NL2029010B1

NL2029010B1 - A brassiere

Info

Publication number: NL2029010B1
Application number: NL2029010A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Antonette Emmanuel Germana Maria Reijnders Elisabeth
Original assignee: Antonette Emmanuel Germana Maria Reijnders Elisabeth
Priority date: 2021-08-20
Filing date: 2021-08-20
Publication date: 2023-02-24

Abstract

A.brassiere (1) provided with features for support of a wearer’s (7) breasts without restricting the wearer diaphragm, wherein said brassiere comprises two breastholding cups (2) and wherein each cup (2) comprises: an upper extension (3) extendable in a direction substantially cranial to a sternum (S) of a wearer (7); and a lower extension (4) extendable in a direction substantially caudal to the sternum (S) of the wearer (7).

Description

A brassiere

The invention relates to a breastholding device commonly known as a brassiere.

Brassieres are increasingly becoming an issue for women and girls to the point that some women choose to go braless due to discomfort and/or health related issues like Lyme decease. The discomfort is further accentuated with women with a large breast size. This is mainly due to the fact that a conventional brassiere might hinder the movement of the diaphragm during breathing.

US 7,192,333 offers a solution to this issue by disclosing a brassiere that facilitates a woman's breathing. The brassiere of US’333 comprises a lower portion with an inverted V-shape that skirts the woman’s diaphragm. The inverted V-shaped of the lower portion is integrated with a semirigid elastic substrate in order to find the best compromise between comfort and a structure rigid enough to maintains an inverted V-shaped.

However, a comprise inherently means that the brassiere of

US’ 333 does not provide the optimal supporting structure nor the optimal comfort for the wearer.

It is an object of the current invention to correct the shortcomings of the prior art and to provide the wearer with alternative solutions for brassieres that facilitate breathing.

This and other objects which will become apparent from the following disclosure, are provided with a brassiere having the features of one or more of the appended claims.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the brassiere comprises two breastholding cups wherein each cup is provided with: an upper extension extending or extendable in a direction substantially cranial to a sternum of a wearer, and a lower extension extending or extendable in a direction substantially caudal to the sternum (S) of the wearer. The upper and lower extensions as such ensure that the wearer's breasts are

- 2 = optimally supported by the cups while diverting their weight away from the diaphragm region.

In order to further enhance the support of the wearer’s breast while maintaining an optimal level of comfort, the upper extensions of the two cups are embodied in a plurality of embodiments as follows: * The upper extension of each cup extends or is extendable towards a back of the wearer. + The upper extension of the left cup is attachable to the upper extension of the right cup or vice versa. + The upper extension of each cup comprises at least one adjustable strap fastener. + The upper extension of the left cup is releasably lockable with the upper extension of the right cup, or vice versa, via at least one adjustable strap fastener.

Furthermore, the lower extension of each cup comprises at least one adjustable strap fastener. Such adjustable fastener can be embodied as a hook-and-eye fastener, a swimwear fastener, a slider-and-ring fastener, a G-hook fastener, and any other known fastener that provides strap fastening at, preferably but necessarily, a plurality of strap lengths.

In a preferred embodiment, each cup comprises a lower sidestrap attached to the lower extension of said cup. When fastened, such straps provide extra support to the structure of the brassiere.

Advantageously, the lower sidestraps are releasably lockable at a body region caudal to the apposition region of the diaphragm of the wearer via at least one adjustable strap fastener. Locking the lower sidestraps as such, ensures that the movement of the diaphragm is not hindered during its entire range of motion.

Additionally, each lower sidestrap is releasably attachable to a corresponding side of a bottom wear via at least one adjustable strap fastener. This embodiment is preferred when the

- 3 = wearer is wearing an open dress, as it leaves the front of such dress strapless without compromising the structural support of the brassiere.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the brassiere comprises: at least one upper sidestrap extending or extendable from the lower extension of each cup towards the back of the wearer around the shoulder of said wearer; and at least one upper chest strap extending or extendable between the upper sidestraps such as to support the upper extension of at least one cup. Such upper sidestrap and upper chest strap ensure that the weight of the wearer's breast is supported by the shoulders and the upper chest region of the wearer while keeping the apposition region of the diaphragm clear.

Advantageously, the brassiere comprises a backstrap extending or extendable at the back of the wearer and attachable to the lower extension of each cup. Such backstrap further solidify the structural support of the brassiere without putting any additional pressure on the apposition region of the diaphragm of the wearer.

Suitably, the brassiere comprises a bracket integrated in the cup between the upper extension and the lower extension.

Such bracket can be made from rigid or semirigid materials and it further solidifies the structure of the brassiere while ensuring that the weight of the breast is channelled towards the upper extension and the lower extension of the cup, away from the sternum region and the apposition region of the diaphragm of the wearer.

The invention will hereinafter be further elucidated with reference to the drawing of several exemplary embodiments of a brasserie according to the invention that is not limiting as to the appended claims.

