the breasts it uplifts and supports the breasts. Indeed, certain conventional undergarments specifically aim to increase these forces to provide greater support of the breasts during physical activity and/or enhance and highlight the appearance of the breasts in the intermammary cleft (i.e., to create cleavage) which is aimed to enhance wearer's physical attractiveness.
For example, an exercise brassier may constrain the breasts with compression to reduce their potential movement during a strenuous physical activity such as running. Similarly, a “push-up” type brassier may apply tension and compression to the breasts to both lift the breasts and shift their weight (i.e., move their center of gravity) towards the midline of the body to create a certain aesthetic appearance. These tension and compression forces (e.g., similar to those affecting facial skin due to muscular tension exerted onto the skin when frowning) can cause the formation of new lines and wrinkles in the décolletage and worsen the appearance of existing ones.
FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate prior art brassieres. For example, a conventional brassier 100 is configured to provide breast support when worn by the garment wearer. A typical brassier comprises a combination of bra cups, shoulder straps, and a support band. For example, cups 120, 122 are configured to encase at least a part of each of the breasts 150, 152. Cups 120, 122 are attached to the front of support band 115, which is configured to run around the rib cage of the wearer. Cups 120, 122 may be positioned in a specific area within the chest by shoulder straps 140, 142. Shoulder straps 140, 142 may be configured to extend over the wearer's shoulders by being affixed to an apex 124, 126 of cups 120, 122 at one end, and support band 115 at another end. Support band 115 may comprise an adjustable fastening mechanism 117 configured to secure support band 115 around the wearer's torso. Cups 120, 122 are separated by a center gore 110 which lies in the region between breasts 150, 152. Cups 120, 122 may be attached to center gore 110 resulting in cups 120, 122 being angled upwardly and inwardly.
When the wearer of the garment secures brassier 100 around their torso the shoulder straps 140, 142 and cups 120, 122 will be subjected to heavy tension forces, as indicated by the arrows in FIGS. 1A-1B, causing breasts 150, 152 to being lifted and pushed inward (i.e., towards midline 155). As alluded to above, the tension between shoulder straps 140, 142, cups 120, 122, and breasts 150, 152 results in the compression of the breasts which causes the formation of intermammary cleft lines and wrinkles.
In contrast, the present embodiments are directed to a breast supporting garment configured to disperse the combination of tension and compression forces acting upon the breasts in such a way that reduces the formation of new intermammary skin wrinkles and minimizes the appearance of existing ones while still providing the support. In particular, by increasing the width of the center gore and by fabricating the center gore using elastic materials, the undergarment separates the breasts and disperses the tension forces laterally, i.e., towards a region between the anterior axillary and midaxillary lines. Further, by increasing the height of the center gore, allows the undergarment to angle the cups in a way that positions the breasts upwardly and outwardly, thus, furthering the separation between the breasts and forcing the breasts away from the body's midline. Additionally, the flexural nature of the center gore allows the garment to balance the tension created between the band, the cups, and the shoulder straps. Finally, by incorporating a shaping device into the cups that shapes and guides the breasts away from the body's midline, allows the undergarment to maintain the separation between the breasts. By virtue of maintaining the separation between the breasts reduces the tension and compression forces the undergarment exerts on the breasts.
Accordingly, the present embodiments are directed to a breast supporting garment configured to eliminate tension and compression forces associated with prior art brassieres, as alluded to above. In particular, the tension and compression forces of conventional brassieres are known to direct the breasts towards the midline of the body resulting in the formation of new intermammillary cleft wrinkles and worsening the appearance of existing ones.
Embodiments of the disclosed support garment provide an undergarment for creating a lift force which lifts the breasts upwardly, while simultaneously positioning the breasts outwardly (i.e., away from the body's midline) rather than inwardly (i.e., towards the body's midline), which is associated with causing intermammillary wrinkles, as explained above. This positioning is primarily a result of cooperating elements, e.g., cups and center gore to which the cups are affixed, shoulder straps, and a perimeter wire lining each cups' outer perimeter. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, undergarment 200 is one example of the present embodiments configured to uplift the breasts upwardly and outwardly. In some embodiments, undergarment 200 may be a built-in bra, a bullet bra, a demi bra, a full support bra, a mastectomy bra, a maternity bra, a minimizer bra, a nursing bra, a padded bra, a convertible bra, and a balconette bra, a push-up bra, a shelf bra, a sports bra, a strapless bra or a T-shirt bra. In some embodiments, undergarment 200 may be worn as, for example, swimwear, sleepwear, lingerie, a halter top and/or the like.
In some embodiments, undergarment 200 may have cups 220, 222 configured to encase at least a part of each of breasts 250, 252. For example, an outer contour of cups 220, 222 may substantially cover a part or all of the breast. In some embodiments, the outer contour of cups 220, 222 may correspond to the upper edge of the breast. In yet other embodiments, the outer contour of cups 220, 222 may substantially extend beyond the upper edge of the breast. In some embodiments, cups 220, 222 may be defined by a cup size configured to fit a variety of breast sizes and shapes. In some embodiments, cups 220, 222 may comprise a single piece of fabric. In other embodiments, cups 220, 222 may comprise multiple panels sown together to form a cup. In some embodiments, the fabric used to make the cups may include a variety of natural and synthetic materials with varying degrees of elasticity (e.g., nylon spandex, cotton, spandex, elastane and the like).
