US20080299870A1

US20080299870A1 - Adjustable strap for brassiere having shoulder and body engaging means

Info

Publication number: US20080299870A1
Application number: US12/128,936
Authority: US
Inventors: Elisabeth Penunuri
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-05-31
Filing date: 2008-05-29
Publication date: 2008-12-04
Also published as: WO2008150975A1

Abstract

The brassiere includes a left and a right cup, each having a proximate side, a distal side, and a top side. The proximate sides of the cups are attached. A left shoulder blade portion is attached to the distal side of the left cup. A right shoulder blade portion is attached to the distal side of the right cup. A first sleeve is formed in the left shoulder blade portion. A second sleeve is formed in the right shoulder blade portion. A first shoulder strap is connected to the right shoulder blade portion and traverses the first sleeve. A second shoulder strap is connected to the left shoulder blade portion and traverses the second sleeve. The shoulder straps are also connected to the top side of the left cup and the top side of the right cup.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to copending U.S. Provisional Application entitled, “ADJUSTABLE STRAP FOR BRASSIERE HAVING SHOULDER AND BODY ENGAGING MEANS,” having Ser. No. 60/941,008, filed May 31, 2007, which is entirely incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to clothing and, more specifically, relates to an adjustable strap for a brassiere.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional brassieres are adjustable at the shoulder straps with slidable fasteners and adjustable fasteners found along a body strap of the brassiere. Such adjustable fasteners typically include metal or plastic latch and hook mechanisms, found at the front or back portion of a brassiere. Such brassieres may require a user to adjust slidable fasteners and adjustable fasteners on a regular basis.
Ideally, a brassiere would have an accessible adjustable strap across the back between the shoulder blades. However, an adjustment mechanism between the shoulder blades would be difficult, if not impossible, for most women to reach comfortably and independently. Various mechanisms and contraptions have been devised over the years to resolve this issue, but with unsatisfying results.
The adjustable fasteners on conventional brassieres typically have three adjustable fasteners on the body straps of the brassiere. Having just three fasteners limits the size of the body strap to just a few positions. Thus, as a user grows or shrinks, brassieres need to be replaced which can be an expensive ordeal.
The apparatus for fastening brassieres is also unwieldy. A big issue with hook and eye fasteners at the back is that: 1) they are hard to reach—many women don't have the flexibility to fasten and unfasten behind their backs; and 2) it is difficult to actually get each hook into the appropriate eye fastener. The hooks end up hooking in the wrong place or missing it all together. Hooks and eye fasteners can chafe the skin and create dermatitis.
Additionally, even after a few hours the band of a brassiere can become uncomfortable because it is fastened into a certain position, which then binds and constricts around the rib cage. Even though the band gives, it is the nature of the fabric to return to its tightest fit. This property of the fabric may explain why it becomes uncomfortable. While a new brassiere can be overly constricting after initial purchase, with wear and laundering the band will lose elasticity and become uncomfortable due to a lack of support and inability to sit in a proper position. Also, the brassiere straps can either end up too loose or too tight and, traditionally, have been difficult to adjust to an appropriate fit.
It is a long felt need in the apparel industry to provide a brassiere that can be easily and fluidly adjusted along the body, for ease of control and use by a consumer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide a brassiere with at least one adjustable strap. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the brassiere, among others, can be implemented as follows. The brassiere includes a left cup having a proximate side, a distal side, and a top side and a right cup having a proximate side, a distal side, and a top side. The proximate side of the left cup is attached to the proximate side of the right cup. A left shoulder blade portion is attached to the distal side of the left cup. A right shoulder blade portion is attached to the distal side of the right cup. A first sleeve is formed in the left shoulder blade portion. A second sleeve is formed in the right shoulder blade portion. A first shoulder strap is connected to the right shoulder blade portion and traverses the first sleeve. The first shoulder strap is also connected to either the top side of the left cup or the top side of the right cup. A second shoulder strap is connected to the left shoulder blade portion and traverses the second sleeve. The second shoulder strap is also connected to either the top side of the left cup or the top side of the right cup, whichever location is not connected to the first shoulder strap.
