EP1662918B1 - Multi-piece bra - Google Patents
Multi-piece bra Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1662918B1 EP1662918B1 EP04783822A EP04783822A EP1662918B1 EP 1662918 B1 EP1662918 B1 EP 1662918B1 EP 04783822 A EP04783822 A EP 04783822A EP 04783822 A EP04783822 A EP 04783822A EP 1662918 B1 EP1662918 B1 EP 1662918B1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- support member
- cup
- wearer
- bra
- support
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41C—CORSETS; BRASSIERES
- A41C3/00—Brassieres
- A41C3/06—Strapless brassieres, i.e. without shoulder straps
- A41C3/065—Strapless brassieres, i.e. without shoulder straps attached directly to the body, e.g. by means of adhesive
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to the field of undergarments and more specifically to a backless and strapless multi-piece bra. according to the preamble of claim 1 and known from US-A-4 553 550 .
- Bras have long been used to provide support to a wearer's breasts.
- traditional bras are unacceptable when worn with backless or shoulderless outer garments, as various parts, including their straps, will be visible.
- various backless and/or strapless bras have been developed for use with such outer garments.
- U.S. Patent No. 6,780,081 to Chen et al . describes a backless, strapless bra having cups held to a wearer's breasts with an adhesive.
- the device of the Chen et al. patent utilizes a connector between the cups of the bra which is intended to provide cleavage to a user's breasts.
- the device cannot be worn with outer garments having plunging necklines, as the connector and possibly the cups of the device will be visible.
- the device would provide little support for the underside of a wearer's breast.
- the device of the present invention provides a backless, strapless bra that provides support and/or cleavage to a wearer's breasts and the components of which are not visible, even when worn with a wide variety of revealing outer garments.
- the invention provides a backless and strapless bra comprising a set of cup members for supporting a front surface of a wearer's breast, a set of support members for supporting an underside of a wearer's breast, and at least one mesh member connecting a support member to at least one of a cup member and a second support member, wherein each cup member is unattached to any other cup member.
- FIG. 1A shows a front view of the device 1, comprising a round cup member 10 and a support member 20.
- Support member 20 is depicted as an elongate member having squared ends 20a, 20b. One or both ends 20a, 20b may similarly be rounded.
- Cup member 10 and support member 20 may each be composed of one or more of a number of materials, including, for example, cloth and silicone.
- An exemplary cloth material is a tricote available from MBK Enterprises, Inc. of Chatsworth, CA, U.S.A.
- cup member 10, support member 20, or both may be composed of a stretchable foam material.
- cup member 10 may include various devices common to the manufacture of bras, including, for example, padding to provide the appearance of a larger breast.
- FIG. 1B shows a front view of device 1 as it would be applied to a wearer.
- Support member 20 resides along an underside of a wearer's breast while cup member 10 is placed along a front surface of the breast. While both cup member 10 and support member 20 are substantially flat before application, each conforms to the shape of a wearer's breast upon application. As shown, cup member 10 may partially or completely cover support member 20 when applied.
- FIG. 1C shows device 1 with optional mesh member 40 connecting cup member 10 and support member 20.
- Mesh member 40 may be of the same material or a different material as cup member 10 and support member 20.
- FIG. 1D shows device 1 having a first support member 20 and a second support member 22 residing below first support member, and each residing below cup member 10.
- First and second support members may be of the same or different materials.
- FIG. 1E shows device 1 of FIG. 1D with optionally rounded ends 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b on each of first support member 20 and second support member 22. It should be appreciated that while each end of first support member 20 and second support member 22 is shown having a rounded shape, it is within the scope of the present invention that one end of either or both support members may be rounded while the other end is squared.
- FIG. 1F shows a side view of device 1 as it would be located on a wearer's breast.
- Cup member 10 and support member 20 are secured to a wearer's breast by an adhesive 30 along an inner surface of each of cup member 10 and support member 20.
- Adhesive 30 may be provided upon one or both of cup member 10 and support member 20 or it may be applied to the inner surfaces of each by a wearer prior to application of device 1.
- Adhesive 30 may cover one or more portions or an entire interior surface of cup member 10 and support member 20.
- Substances suitable for use as adhesive 30 include skin-sensitive, pressure-sensitive, hypoallergenic, acrylate adhesives that are non-toxic and non-irritating to a wearer's skin. Such adhesives are available from, for example, 3M Inc. of St. Paul MN, U.S.A.
- adhesive 30 is a layer of silicone having properties making it adhesive or "tacky" to the touch.
- a material provides sufficient adhesion to a wearer's breast that cup member 10 and support member 20 are held in place and provide sufficient support to a wearer's breast but may be easily removed without causing discomfort to a wearer's skin.
- cup member 10, support member 20, or both may be composed of such a silicone, obviating the need for a separate layer of adhesive 30.
- Support member 20 is an elongate member placed substantially along an underside of a breast, providing support in direction A similar to that of an underwire in a traditional bra.
- Cup member 10 is placed over a front surface of a breast, providing support in direction B, holding the breast toward the wearer's body.
- a mesh member 40 may connect cup member 10 and support member 20.
- mesh member 40 may provide additional support to a breast while still allowing the independent movement of cup member 10 and support member 20.
- FIG. 1G shows a side view of device 1 as it would be located on a wearer's breast.