In some embodiments, the size of cups 220, 220 may include varying dimensions. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2C, each cup 220, 222 may include a height 246 of approximately 5⅛ inches and a width 248 of approximately 7¾ inches.
In some embodiments, inner surfaces of cups 220, 222 may be lined with a non-slip and/or other friction inducing material to enhance the containment of the breasts and minimize their potential movement during activity. In some embodiments, the non-slip material may allow undergarment 200 to maintain the separation between the breasts, required to reduce the tension and compression forces exerted onto the breasts.
In some embodiments, cups 220, 222 may be padded. For example, inner surfaces of cups 220, 222 may comprise a layer configured to function as cushion or pad. In some embodiments, the padded layer may made from a variety of materials of varying thickness (e.g., foam, memory foam, etc.). For example, inner surfaces of cups 220, 222 may be lined with a layer of foam, being approximately ⅛ inch thick. The padded layer may span the entirety of inner surfaces of cups 220, 222. Alternatively, the padded layer may span only a part of inner surfaces of cups 220, 222. The padded layer may cradle the breast and provide additional support. The thickness of the padded layer may serve to increase the volume of the breast, which some women may experience.
In some embodiments, cups 220, 222 may include two distinct components attached to the front of support band 215, which is configured to run around the rib cage of the wearer. In other embodiments, support band 215 and cups 220, 222 may form a single component. For example, cups 220, 222 may form an extension of support band 215. Support band 215 may have a length 260 of approximately 27¾ inches, as illustrated in FIG. 2C.
Referring back to FIG. 2A, support band 215 may comprise two wing regions 263, 267 positioned laterally with respect to cups 220, 222. In some embodiments, cups 220, 222 may be affixed to each wing region 236, 267 on one end and the center core 210 on another. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2D, each wing region (e.g., wing region 263) may have a height 282 of approximately 4⅞ inches. In some embodiments, the height 282 may be at a higher end of wing region 263. Each wing region may have may a height 284 of approximately 4¼ inches at its tapered end. Each wing region may have a height 286 of approximately 2⅝ inches. In some embodiments, the height 286 may be at a lower end of wing region 263. In some embodiments, the lower end of wing region may be located right before fastening mechanism 117, which is discussed further below.
Referring back to FIG. 2A, cups 220, 222 may be positioned in a specific area within the chest by shoulder straps 240, 242. For example, shoulder straps 240, 242 may be configured to extend over wearer's shoulders by being affixed to apex 224, 226 of cups 220, 222 at one end, and support band 215 at another end. In some embodiments, straps 240, 242 may be of varying length and width. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2C, straps 240, 242 may have a width 243 of approximately % of an inch.
Referring back to FIG. 2A, support band 215 may comprise an adjustable fastening mechanism 217 configured to secure support band 215 around wearer's torso. In some embodiments, fastening mechanism 217 may include hook and eye closure. For example, hook and eye closure may include four rows of six coated, brushed hooks on one end of support band 215, and corresponding four rows of six eyes on the other side of support band 215.
As the wearer secures undergarment 200 around their torso, shoulder straps 240, 242, cups 220, 222, and the breasts will be subjected to heavy tension forces, causing décolletage skin wrinkling, as alluded to above. The present embodiments of undergarment 200 disperse these tension and compression forces associated with conventional undergarments by positioning the breasts away from the body's midline by increasing the separation between them. For example, undergarment 200 comprises a center gore 210 configured to separate the breasts. In some embodiments, center gore 210 may be wider than that in conventional brassieres. In some embodiments, center gore 210 may be fabricated using a stretchable, elastic, and elastomeric material, such as, for example, spandex, elastane and/or the like. In other embodiments, center gore 210 may be fabricated using substantially sturdy fabric.
In some embodiments, because of the increased width of center gore 210, allows undergarment 200 provide a more anatomically correct breast support resulting in wrinkle prevention, their concealment, and correction. For example, attaching the cups to a traditional center gore (e.g., center gore 110 illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1B) forces the breasts towards body's midline 255 which results in shifting breasts' center of gravity away from their anatomically correct location. In contrast, a wider center gore 210 results in the breasts being supported at their root (i.e., in their anatomically correct location). By virtue of providing support at the anatomically correct location, undergarment 200 is more comfortable and less damaging to the skin. By supporting the weight of the breasts at their root rather than shifting the breasts' center of gravity towards the midline, allows the skin to remain relatively free from any mechanical forces that contribute to wrinkle formation, as alluded to above. Accordingly, undergarment 200 is configured to prevent the formation of new lines and wrinkles in the décolletage and minimizing the appearance of existing ones. In some embodiments, separating the breasts may conceal the appearance of existing lines. For example, thinner skin in the décolletage may be pulled tauter when the breasts are separated resulting in a smoother and less wrinkled appearance.