The present invention can also be viewed as providing methods for providing a brassiere. In this regard, one embodiment of such a method, among others, can be broadly summarized by the following steps: adjusting a first adjustment clip connected to a first shoulder strap, the first shoulder strap connected to a top side of the left cup and the right shoulder blade portion while traversing the first sleeve, wherein adjusting the first adjustment clip adjusts a first length of the first shoulder strap between the top side of the left cup and the first sleeve and a second length of the first shoulder strap between the right shoulder blade portion and the first sleeve.
Other devices, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional devices, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a back view of a brassiere in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a back view of a brassiere in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a back view of a brassiere in accordance with the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a back view of a brassiere in accordance with the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method of using the brassiere shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a back view of a brassiere 100 in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The brassiere 100 includes a left cup 101 having a proximate side 101A, a distal side 101B, and a top side 101C and a right cup 102 having a proximate side 102A, a distal side 102B, and a top side 102C. The proximate side 101A of the left cup 101 is attached to the proximate side 102A of the right cup 102. A left shoulder blade portion 103 is attached to the distal side 101B of the left cup 101. A right shoulder blade portion 104 is attached to the distal side 102B of the right cup 102. A first sleeve 115 is formed in the left shoulder blade portion 103. A second sleeve 116 is formed in the right shoulder blade portion 104. A first shoulder strap 105 is connected to the top side 101C of the left cup 101 and the right shoulder blade portion 104 and traverses the first sleeve 115. A second shoulder strap 106 is connected to the top side 102C of the right cup 102 and the left shoulder blade portion 103 and traverses the second sleeve 116.
The invention herein is identified as the brassiere 100. While a brassiere is typically understood to mean a type of woman's undergarment, the present invention may encompass tops for two-piece bikinis and outerwear, which may be similarly constructed. Also, other women's garments, for example, but not limited to, camisoles, teddies, sports bras, other lingerie, exercise wear, and other outerwear, may be constructed with many of the same elements as brassieres, along with additional elements. All of these types of garments are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, which should only be limited by the body of the claim and not by the term ‘brassiere’ in the preamble.
The cups 101, 102 and shoulder blade portions 103, 104 may be made of any material appropriate for a brassiere, as known to those having ordinary skill in the art. The shoulder blade portions 103, 104 may have a greater degree of elasticity than the cups 101, 102 to allow the brassiere 100 to fit comfortably. The shoulder straps 105, 106 may be made of an elastic material, such as an elastic or semi-elastic fabric.
The shoulder straps 105, 106 pass through the sleeves 115, 116 and across the area between the shoulder blades at shoulder strap distal portions 105A, 106A. An end of the first shoulder strap distal portion 105A may be sewn to the right shoulder blade portion 104 at a first seam 125. An end of the second shoulder strap distal portion 106A may be sewn to the left shoulder blade portion 103 at a second seam 120. The first shoulder strap distal portion 105A may be sewn at least partially within the second sleeve 116 at the first seam 125. The second shoulder strap distal portion 106A may be sewn at least partially within the first sleeve 115 at the second seam 120.
A first rigid hoop 134 is attached to the top side 101A of the left cup 101. The first shoulder strap 105 is looped through the first rigid hoop 134 and an end of the first shoulder strap 105 is connected to a middle portion 107 of the first shoulder strap 105 by a first adjustment clip 110. A second rigid hoop 136 is attached to the top side 102A of the right cup 102. The second shoulder strap 106 is looped through the second rigid hoop 136 and an end of the second shoulder strap 106 is connected to a middle portion 112 of the second shoulder strap 106 by a second adjustment clip 111. The rigid hoops 134, 136 and the adjustment clips 110, 111 may be formed of a plastic or polymeric material, a metal ring, or any other material known to those having ordinary skill in the art that may accomplish the purpose herein described for the rigid hoops 134, 136 and the adjustment clips 110, 111.