- First support member 20 is connected to cup member 10 and second support member 22 by first mesh member 40 and second mesh member 42, respectively.
- first mesh member 40 and second mesh member 42 are connected to cup member 10 and second support member 22 by first mesh member 40 and second mesh member 42, respectively.
- adhesive 30 may be applied to a portion or an entire interior surface of cup member 10, first support member 20, and second support member 22.
- FIG. 1H shows a side view of device 1, wherein cup member 10 is applied to cover support member 20.
- adhesive 30 may be applied to a portion or an entire interior surface of cup member 10 and support member 20.
- FIG. 1I shows a partially exploded side elevational view of device 1 as applied to a wearer (shown in phantom).
- Two cup members 10L, 10R are provided, one for each of a wearer's breasts.
- Right cup member 10R and right support member 20R are shown before application to the wearer's right breast.
- Right support member 20R is to be applied to an underside of the wearer's right breast while right cup member 10R is to be applied to a front surface of the wearer's right breast.
- Left cup member 10L is shown applied to the wearer's left breast. As applied, left cup member 10L covers left support member (not shown), which has been applied to an underside of the wearer's left breast.
- left cup member 10L or any other cup member may similarly cover only a portion of a support member or none of the support member, depending, for example, on the size of a wearer's breast and/or the particular sites of application of the cup member and the support member.
- FIGS. 1A-I show cup member 10 having a substantially round shape
- other shapes include, for example, half-rounds, partial half-rounds, ovals, half-ovals, partial half-ovals, "eye" shapes, and ellipses. Exemplary embodiments are described below with reference to FIGS. 2A-F , 3A-F , 4A-H , and 5A-G .
- FIGS. 2A-F various embodiments of device 100 are shown, wherein cup member 110 has an oval shape.
- FIG. 2A shows a front view of device 100, comprising an oval cup member 110 and a support member 120.
- Cup member 110 and support member 120 may each be composed of one or more of a number of materials, including, for example, cloth and silicone.
- FIG. 2B shows a front view of device 1 as it would be applied to a wearer.
- Support member 120 resides along an underside of a wearer's breast while cup member 110 is placed along a front surface of the breast. While both cup member 10 and support member 120 are substantially flat before application, each conforms to the shape of a wearer's breast upon application. As shown, cup member 110 may partially or completely cover support member 120 when applied.
- FIG. 2C shows device 100 with optional mesh member 140 connecting cup member 110 and support member 120.
- Mesh member 140 may be of the same material or a different material as cup member 110 and support member 120.
- FIG. 2D shows device 100 with a first support member 120 and a second support member 122 residing below first support member, and each residing below cup member 110.
- First and second support members may be of the same or different materials.
- FIG. 2E shows device 100 of FIG. 2D with optionally rounded ends 120a, 120b, 122a, 122b on each of first support member 120 and second support member 122. It should be appreciated that while each end of first support member 120 and second support member 122 is shown having a rounded shape, it is within the scope of the present invention that one end of either or both support members may be rounded while the other end is squared.
- FIG. 2F shows a partially exploded side elevational view of device 100 as applied to a wearer (shown in phantom).
- Two cup members 110L, 110R are provided, one for each of a wearer's breasts.
- Right cup member 110R and right support member 120R are shown before application to the wearer's right breast.
- Right support member 120R is to be applied to an underside of the wearer's right breast while right cup member 110R is to be applied to a front surface of the wearer's right breast.
- Left cup member 110L is shown applied to the wearer's left breast. As applied, left cup member 110L covers left support member (not shown), which has been applied to an underside of the wearer's left breast.
- left cup member 110L or any other cup member may similarly cover only a portion of a support member or none of the support member, depending, for example, on the size of a wearer's breast and/or the particular sites of application of the cup member and the support member.
- FIGS. 3A-F various embodiments of device 200 are shown, wherein cup member 210 has an exaggerated oval or "eye" shape.
- FIG. 3A shows a front view of the device 200, comprising an "eye-shaped" cup member 210 and a support member 220.
- Cup member 10 and support member 20 may each be composed of one or more of a number of materials, including, for example, cloth and silicone.
- FIG. 3B shows a front view of device 200 as it would be applied to a wearer.
- Support member 220 resides along an underside of a wearer's breast while cup member 210 is placed along a front surface of the breast. While both cup member 210 and support member 220 are substantially flat before application, each conforms to the shape of a wearer's breast upon application. As shown, cup member 210 may partially or completely cover support member 220 when applied.
- FIG. 3C shows device 200 with optional mesh member 240 connecting cup member 210 and support member 220.
- Mesh member 240 may be of the same material or a different material as cup member 210 and support member 220.
- FIG. 3D shows device 200 with a first support member 220 and a second support member 222 residing below first support member, and each residing below cup member 210.
- First and second support members may be of the same or different materials.
- FIG. 3E shows device 200 of FIG. 3D with optionally rounded ends 220a, 220b, 222a, 222b on each of first support member 220 and second support member 222. It should be appreciated that while each end of first support member 220 and second support member 222 is shown having a rounded shape, it is within the scope of the present invention that one end of either or both support members may be rounded while the other end is squared.
- FIG. 3F shows a partially exploded side elevational view of device 200 as applied to a wearer (shown in phantom).