In some embodiments, décolletage lines caused by the repeated wearing of high tension and compression undergarments, as noted above, may be corrected by wearing an undergarment with a wider center gore (e.g., undergarment 200). For example, a wider center gore may separate the breasts and move them outwardly rather than inwardly, as is the case with traditional brassieres. Because the direction and force magnitude required to move the breasts outwardly is inverse to that required to move the breasts inwardly, this change may counteract the effects of repeated inward movement associated with high tension and compression undergarments known to cause skin wrinkles. That is, by moving the breasts outwardly, i.e., in the opposite direction in which the breasts are moved by conventional brassieres (inwardly), causes the skin of the breast tissue to be pulled in the opposite direction. This opposite movement allows undergarment 200 to relax and release the lines that were formed previously (i.e., during the use of conventional undergarments).
In some embodiments, center gore 210 may include a height 213. For example, height 213 may be greater than a height of the center gore in conventional brassieres. In some embodiments, height 213 may be substantially uniform along the entire length of center gore 210, as illustrated in FIG. 2A. In other embodiments, center gore 210 may have a varying height along its length. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, height 213 at each edge 218, 219 may be greater than height 214 at center gore 210 midpoint 211. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 2C, height 213 may be approximately 3⅛ inches and height 214 may be approximately 1½ inches.
Referring back to FIG. 2B, in some embodiments, center gore 210 may have a general “U” shape and attach to each of the cups 220, 220 via a corresponding leg of the “U”. By being disposed in a region between the breasts, the center gore 210 functions to disperse the tension forces applied to the breasts. In particular, as upwardly directed forces are applied to each of the legs of the “U”, the breasts can be drawn upwardly and outwardly rather than just upwardly. However, because of the elasticity of the material of center gore 210, the breasts remain in a balanced position, as center gore 210 attempts to return to its relaxed condition. This balanced position affords the wearer with a garment that provides support and lowers discomfort.
In some embodiments, center gore 210 may have a general “V” shape, as illustrated in FIG. 2C. The “V” shape of center gore 210 may increase the ability of the center gore to stretch when worn by the wearer, thereby contributing to the custom fit of the garment.
In some embodiments, as noted above, the cups may be separated by the center gore. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, cups 220, 222 may be affixed to “U” shaped center gore 210 at points 230, 232. Cups 220, 222 may be separated by a distance 212. Distance 212, as illustrated in FIG. 2C, may be approximately % of an inch.
Referring back to FIG. 2B, height 213 at each of the side edges 218, 219 (i.e., the region of bra cup attachment) of the center gore 210 may be greater than that of traditional brassieres. By virtue of increasing height 213, allows undergarment 200 to angle cups 220, 222 upwardly and outwardly rather than upwardly and inwardly (i.e., the angling of the cups associated with traditional brassieres). By angling cups 220, 222 upwardly and outwardly results in a lateral shift of breast weight towards the region between the anterior axillary 256 line and midaxillary 257 line. This shift of the breast weight causes the tension and compression forces to be dispersed, resulting in improved skin appearance in the décolletage.
Accordingly, in some embodiments, the center gore (e.g., the center gore 210) may be configured to reduce the combination of tension and compression forces resulting in wrinkle formation prevention, their concealment, and correction. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, the cups of a traditional brassier may attach to a center gore 310 at points 330, 332 resulting in apex 324, 326 of cups being positioned at a particular angle vis-à-vis a support band 350. This attachment results in the cups being angled upwardly and inwardly, as alluded to above. When the cups are angled upwardly and inwardly (i.e., in traditional brassieres), they tend to shift the weight of the breasts towards the midline. Pushing the breast towards the midline compresses the breasts, which puts the stress on the skin and causes wrinkle formation.
In contrast, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, cups of a presently disclosed undergarment may attach to a “U” shaped center gore 315 at points 330-1, 332-1. This attachment results in apex 324-1,326-1 of the cups being positioned at a lower angle than apex 324, 326 of the cups in a traditional brassier illustrated in FIG. 3A. By modifying the attachment of the cups to the center gore results in the cups being angled upwardly and outwardly, which prevents the breasts from being pushed towards the midline. In particular, the presently disclosed undergarment forces the weight of the breasts to shift laterally, which results in the tension and compression forces to be dispersed. As alluded to above, by virtue of decreasing the tension and compression being exerted onto the breasts, results in a reduction of the décolletage skin wrinkling.
In some embodiments, a shaping device may be incorporated into the cups 220, 222 to force the material of the cups to stay in a particular shape. Thus, the shape of the cups dictates the shape of the breasts contained within the cup. For example, a supporting or perimeter wire may be inserted along the outer contour of cups 220, 222.