As can be understood from FIG. 1, adjustment of the adjustment clips 110, 111 can lengthen or shorten the length of the shoulder straps 105, 106 between the top sides 101A, 102A of the cups 101, 102 and the shoulder blade portions 103, 104 at the seams 120, 125. Thus, adjusting the adjustment clips 110, 111 adjusts the length of shoulder strap 105, 106 over the shoulders concurrently with adjusting the length of shoulder strap distal portions 105A, 106A. Research has suggested that the first sleeve 115 in the left shoulder blade portion 103 will slide along the first shoulder strap 105 naturally to produce a comfortable fit as the first adjustment clip 110 is adjusted. Similarly, the second sleeve 116 in the right shoulder blade portion 104 will slide along the second shoulder strap 106 naturally to produce a comfortable fit as the second adjustment clip 111 is adjusted.
An interior portion 150 of the brassiere 100 attaches the proximate side 101A of the left cup 101 to the proximate side 102A of the right cup 102. The interior portion 150 may not necessarily be a separate piece of fabric or material, but may simply be an attachment point between the cups. The brassiere 100 in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment may be made of lace, cotton, elastic, nylon, polyester, lycra, spandex, or any other fabric that is comfortable to a user. Underwire or plastic may be provided in order to provide support and lift, or to enhance comfort or shape. Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that bras can be made having wireless support by molding the fabric into a rigid shelf underneath the breasts. Advanced technologies may be used, including, but not limited to, ultrasonic, digital, laser, and heat molding to create sew-free, seamless, and single piece brassieres. These advances, to the extent they are compatible with the invention described herein, are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a back view of a brassiere 200 in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The brassiere 200 includes a left cup 201 having a proximate side 201A, a distal side 201B, and a top side 201C and a right cup 202 having a proximate side 202A, a distal side 202B, and a top side 202C. The proximate side 201A of the left cup 201 is attached to the proximate side 202A of the right cup 202. A left shoulder blade portion 203 is attached to the distal side 201B of the left cup 201. A right shoulder blade portion 204 is attached to the distal side 202B of the right cup 202. A first sleeve 215 is formed in the left shoulder blade portion 203. A second sleeve 216 is formed in the right shoulder blade portion 204. A unitary shoulder strap 205 is connected to the top side 201C of the left cup 201 and the top side 202C of the right cup 202, traversing the first sleeve 215 and the second sleeve 216. As shown in FIG. 2, the unitary shoulder strap 205 includes middle shoulder strap portion 205A, proximate shoulder strap portion 205B, and distal shoulder strap portion 205C.
The unitary shoulder strap 205 may be made of an elastic material, such as an elastic fabric. The unitary shoulder strap 205 passes through sleeves 215, 216 and across the area between the shoulder blades at the middle shoulder strap portion 205A. A first rigid hoop 234 may be attached to the top side 201C of the left cup 201. The proximate shoulder strap portion 205B is looped through the first rigid hoop 234 and an end of the proximate shoulder strap portion 205B is connected to a middle portion 207 of the proximate shoulder strap portion 205B by a first adjustment clip 210. A second rigid hoop 236 is attached to the top side 202C of the right cup 202. The distal shoulder strap portion 205C is looped through the second rigid hoop 236 and an end of the distal shoulder strap portion 205C is connected to a middle portion 212 of the distal shoulder strap portion 205C by a second adjustment clip 211.
As can be understood from FIG. 2, adjustment of the adjustment clips 210, 211 can lengthen or tighten the length of the unitary shoulder strap 205 between the top sides 201C, 202C of the cups 201, 202 and the shoulder blade portions 203, 204 on the opposing sides of the body. Thus, adjusting the adjustment clips 210, 211 adjusts the length of the unitary shoulder strap 205 over the shoulders concurrently with adjusting the length of the middle shoulder strap portion 205A. Research has suggested that the first sleeve 215 in the left shoulder blade portion 203 and the second sleeve 216 in the right shoulder blade portion 204 will slide along the unitary shoulder strap 205 naturally to produce a comfortable fit as the first adjustment clips 210, 211 are adjusted.