- Two cup members 210L, 210R are provided, one for each of a wearer's breasts.
- Right cup member 210R and right support member 220R are shown before application to the wearer's right breast.
- Right support member 220R is to be applied to an underside of the wearer's right breast while right cup member 210R is to be applied to a front surface of the wearer's right breast.
- Left cup member 210L is shown applied to the wearer's left breast. As applied, left cup member 210L covers left support member (not shown), which has been applied to an underside of the wearer's left breast.
- left cup member 210L or any other cup member may similarly cover only a portion of a support member or none of the support member, depending, for example, on the size of a wearer's breast and/or the particular sites of application of the cup member and the support member.
- FIGS. 4A-H various embodiments of device 300 are shown, wherein cup member 310 has a half-round shape, wherein cup member 310 is substantially U-shaped and a top portion of cup member 310 has opposing sides that are substantially parallel.
- FIG. 4A shows a front view of the device 300, comprising a half-round cup member 310 and a support member 320.
- Cup member 310 and support member 320 may each be composed of one or more of a number of materials, including, for example, cloth and silicone.
- FIG. 4B shows a front view of device 300 as it would be applied to a wearer.
- Support member 320 resides along an underside of a wearer's breast while cup member 310 is placed along a front surface of the breast. While both cup member 310 and support member 320 are substantially flat before application, each conforms to the shape of a wearer's breast upon application. As shown, cup member 310 may partially or completely cover support member 320 when applied.
- FIG. 4C shows device 300 with optional mesh member 340 connecting cup member 310 and support member 320.
- Mesh member 340 may be of the same material or a different material as cup member 310 and support member 320.
- FIG. 4D shows device 300 with a first support member 320 and a second support member 322 residing below first support member, and each residing below cup member 310.
- First and second support members may be of the same or different materials.
- FIG. 4E shows device 300 of FIG. 4D with optionally rounded ends 320a, 320b, 322a, 322b on each of first support member 320 and second support member 322. It should be appreciated that while each end of first support member 320 and second support member 322 is shown having a rounded shape, it is within the scope of the present invention that one end of either or both support members may be rounded while the other end is squared.
- FIG. 4F shows device 300 of FIG. 4A , wherein cup member 310 further comprises an underwire 350.
- Such an embodiment may be desirable, for example, where a wearer desires more upward support of a breast than is provided by support member 320.
- FIG. 4G shows a front view of device 300 as it would be applied to a wearer.
- Support member 320 resides along an underside of a wearer's breast while cup member 310, which includes underwire 350, is placed along a front surface of the breast. While both cup member 310 and support member 320 are substantially flat before application, each conforms to the shape of a wearer's breast upon application. As shown, cup member 310 may partially or completely cover support member 320 when applied.
- FIG. 4H shows a partially exploded side elevational view of device 300 as applied to a wearer (shown in phantom).
- Two cup members 310L, 310R are provided, one for each of a wearer's breasts.
- Right cup member 310R and right support member 320R are shown before application to the wearer's right breast.
- Right support member 320R is to be applied to an underside of the wearer's right breast while right cup member 310R is to be applied to a front surface of the wearer's right breast.
- Left cup member 310L is shown applied to the wearer's left breast. As applied, left cup member 310L covers left support member (not shown), which has been applied to an underside of the wearer's left breast.
- left cup member 310L or any other cup member may similarly cover only a portion of a support member or none of the support member, depending, for example, on the size of a wearer's breast and/or the particular sites of application of the cup member and the support member.
- FIGS. 5A-G various embodiments of device 400 are shown, wherein cup member 410 has a partial half-round shape, designed to raise and move a wearer's breast to a medial position, thus providing cleavage.
- FIG. 5A shows a front view of the device 400, comprising a partial half-round cup member 410 and a support member 420.
- Cup member 410 and support member 420 may each be composed of one or more of a number of materials, including, for example, cloth and silicone.
- FIG. 5B shows a front view of device 400 as it would be applied to a wearer.
- Support member 420 resides along an underside of a wearer's breast while cup member 410 is placed along a front surface of the breast. While both cup member 410 and support member 420 are substantially flat before application, each conforms to the shape of a wearer's breast upon application. As shown, cup member 410 may partially or completely cover support member 420 when applied.
- FIG. 5C shows device 400 with optional mesh member 440 connecting cup member 410 and support member 420.
- Mesh member 440 may be of the same material or a different material as cup member 410 and support member 420.
- FIG. 5D shows device 400 with a first support member 420 and a second support member 422 residing below first support member, and each residing below cup member 410.
- First and second support members may be of the same or different materials.
- FIG. 5E shows device 400 of FIG. 5D with optionally rounded ends 420a, 420b, 422a, 422b on each of first support member 420 and second support member 422. It should be appreciated that while each end of first support member 420 and second support member 422 is shown having a rounded shape, it is within the scope of the present invention that one end of either or both support members may be rounded while the other end is squared.
- FIG. 5F shows device 400 comprising a pair of cup members 410R, 410L and support members 420R, 420L as well as optional tab members 460R, 460L located on or adjacent a lateral surface of each cup member 410R, 410L. That is, tab members 460R, 460L may be attached to cup members 410R, 410L by any means known in the art or may be applied as independent members to areas adjacent cup members 410R, 410L. Tab members 460R, 460L provide additional support to a wearer's breast by further securing cup member 410R, 410L to a side of the wearer's body.