As illustrated in FIG. 2D, a perimeter wire 270 may be inserted along the entirety of an outer contour 265 of cups 220, 222 and outline the entire circumference of the cup, giving the breasts an approximately spherical shape. In other embodiments, the perimeter wire may be inserted along a portion of the outer contour, giving the breasts an approximately hemispherical shape. In yet other embodiments, the perimeter wire may be inserted along any portion of the cups' outer contour resulting in a corresponding breast shape.
In some embodiments, each perimeter wire 270 may start at point 273, the point of attachment between cup 220, and strap 242 and stop at point 275, slightly below the underarm region 244. By not including perimeter wire 270 in the underarm region 244, which may be approximately 3 inches long, may result in greater comfortable to the wearer. That is, as cups 220, 220 are pulled, that places wire 270 slightly below the underarm (e.g., 1 inch below), which ensures that that wire 270 does not injure the wearer in that area (i.e., in the event wire 270 accidentally pokes through the fabric encasing wire 270).
As alluded to above, perimeter wire 270 may be configured to force the breast to stay within a particular shape. For example, the breasts may be contained inside perimeter wire 270 outlining the cups by being forced to stay within the outline crated by perimeter wire 270. In some embodiments, perimeter wire 270 outlining the cup may be configured to force the breasts to stay within a particular position by guiding the breast into a direction away from the body's midline. Unlike a shorter underwire in a traditional undergarment, which shapes the cups at the inframammary fold region and thus provides only partial breast support, the longer perimeter wire is configured to contain the entirety of the breasts as it extends around the entirety of the cups' outer contour. By virtue of using a rigid perimeter outline to guide the breasts laterally, undergarment 200 maintains the separation between them, as required to reduce the tension and compression forces exerted onto the breasts. Perimeter wire 270 pulls each wing 263, 267 of support band 215, which in turn act upon cups 220, 222. Accordingly, wire 270 serves to grip and lift the breast with cups 220, 222 upwardly and outwardly thereby creating the desired effect of pulling the skin and diminishing wrinkling and/or creasing.
In some embodiments, the perimeter wire may be fabricated using a variety of materials. For example, heavy gauge stainless steel wire, sheet metal, bone, or plastic may be used. The ends of the perimeter wire may be coated. In some embodiments, the perimeter wire may have one or more diameters. In some embodiments, the material properties of the perimeter wire may cause the diameter of the perimeter wire to splay or spread wider, when undergarment 200 is secured around wearer's ribcage and is subject to heavy tension forces, as described above. In some embodiments, this spread or splay of the perimeter wire may provide additional support to the breasts and allows undergarment 200 to maintain the separation between them resulting in resulting in wrinkle prevention, their concealment, and correction, as described above. In some embodiments, the perimeter wire may be configured to grip and/or grab the skin upon contact furthering the containment and separation of the breasts.
As alluded to above, the various elements of the presently disclosed support garment embodiments (e.g., increased width and height of the elasticized center gore, angling of the cups, and use of perimeter wire), configured to separate the breasts by positioning them upwardly and outwardly, result in a reduction of intermammary skin wrinkles. Accordingly, an improved appearance of the décolletage provides the wearer with a wider range of clothing items worn in conjunction with the presently disclosed undergarment, particularly those with necklines that open the chest area. Because conventional brassieres shift the breasts upwardly and inwardly, they tend to worsen and/or highlight the appearance of undesirable skin defects and result in the wearer wishing to conceal chest wrinkles with clothing items having higher necklines. For example, a wearer of a conventional brassier may be limited to only tops and dresses with higher necklines. In contrast, by having the chest region remain wrinkle-free, provides the wearer with a greater range of clothing options. For example, the wearer can select dresses and tops with lower and/or plunging necklines without the unsightly skin defects such as wrinkles, lines, and crepiness being visible. Additionally, the reduction in the tension and compression forces provides the wearer with a more comfortable fit and allows the undergarment to be utilized more frequently (e.g., as an everyday undergarment).
Various embodiments have been described with reference to specific exemplary features thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the various embodiments as set forth in the appended claims. The specification and figures are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
Although described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the present application, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present application should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.
Terms and phrases used in the present application, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” should be read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like; the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms “a” or “an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more” or the like; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,” “standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in the future.
The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent.
Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described in terms of exemplary diagrams and other illustrations. As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their various alternatives can be implemented without confinement to the illustrated examples. For example, diagrams and their accompanying description should not be construed as mandating a particular configuration.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An undergarment comprising:

a support band comprising a gore element positioned between a first wing element on one side and a second wing element on another side;

the gore element comprising a first and second lateral portions defined by a first height, and a middle portion located between the first and second lateral portions, the middle portion being defined by a second height;

a pair of cups, a first cup affixed to the first wing element and the first lateral portion of the gore element, and a second cup affixed to the second wing and second lateral portion of the gore element;

each cup comprising an outer contour, the outer contour being defined by an outer perimeter; and

a wire substantially lining the outer perimeter of the outer contour of cup;

wherein the first height of the first and second lateral portions is greater than the second height of the middle portion of the center gore.

2. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the center support element comprises elastic material.

3. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the first height of the first side end and second side ends of the gore element is approximately 3½″.

4. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the second height of the middle portion of the gore element is approximately 1½″.

5. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the gore element is U-shaped.

6. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the support band comprises is defined by a length, wherein the length is approximately 27¾″.

7. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the support band is defined by a length.

8. The undergarment of claim 7, wherein the length of the support band is approximately 27¾″.

9. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the support band comprises a fastening mechanism configured to fasten the support band around a wearer's torso.

10. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein each cup is configured to substantially encase each of the wearer's breasts wherein the support band is fastened around the wearer's torso.

11. The undergarment of claim 10, wherein the center gore comprises a material having elastomeric properties.

12. The undergarment of claim 11, wherein the center gore is configured to expand and cause each cup to shift upwardly and outwardly and reduce tension forces acting upon the cups when the undergarment is worn by the wearer.

13. The undergarment of claim 12, wherein the reduction in tension forces causes a reduction in compression forces acting upon the breast encased by each cup.