An interior portion 250 attaches the proximate side 201A of the left cup 201 to the proximate side 202A of the right cup 202. The interior portion 250 may not necessarily be a separate piece of fabric or material, but may simply be an attachment point between the cups.
FIG. 3 is a back view of a brassiere 300 in accordance with the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The brassiere 300 includes a left cup 301 having a proximate side 301A, a distal side 301B, and a top side 301C and a right cup 302 having a proximate side 302A, a distal side 302B, and a top side 302C. The proximate side 301A of the left cup 301 is attached to the proximate side 302A of the right cup 302. A left shoulder blade portion 303 is attached to the distal side 301B of the left cup 301. A right shoulder blade portion 304 is attached to the distal side 302B of the right cup 302. A first sleeve 315 is formed in the left shoulder blade portion 303. A second sleeve 316 is formed in the right shoulder blade portion 304. A first shoulder strap 305 is connected to the top side 301C of the left cup 301 and the right shoulder blade portion 304 and traverses the first sleeve 315. A second shoulder strap 306 is connected to the top side 302C of the right cup 302 and the left shoulder blade portion 303 and traverses the second sleeve 316.
As shown in the third exemplary embodiment, the shoulder blade portions 303, 304 have a different shape than those shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The appearance of the brassiere 300 in FIG. 3 may be described as having the shoulder straps 305, 306 traversing the sleeves 315, 316 of the shoulder blade portions 303, 304 at substantially right angles and forming a box-like shape. The present invention is not limited to any particular appearance or design and may be compatible with a variety of available bra designs as known to those having ordinary skill in the art.
The shoulder straps 305, 306 may be made of an elastic material, such as an elastic fabric. The shoulder straps 305, 306 pass through sleeves 315, 316 and across the area between the shoulder blades at shoulder strap distal portions 305A, 306A. The first shoulder strap distal portion 305A may be sewn to the right shoulder blade portion 304 at a first seam 325. The second shoulder strap distal portion 306A may be sewn to the left shoulder blade portion 303 at a second seam 320. A first rigid hoop 334 is attached to the top side 301C of the left cup 301. The first shoulder strap 305 is looped through the first rigid hoop 334 and an end of the first shoulder strap 305 is connected to a middle portion 307 of the first shoulder strap 305 by a first adjustment clip 310. A second rigid hoop 336 is attached to the top side 302C of the right cup 302. The second shoulder strap 306 is looped through the second rigid hoop 336 and an end of the second shoulder strap 306 is connected to a middle portion 312 of the second shoulder strap 306 by a second adjustment clip 311.
As can be understood from FIG. 3, adjustment of the adjustment clips 310, 311 can lengthen or tighten the length of the shoulder straps 305, 306 between the top sides 301C, 302C of the cups 301, 302 and the shoulder blade portions 303, 304 on the opposing sides of the body. Thus, adjusting the adjustment clips 310, 311 adjusts the length of shoulder strap 305, 306 over the shoulders concurrently with adjusting the length of shoulder strap distal portions 305A, 306A. Research has suggested that the first sleeve 315 in the left shoulder blade portion 303 will slide along the first shoulder strap 305 naturally to produce a comfortable fit as the first adjustment clip 310 is adjusted. Similarly, the second sleeve 316 in the right shoulder blade portion 304 will slide along the second shoulder strap 306 naturally to produce a comfortable fit as the second adjustment clip 311 is adjusted.
The adjustment clips 310, 311 may be located anywhere along the shoulder straps 305, 306 between the top sides 301C, 302C of the cups 301, 302 and the shoulder blade portions 303, 304. As is known to those having ordinary skill in the art, some bras may be sold with padding on the shoulder straps 305, 306 for additional comfort. The brassiere 300 may have the adjustment clips 310, 311 located just behind the shoulder to accommodate padding. Similarly, those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that shoulder padding could be configured through other conventions to accommodate the adjustment clips 310, 311. All such designs combining the brassiere 300 as disclosed herein and shoulder padding are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.