- an adhesive such as that described above may be applied to a portion or an entire interior surface of tab member 460R, 460L.
- Tab members 460R, 460L may be of the same or a different material than cup member 410R, 410L and support member 420R, 420L.
- FIG. 5G shows a partially exploded side elevational view of device 400 as applied to a wearer (shown in phantom).
- Two cup members 410L, 410R are provided, one for each of a wearer's breasts.
- Right cup member 410R and right support member 420R are shown before application to the wearer's right breast.
- Right support member 420R is to be applied to an underside of the wearer's right breast while right cup member 410R is to be applied to a front surface of the wearer's right breast.
- Left cup member 410L is shown applied to the wearer's left breast. As applied, left cup member 410L covers left support member (not shown), which has been applied to an underside of the wearer's left breast.
- left cup member 410L or any other cup member may similarly cover only a portion of a support member or none of the support member, depending, for example, on the size of a wearer's breast and/or the particular sites of application of the cup member and the support member.
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Description
- The present invention relates generally to the field of undergarments and more specifically to a backless and strapless multi-piece bra. according to the preamble of
claim 1 and known fromUS-A-4 553 550 . - Bras have long been used to provide support to a wearer's breasts. However, traditional bras are unacceptable when worn with backless or shoulderless outer garments, as various parts, including their straps, will be visible. As a result, various backless and/or strapless bras have been developed for use with such outer garments.
- For example,
U.S. Patent No. 6,780,081 to Chen et al . describes a backless, strapless bra having cups held to a wearer's breasts with an adhesive. However, the device of the Chen et al. patent utilizes a connector between the cups of the bra which is intended to provide cleavage to a user's breasts. As such, the device cannot be worn with outer garments having plunging necklines, as the connector and possibly the cups of the device will be visible. In addition, the device would provide little support for the underside of a wearer's breast. - Accordingly, a need exists for a bra that is backless and strapless and is capable of providing support and/or cleavage to a wearer's breasts while being usable with a wide range of revealing outer garments.
- The device of the present invention provides a backless, strapless bra that provides support and/or cleavage to a wearer's breasts and the components of which are not visible, even when worn with a wide variety of revealing outer garments.
- The invention provides a backless and strapless bra comprising a set of cup members for supporting a front surface of a wearer's breast, a set of support members for supporting an underside of a wearer's breast, and at least one mesh member connecting a support member to at least one of a cup member and a second support member, wherein each cup member is unattached to any other cup member.
- The foregoing and other features of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of embodiments of the invention.
- The embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like designations denote like elements, and wherein:
-
FIGS. 1A-I show several views and embodiments of a multi-piece bra having a round cup. -
FIGS. 2A-F show several views and embodiments of a multi-piece bra having an oval cup. -
FIGS. 3A-F show several views and embodiments of a multi-piece bra having an "eye-shaped" cup. -
FIGS. 4A-H show several views and embodiments of a multi-piece bra having a half-round cup. -
FIGS. 5A-G show several views and embodiments of a multi-piece bra having a partial half-round push-up cup. - The multi-piece bras shown in
figures 1A, 1B ,1D ,1E ,1H ,1I ,2A, 2B ,2D - 2F ,3A, 3B ,3D - 3F ,4A, 4B ,4D - 4H ,5A, 5B ,5D - 5F and5G do not form part of the invention but represent background art useful for understanding the invention. - Referring to
FIGS. 1A-B , a first embodiment of a multi-piece bra is shown.FIG. 1A shows a front view of thedevice 1, comprising around cup member 10 and asupport member 20.Support member 20 is depicted as an elongate member havingsquared ends 20a, 20b. One or bothends 20a, 20b may similarly be rounded.Cup member 10 andsupport member 20 may each be composed of one or more of a number of materials, including, for example, cloth and silicone. An exemplary cloth material is a tricote available from MBK Enterprises, Inc. of Chatsworth, CA, U.S.A. Optionally,cup member 10,support member 20, or both may be composed of a stretchable foam material. In addition,cup member 10 may include various devices common to the manufacture of bras, including, for example, padding to provide the appearance of a larger breast. -
FIG. 1B shows a front view ofdevice 1 as it would be applied to a wearer.Support member 20 resides along an underside of a wearer's breast whilecup member 10 is placed along a front surface of the breast. While bothcup member 10 andsupport member 20 are substantially flat before application, each conforms to the shape of a wearer's breast upon application. As shown,cup member 10 may partially or completely coversupport member 20 when applied. -
FIG. 1C showsdevice 1 withoptional mesh member 40 connectingcup member 10 andsupport member 20.Mesh member 40 may be of the same material or a different material ascup member 10 andsupport member 20. -
FIG. 1D showsdevice 1 having afirst support member 20 and asecond support member 22 residing below first support member, and each residing belowcup member 10. First and second support members may be of the same or different materials. -
FIG. 1E showsdevice 1 ofFIG. 1D with optionallyrounded ends first support member 20 andsecond support member 22. It should be appreciated that while each end offirst support member 20 andsecond support member 22 is shown having a rounded shape, it is within the scope of the present invention that one end of either or both support members may be rounded while the other end is squared. -