In the drawing: - figure 1 shows a front view of a first embodiment of a brasserie according to the invention; and

- figure 2 shows a back view of the first embodiment of a brasserie according to the invention; and - figure 3 shows front and back views of a second embodiment of a brasserie according to the invention; and - figure 4 shows a front view of a third embodiment of a brasserie according to the invention; and - figure 5 shows a back and a front side view of a fourth embodiment of a brasserie according to the invention; and - figure 6 shows front and back views of a fifth embodiment of a brasserie according to the invention; and - figure 7 shows front and back views of a sixth embodiment of a brasserie according to the invention; and - figure 8 shows a front view of a seventh embodiment of a brasserie according to the invention; and - figure 9 shows a back view of the seventh embodiment of a brasserie according to the invention.

Whenever in the figures the same reference numerals are applied, these numerals refer to the same parts.

The common feature in the embodiments shown in the above- mentioned figures is that the breasts of the wearer 7 is carried away from the region of sternum S and the apposition region of the diaphragm of the wearer 7. This feature is achieved through the below-mentioned embodiments featuring particular arrangements of the breastholding cups 2 of the brassiere and the extensions and straps thereof.

The brassiere of a first embodiment shown in figure 1 features two breastholding cups 2 wherein the upper extensions 3 of the cups 2 are extended cranial to the sternum S region of the wearer 7 towards the back of the wearer 7. Adjustable strap fasteners 5 are shown integrated in the upper extensions 3 to provide the wearer control over the length of said upper extensions 3. The lower extensions 4 of said cup 2 are extended caudal to the sternum S region of the wearer and is attached to lower sidestraps 6 via adjustable strap fasteners 5. The lower sidestraps 6 are locked together via an adjustable strap fastener 5. The way in which the upper extensions 3 of the cups

— 5 = 3 are extended towards to back of the wearer 7 is shown in figure 2. In the right section of figure 2, the upper extensions 3 are shown to be wrapping around the neck of the wearer 7. In the left section of figure 2 the upper extensions 3 are shown to crisscross at the back of the wearer before being attached to a backstrap 10.

Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of the invention wherein the upper extensions 3 are locked at the neck of the wearer 7 via adjustable strap fasteners 5. Figure 3 also show that the lower extension 4 of the cups 2 are sewn into the lower sidestraps 6.

Figure 4 shows a third embodiment of the invention wherein the upper extensions 3 are locked at the upper chest region via an adjustable strap fastener 5. The shoulder support is provided by upper sidestraps 8 wrapped around the shoulder of the wearer 7. Support brackets 12 are shown integrated in the cups 2 between the upper extension 3 and the lower extension 4 of said cups 2 such as to channel the weight of the breast of a wearer 7 towards these extensions.

Figure 5 shows a fourth embodiment of the invention wherein the lower sidestraps 6 are attached to their corresponding side of a bottom wear 11 via adjustable strap fasteners 5. The brassiere comprises upper sidestraps 8 extending towards the back of the wearer 7 around the shoulder of said wearer 7.

An upper chest strap 9 is shown extending between the upper sidestraps 8 in order to support the upper extensions 3 of the cups 2. Such an embodiment ensures the weight of the breast is channelled even further away from the sternum S region and the apposition region of the diaphragm of the wearer 7.

Additionally, such embodiment is particularly preferred by a wearer 7 wearing an open dress.

Figure 6 shows a fifth embodiment of the invention wherein the upper sidestraps 8 comprises adjustable strap fasteners on an anterior side such as to enable the length adjustment of the upper sidestraps 8. The backstrap 10 is shown extending towards the shoulders and the upper sidestraps 8 are shown crisscrossing at the back of the wearer 7 and being attached to the backstrap 10. Such embodiment offers a sturdier support for the breasts the wearer 7 and thus is suitable for wear during sport activities.

Figure 7 shows a sixth embodiment of the invention wherein the upper extensions 3 of the cups 2 are attachable at an anterior side of the wearer via an adjustable strap fastener 5.

The upper sidestraps 8 are shown extending further to be attached to the backstrap 10 such as to leave the back of the wearer clear. Such embodiment is particularly preferred when the wearer 7 is wearing a dress with an open back. Additionally, the brassiere 1s easier to wear and the adjust since all the adjustable strap fasteners are located at an anterior side of the wearer 7.

Figure 8 and figure 9 show a seventh embodiment of the invention wherein the upper extensions 3 of the cups 2 are attachable via an adjustable strap fastener 5 and wherein the upper sidestraps 8 are attached to the backstrap 10 via adjustable strap fasteners 5. This embodiment is suitable for sports and in particular swimming activities.

Although the invention has been discussed in the foregoing with reference to several exemplary embodiments of the brasserie of the invention, the invention is not restricted to these particular embodiments which can be varied in many ways without departing from the invention. The discussed exemplary embodiments shall therefore not be used to construe the appended claims strictly in accordance therewith. On the contrary the embodiments are merely intended to explain the wording of the appended claims without intent to limit the claims to these exemplary embodiments. The scope of protection of the invention shall therefore be construed in accordance with the appended claims only, wherein a possible ambiguity in the wording of the claims shall be resolved using these exemplary embodiments.