FIG. 1F shows a side view ofdevice 1 as it would be located on a wearer's breast.Cup member 10 andsupport member 20 are secured to a wearer's breast by an adhesive 30 along an inner surface of each ofcup member 10 andsupport member 20. Adhesive 30 may be provided upon one or both ofcup member 10 and supportmember 20 or it may be applied to the inner surfaces of each by a wearer prior to application ofdevice 1. Adhesive 30 may cover one or more portions or an entire interior surface ofcup member 10 andsupport member 20. Substances suitable for use as adhesive 30 include skin-sensitive, pressure-sensitive, hypoallergenic, acrylate adhesives that are non-toxic and non-irritating to a wearer's skin. Such adhesives are available from, for example, 3M Inc. of St. Paul MN, U.S.A. - In a particularly preferred embodiment, adhesive 30 is a layer of silicone having properties making it adhesive or "tacky" to the touch. Such a material provides sufficient adhesion to a wearer's breast that
cup member 10 andsupport member 20 are held in place and provide sufficient support to a wearer's breast but may be easily removed without causing discomfort to a wearer's skin. Optionally,cup member 10,support member 20, or both may be composed of such a silicone, obviating the need for a separate layer ofadhesive 30. -
Support member 20 is an elongate member placed substantially along an underside of a breast, providing support in direction A similar to that of an underwire in a traditional bra.Cup member 10 is placed over a front surface of a breast, providing support in direction B, holding the breast toward the wearer's body. Optionally, amesh member 40 may connectcup member 10 andsupport member 20. Preferably, there is no adhesive 30 on an interior surface ofmesh member 40. As such,mesh member 40 may provide additional support to a breast while still allowing the independent movement ofcup member 10 andsupport member 20. -
FIG. 1G shows a side view ofdevice 1 as it would be located on a wearer's breast.First support member 20 is connected tocup member 10 andsecond support member 22 byfirst mesh member 40 andsecond mesh member 42, respectively. Such an embodiment may be useful, for example, where a wearer requires additional support for the underside of a breast. As inFIG. 1F , adhesive 30 may be applied to a portion or an entire interior surface ofcup member 10,first support member 20, andsecond support member 22. -
FIG. 1H shows a side view ofdevice 1, whereincup member 10 is applied to coversupport member 20. As inFIGS. 1F-G, adhesive 30 may be applied to a portion or an entire interior surface ofcup member 10 andsupport member 20. -
FIG. 1I shows a partially exploded side elevational view ofdevice 1 as applied to a wearer (shown in phantom). Twocup members 10L, 10R are provided, one for each of a wearer's breasts.Right cup member 10R andright support member 20R are shown before application to the wearer's right breast.Right support member 20R is to be applied to an underside of the wearer's right breast whileright cup member 10R is to be applied to a front surface of the wearer's right breast. Left cup member 10L is shown applied to the wearer's left breast. As applied, left cup member 10L covers left support member (not shown), which has been applied to an underside of the wearer's left breast. It should be understood, of course, that left cup member 10L or any other cup member may similarly cover only a portion of a support member or none of the support member, depending, for example, on the size of a wearer's breast and/or the particular sites of application of the cup member and the support member. - While
FIGS. 1A-I showcup member 10 having a substantially round shape, other shapes are possible. Such shapes include, for example, half-rounds, partial half-rounds, ovals, half-ovals, partial half-ovals, "eye" shapes, and ellipses. Exemplary embodiments are described below with reference toFIGS. 2A-F ,3A-F ,4A-H , and5A-G . - Referring to
FIGS. 2A-F , various embodiments ofdevice 100 are shown, whereincup member 110 has an oval shape.FIG. 2A shows a front view ofdevice 100, comprising anoval cup member 110 and asupport member 120.Cup member 110 andsupport member 120 may each be composed of one or more of a number of materials, including, for example, cloth and silicone. -
FIG. 2B shows a front view ofdevice 1 as it would be applied to a wearer.Support member 120 resides along an underside of a wearer's breast whilecup member 110 is placed along a front surface of the breast. While bothcup member 10 andsupport member 120 are substantially flat before application, each conforms to the shape of a wearer's breast upon application. As shown,cup member 110 may partially or completely coversupport member 120 when applied. -
FIG. 2C showsdevice 100 withoptional mesh member 140 connectingcup member 110 andsupport member 120.Mesh member 140 may be of the same material or a different material ascup member 110 andsupport member 120. -
FIG. 2D showsdevice 100 with afirst support member 120 and asecond support member 122 residing below first support member, and each residing belowcup member 110. First and second support members may be of the same or different materials. -
FIG. 2E showsdevice 100 ofFIG. 2D with optionally rounded ends 120a, 120b, 122a, 122b on each offirst support member 120 andsecond support member 122. It should be appreciated that while each end offirst support member 120 andsecond support member 122 is shown having a rounded shape, it is within the scope of the present invention that one end of either or both support members may be rounded while the other end is squared. -
FIG. 2F shows a partially exploded side elevational view ofdevice 100 as applied to a wearer (shown in phantom). Twocup members 110L, 110R are provided, one for each of a wearer's breasts. Right cup member 110R and right support member 120R are shown before application to the wearer's right breast. Right support member 120R is to be applied to an underside of the wearer's right breast while right cup member 110R is to be applied to a front surface of the wearer's right breast.Left cup member 110L is shown applied to the wearer's left breast. As applied,left cup member 110L covers left support member (not shown), which has been applied to an underside of the wearer's left breast. It should be understood, of course, that leftcup member 110L or any other cup member may similarly cover only a portion of a support member or none of the support member, depending, for example, on the size of a wearer's breast and/or the particular sites of application of the cup member and the support member. - Referring to
FIGS. 3A-F , various embodiments ofdevice 200 are shown, whereincup member 210 has an exaggerated oval or "eye" shape.FIG. 3A shows a front view of thedevice 200, comprising an "eye-shaped"cup member 210 and asupport member 220.Cup member 10 andsupport member 20 may each be composed of one or more of a number of materials, including, for example, cloth and silicone. -
FIG. 3B shows a front view ofdevice 200 as it would be applied to a wearer.Support member 220 resides along an underside of a wearer's breast whilecup member 210 is placed along a front surface of the breast. While bothcup member 210 andsupport member 220 are substantially flat before application, each conforms to the shape of a wearer's breast upon application. As shown,cup member 210 may partially or completely coversupport member 220 when applied. -
FIG. 3C showsdevice 200 withoptional mesh member 240 connectingcup member 210 andsupport member 220.Mesh member 240 may be of the same material or a different material ascup member 210 andsupport member 220. -
FIG. 3D showsdevice 200 with afirst support member 220 and asecond support member 222 residing below first support member, and each residing belowcup member 210. First and second support members may be of the same or different materials. -
FIG. 3E showsdevice 200 ofFIG. 3D with optionally rounded ends 220a, 220b, 222a, 222b on each offirst support member 220 andsecond support member 222. It should be appreciated that while each end offirst support member 220 andsecond support member 222 is shown having a rounded shape, it is within the scope of the present invention that one end of either or both support members may be rounded while the other end is squared. -
FIG. 3F shows a partially exploded side elevational view ofdevice 200 as applied to a wearer (shown in phantom). Twocup members Right cup member 210R andright support member 220R are shown before application to the wearer's right breast.Right support member 220R is to be applied to an underside of the wearer's right breast whileright cup member 210R is to be applied to a front surface of the wearer's right breast.Left cup member 210L is shown applied to the wearer's left breast. As applied,left cup member 210L covers left support member (not shown), which has been applied to an underside of the wearer's left breast. It should be understood, of course, that leftcup member 210L or any other cup member may similarly cover only a portion of a support member or none of the support member, depending, for example, on the size of a wearer's breast and/or the particular sites of application of the cup member and the support member. - Referring to
FIGS. 4A-H , various embodiments ofdevice 300 are shown, whereincup member 310 has a half-round shape, whereincup member 310 is substantially U-shaped and a top portion ofcup member 310 has opposing sides that are substantially parallel.FIG. 4A shows a front view of thedevice 300, comprising a half-round cup member 310 and asupport member 320.Cup member 310 andsupport member 320 may each be composed of one or more of a number of materials, including, for example, cloth and silicone. -
FIG. 4B shows a front view ofdevice 300 as it would be applied to a wearer.Support member 320 resides along an underside of a wearer's breast whilecup member 310 is placed along a front surface of the breast. While bothcup member 310 andsupport member 320 are substantially flat before application, each conforms to the shape of a wearer's breast upon application. As shown,cup member 310 may partially or completely coversupport member 320 when applied. -
FIG. 4C showsdevice 300 withoptional mesh member 340 connectingcup member 310 andsupport member 320.Mesh member 340 may be of the same material or a different material ascup member 310 andsupport member 320. -
FIG. 4D showsdevice 300 with afirst support member 320 and asecond support member 322 residing below first support member, and each residing belowcup member 310. First and second support members may be of the same or different materials. -
FIG. 4E showsdevice 300 ofFIG. 4D with optionally rounded ends 320a, 320b, 322a, 322b on each offirst support member 320 andsecond support member 322. It should be appreciated that while each end offirst support member 320 andsecond support member 322 is shown having a rounded shape, it is within the scope of the present invention that one end of either or both support members may be rounded while the other end is squared. -
FIG. 4F showsdevice 300 ofFIG. 4A , whereincup member 310 further comprises anunderwire 350. Such an embodiment may be desirable, for example, where a wearer desires more upward support of a breast than is provided bysupport member 320. -
FIG. 4G shows a front view ofdevice 300 as it would be applied to a wearer.Support member 320 resides along an underside of a wearer's breast whilecup member 310, which includesunderwire 350, is placed along a front surface of the breast. While bothcup member 310 andsupport member 320 are substantially flat before application, each conforms to the shape of a wearer's breast upon application. As shown,cup member 310 may partially or completely coversupport member 320 when applied. -
FIG. 4H shows a partially exploded side elevational view ofdevice 300 as applied to a wearer (shown in phantom). Twocup members Right cup member 310R andright support member 320R are shown before application to the wearer's right breast.Right support member 320R is to be applied to an underside of the wearer's right breast whileright cup member 310R is to be applied to a front surface of the wearer's right breast.Left cup member 310L is shown applied to the wearer's left breast. As applied,left cup member 310L covers left support member (not shown), which has been applied to an underside of the wearer's left breast. It should be understood, of course, that leftcup member 310L or any other cup member may similarly cover only a portion of a support member or none of the support member, depending, for example, on the size of a wearer's breast and/or the particular sites of application of the cup member and the support member. - Referring to