Aspects of the invention are itemized in the following

- 7 = section.

1. A brassiere (1) provided with features for support of a wearer's (7) breasts without restricting the wearer diaphragm, characterized in that said brassiere comprises two cups (2) arranged for breast-holding, wherein each cup (2) is provided with:

- an upper extension (3) extending or extendable in a direction substantially cranial to a sternum (3) of a wearer (7); and

— a lower extension (4) extending or extendable in a direction substantially caudal to the sternum (S) of the wearer (7).

2. A brassiere (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper extension (3) of each cup (2) extends or is extendable towards a back of the wearer (7).

3. A brassiere (1) according to of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the upper extension (3) of the left cup (2) is attachable to the upper extension (3) of the right cup (2), or vice versa.

4. A brassiere (1) according to anyone of claims 1-3, characterized in that the upper extension (3) of each cup comprises at least one adjustable strap fastener (5).

5. A brassiere (1) according to anyone of claims 1-4, characterized in that the upper extension (3) of the left cup

(2) is releasably lockable with the upper extension (3) of the right cup (2), or vice versa, via at least one adjustable strap fastener (5).

6. A brassiere (1) according to anyone of claims 1-5, characterized in that the lower extension (4) of each cup (2)

comprises at least one adjustable strap holder fastener (5).

7. A brassiere (1) according to anyone of claims 1-6, characterized in that each cup (2) comprises a lower sidestrap (6) attached to the lower extension (4) of said cup (2).

8. A brassiere (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the lower sidestrap (6) is releasably lockable at a body region caudal to the apposition region of the diaphragm of the wearer (7) via at least one adjustable strap fastener (5).

9. A brassiere (1) according to anyone of claims 1-8,

characterized in that each lower sidestrap (6) is releasably attachable to a corresponding side of a bottom wear (11) via at least one adjustable strap fastener (5). 10. A brassiere (1) according to anyone of claims 1- 9, characterized in that the brassiere (1) comprises:

— at least one upper sidestrap (8) extending or extendable from the lower extension (4) of each cup {2) towards the back of the wearer (7) around the shoulder of said wearer (7); and

— at least one upper chest strap (9) extending or extendable between the upper sidestraps (8) such as to support the upper extension (3) of at least one cup (2). 11. A brassiere (1) according to anyone of claims 1- 10, characterized in that said brassiere comprises a backstrap {10} extending or extendable at the back of the wearer (7) and attachable to the lower extension (4) of each cup (2). 12. A brassiere (1) according to anyone of claims 1- 11, characterized in that the brassiere comprises a bracket (12) integrated in the cup (2) between the upper extension (3) and the lower extension (4).

Claims

CONCLUSIONS

Bra (1) provided with means for supporting the breasts of a wearer (7) without restricting the diaphragm of the wearer, characterized in that the bra comprises two cups (2) designed for holding the breast, each cup (2 ) is provided with: - an upper extension (3) extending or extendable in a direction substantially cranial to a sternum (S) of a wearer (7); and - a lower extension (4) extending or extendable in a direction substantially caudal to the sternum (5) of the wearer (7).

Brassiere (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper extension (3) of each cup (2) extends or is extendable towards a back of the wearer (7).

Brassiere (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the upper extension (3) of the left cup (2) can be attached to the upper extension (3) of the right cup (2), or vice versa .

Brassiere (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the upper extension (3) of each cup comprises at least one adjustable belt attachment (5).

Brassiere (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the upper extension (3) of the left cup (2) can be releasably locked to the upper extension (3) of the right cup (2) , or vice versa, via at least one adjustable strap attachment (5).

Brassiere (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the lower extension (4) of each cup (2) comprises at least one adjustable belt holder attachment (5).

Brassiere (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each cup (2) comprises a lower side band (6) attached to the lower extension (4) of the cup (2).

Brassiere (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the lower side band (6) is releasably fastenable to a body region caudally near the diaphragm of the wearer (7) via at least one adjustable strap attachment (5).

Brassiere (1) according to any one of claims 1-8, comprising the

- 10 = characterized in that each lower side strap (6) is detachably attachable to a corresponding side of an undergarment (11) via at least one adjustable belt attachment (5).

Brassiere (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the brassiere (1) comprises: - at least one upper side band (8) extending or extendable from the lower extension (4) of each cup (2) towards the back of the wearer (7) around the shoulder of the wearer (7); and - at least one upper chest strap (9) extending or extendable between the upper side straps (8) to support the upper extension (3) of at least one cup (2).

Brassiere (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the brassiere comprises a back strap (10) which extends or is extensible at the back of the wearer (7) and is attached to the lower extension (4 ) of each cup (2) is attachable.

Bra (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the bra comprises an underwire (12) integrated in the cup (2) between the upper extension (3) and the lower extension (4 ).