FIGS. 5A-G , various embodiments ofdevice 400 are shown, whereincup member 410 has a partial half-round shape, designed to raise and move a wearer's breast to a medial position, thus providing cleavage.FIG. 5A shows a front view of thedevice 400, comprising a partial half-round cup member 410 and asupport member 420.Cup member 410 andsupport member 420 may each be composed of one or more of a number of materials, including, for example, cloth and silicone. -
FIG. 5B shows a front view ofdevice 400 as it would be applied to a wearer.Support member 420 resides along an underside of a wearer's breast whilecup member 410 is placed along a front surface of the breast. While bothcup member 410 andsupport member 420 are substantially flat before application, each conforms to the shape of a wearer's breast upon application. As shown,cup member 410 may partially or completely coversupport member 420 when applied. -
FIG. 5C showsdevice 400 withoptional mesh member 440 connectingcup member 410 andsupport member 420.Mesh member 440 may be of the same material or a different material ascup member 410 andsupport member 420. -
FIG. 5D showsdevice 400 with afirst support member 420 and asecond support member 422 residing below first support member, and each residing belowcup member 410. First and second support members may be of the same or different materials. -
FIG. 5E showsdevice 400 ofFIG. 5D with optionally rounded ends 420a, 420b, 422a, 422b on each offirst support member 420 andsecond support member 422. It should be appreciated that while each end offirst support member 420 andsecond support member 422 is shown having a rounded shape, it is within the scope of the present invention that one end of either or both support members may be rounded while the other end is squared. -
FIG. 5F showsdevice 400 comprising a pair ofcup members support members optional tab members 460R, 460L located on or adjacent a lateral surface of eachcup member tab members 460R, 460L may be attached tocup members adjacent cup members Tab members 460R, 460L provide additional support to a wearer's breast by further securingcup member tab member 460R, 460L.Tab members 460R, 460L may be of the same or a different material thancup member support member -
FIG. 5G shows a partially exploded side elevational view ofdevice 400 as applied to a wearer (shown in phantom). Twocup members Right cup member 410R andright support member 420R are shown before application to the wearer's right breast.Right support member 420R is to be applied to an underside of the wearer's right breast whileright cup member 410R is to be applied to a front surface of the wearer's right breast.Left cup member 410L is shown applied to the wearer's left breast. As applied,left cup member 410L covers left support member (not shown), which has been applied to an underside of the wearer's left breast. It should be understood, of course, that leftcup member 410L or any other cup member may similarly cover only a portion of a support member or none of the support member, depending, for example, on the size of a wearer's breast and/or the particular sites of application of the cup member and the support member. - While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the embodiments of the invention as set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.
Claims (20)
- A backless and strapless bra comprising:a set of cup members (10) for supporting a front surface of a wearer's breast; wherein each cup member (10) is unattached to any other cup member (10), characterised in that the bra further comprisesa set of first support members (20) for supporting an underside of a wearer's breast; and at least one mesh member (40, 42) connecting a first support member (20) to at least one of a cup member (10) and a second support member (22).
- The bra of claim 1, wherein a shape of the cup member (10) is selected from a group consisting of round, oval, "eye-shaped," half-round, half-oval, partial half-round, partial half-oval, and elliptical.
- The bra of claim 1, wherein the support member (20, 22) is an elongate member residing on an underside of a wearer's breast.
- The bra of claim 1, wherein at least one end of the support member (20) is rounded.
- The bra of claim 1, wherein a first support member (20) and a second support (22) member reside on an underside of a wearer's breast, the second support (22) member being more proximal than the first support member (20).
- The bra of claim 5, wherein at least one end of at least one of the first support member (20) and the second support member (22) is rounded.
- The bra of claim 1, wherein the material of at least one of the cup member (10) and the support member (20, 22) includes at least one of a cloth and a silicone.
- The bra of claim 7, wherein the cloth is a tricote.
- The bra of claim 1, further comprising at least one support tab.
- The bra of claim 9, wherein the at least one support tab is attached to the cup member (10).
- The bra of claim 9, wherein the material of the support tab includes at least one of a cloth and a silicone.
- The bra of claim 1, wherein the cup member (10) includes at least one underwire.
- The bra of claim 1, wherein the cup member (10) is padded.
- The bra of claim 1, wherein the material of the mesh member (40, 42) includes at least one of a cloth and a silicone.
- The bra of claim 14, wherein the cloth is a tricote.
- The bra of claim 1, further comprising an adhesive (30) for securing at least one of a cup member (10) and a support member (20, 22) to a wearer's breast.
- The bra of claim 16, wherein the adhesive (30) is pressure sensitive.
- The bra of claim 16, wherein the adhesive (30) is applied to a portion of at least one of a cup member (10) and a support member (20, 22).
- The bra of claim 1, wherein the at least one cup member (10) and the at least one support member (20, 22) comprise sufficient adhesion to secure the cup member (10) and the support member (20, 22) to a wearer's breast.
- The bra of claim 19, wherein the material of at least one of the cup member and the support member is a silicone.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US50201403P | 2003-09-11 | 2003-09-11 | |
US51188003P | 2003-10-16 | 2003-10-16 | |
PCT/US2004/029750 WO2005025346A2 (en) | 2003-09-11 | 2004-09-10 | Multi-piece bra |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1662918A2 EP1662918A2 (en) | 2006-06-07 |
EP1662918A4 EP1662918A4 (en) | 2007-02-21 |
EP1662918B1 true EP1662918B1 (en) | 2010-06-23 |
Family
ID=34316506
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP04783822A Expired - Fee Related EP1662918B1 (en) | 2003-09-11 | 2004-09-10 | Multi-piece bra |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20050059320A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1662918B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2007505233A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2538341A1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE602004027818D1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2005025346A2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
AU2006202611B2 (en) * | 2005-06-20 | 2009-12-03 | Perfect Form Pty. Ltd. | Strapless backless bra |
US9706797B1 (en) * | 2016-08-01 | 2017-07-18 | Nina Kratsa | Fabric tape brassiere |
US11425940B2 (en) * | 2018-10-23 | 2022-08-30 | Tit Tape LLC | Adhesive support garments |
Family Cites Families (21)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2728079A (en) * | 1954-06-23 | 1955-12-27 | Angela L Williams | Breast support |
US2869553A (en) * | 1957-07-10 | 1959-01-20 | D Or Nicl | Disposable brassiere |
US3280818A (en) * | 1964-08-20 | 1966-10-25 | Solette Co | Wearing apparel |
JPS5716901A (en) * | 1980-06-26 | 1982-01-28 | Nitsukou Kakouzai Kk | Underwear for breast |
JPS5752513A (en) * | 1980-08-15 | 1982-03-29 | Kobe Steel Ltd | Protecting method for driving motor of reversing mill |
JPS63143508A (en) * | 1986-12-05 | 1988-06-15 | Kokusai Denshin Denwa Co Ltd <Kdd> | Preform for fluoride glass fiber and its production |
JP2782240B2 (en) * | 1989-07-26 | 1998-07-30 | 株式会社巴川製紙所 | Lighting lamp |
US4992074A (en) * | 1989-06-01 | 1991-02-12 | Damin Industries, Inc. | Reusable self-supporting brassiere |
FR2738480B1 (en) * | 1995-09-12 | 1997-11-28 | Zagame Andre | FLEXIBLE SELF-ADHESIVE ELEMENT FOR EXTERNAL MEDICAL USE FOR THE TREATMENT OF HYPERTROPHIC SCARS OR CHELOIDS CONSECUTIVE TO BREAST INTERVENTIONS |
US5755611A (en) * | 1996-12-26 | 1998-05-26 | Noble; Cecil | Self-supporting breast cup |
US6007406A (en) * | 1997-12-04 | 1999-12-28 | Micron Technology, Inc. | Polishing systems, methods of polishing substrates, and method of preparing liquids for semiconductor fabrication process |
US6257951B1 (en) * | 1998-01-22 | 2001-07-10 | Demarco Jill R. | Reusable strapless backless bra |
JP3460051B2 (en) * | 1998-03-17 | 2003-10-27 | 株式会社吉本倶楽部 | Adhesive pad and method of manufacturing the same |
JP3686541B2 (en) * | 1998-12-28 | 2005-08-24 | 株式会社ダッチェス | Shaped body |
US6231424B1 (en) * | 1999-02-01 | 2001-05-15 | Imagine Enterprises Llc | Strapless and backless bra |
US6183340B1 (en) * | 2000-05-09 | 2001-02-06 | Yang Wen | Structure of a brassiere cup |
US6338665B1 (en) * | 2000-11-03 | 2002-01-15 | Sammie L. Dawson | Protective breast covering assembly |
ITMI20011194A1 (en) * | 2001-06-06 | 2002-12-06 | Biofarm Srl | SELF-SUPPORTED FEMALE BRA |
US6371831B1 (en) * | 2001-08-24 | 2002-04-16 | Holly A. Dodge | Strapless swimsuit top and method of donning same |
US6814648B2 (en) * | 2002-01-07 | 2004-11-09 | Lawrence Wai Yiu Chong | Reusable strapless and backless bra |
US6758720B2 (en) * | 2002-05-31 | 2004-07-06 | Bragel International, Inc. | Attachable breast form enhancement system |
-
2004
- 2004-09-10 EP EP04783822A patent/EP1662918B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2004-09-10 WO PCT/US2004/029750 patent/WO2005025346A2/en active Application Filing
- 2004-09-10 US US10/937,907 patent/US20050059320A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2004-09-10 JP JP2006526354A patent/JP2007505233A/en active Pending
- 2004-09-10 DE DE602004027818T patent/DE602004027818D1/en active Active
- 2004-09-10 CA CA002538341A patent/CA2538341A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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JP2007505233A (en) | 2007-03-08 |
EP1662918A2 (en) | 2006-06-07 |
WO2005025346A2 (en) | 2005-03-24 |
DE602004027818D1 (en) | 2010-08-05 |
CA2538341A1 (en) | 2005-03-24 |
EP1662918A4 (en) | 2007-02-21 |
US20050059320A1 (en) | 2005-03-17 |
WO2005025346A3 (en) | 2006-05-18 |
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