An interior portion 350 attaches the proximate side 301A of the left cup 301 to the proximate side 302A of the right cup 302. The interior portion 350 may not necessarily be a separate piece of fabric or material, but may simply be an attachment point between the cups. As shown in the third exemplary embodiment, the interior portion 350 may include a mechanical fastener 330. Any type of mechanical fastener 330 known to those having ordinary skill in the art may be adopted, including, but not limited to, captive fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, quick connect fasteners, retaining rings, snap rings, snap fasteners, threaded assemblies, zippers, catches, compression latches, draw latches, spring latches, and hinges.
FIG. 4 is a back view of a brassiere 400 in accordance with the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The brassiere 400 includes a left cup 401 having a proximate side 401A, a distal side 401B, and a top side 401C and a right cup 402 having a proximate side 402A, a distal side 402B, and a top side 402C. The proximate side 401A of the left cup 401 is attached to the proximate side 402A of the right cup 402. A left shoulder blade portion 403 is attached to the distal side 401B of the left cup 401. A right shoulder blade portion 404 is attached to the distal side 402B of the right cup 402. A first sleeve 415 is formed in the left shoulder blade portion 403. A second sleeve 416 is formed in the right shoulder blade portion 404. A first shoulder strap 405 is connected to the top side 401C of the left cup 401 and the left shoulder blade portion 403 and traverses the second sleeve 416. A second shoulder strap 406 is connected to the top side 402C of the right cup 402 and the right shoulder blade portion 404 and traverses the first sleeve 415.
The arrangement of the shoulder straps 405, 406 in the fourth exemplary embodiment results in shoulder straps 405, 406 crossing between the sleeves 415, 416 and the top sides 401C, 402C of the cups 401, 402. The shoulder straps 405, 406 may be made of an elastic material, such as an elastic fabric. The shoulder straps 405, 406 pass through sleeves 415, 416 and across the area between the shoulder blades at shoulder strap distal portions 405A, 406A. The first shoulder strap distal portion 405A may be sewn to the left shoulder blade portion 403 at a second seam 420. The second shoulder strap distal portion 406A may be sewn to the right shoulder blade portion 404 at a first seam 425. A first rigid hoop 434 is attached to the top side 401C of the left cup 401. The first shoulder strap 405 is looped through the first rigid hoop 434 and an end of the first shoulder strap 405 is connected to a middle portion 407 of the first shoulder strap 405 by a first adjustment clip 410. A second rigid hoop 436 is attached to the top side 402C of the right cup 402. The second shoulder strap 406 is looped through the second rigid hoop 436 and an end of the second shoulder strap 406 is connected to a middle portion 412 of the second shoulder strap 406 by a second adjustment clip 411.
As can be understood from FIG. 4, adjustment of the adjustment clips 410, 411 can lengthen or tighten the length of the shoulder straps 405, 406 between the top sides 401C, 402C of the cups 401, 402 and the shoulder blade portions 403, 404 on the opposing sides of the body. Thus, adjusting the adjustment clips 410, 411 adjusts the length of shoulder strap 405, 406 over the shoulders concurrently with adjusting the length of shoulder strap distal portions 405A, 406A. Research has suggested that the first sleeve 415 in the left shoulder blade portion 403 will slide along the second shoulder strap 406 naturally to produce a comfortable fit as the second adjustment clip 411 is adjusted. Similarly, the second sleeve 416 in the right shoulder blade portion 404 will slide along the first shoulder strap 405 naturally to produce a comfortable fit as the first adjustment clip 410 is adjusted.
An interior portion 450 attaches the proximate side 401A of the left cup 401 to the proximate side 402A of the right cup 402. As shown in the third exemplary embodiment, the interior portion 450 may include a mechanical fastener 430. Any type of mechanical fastener 430 known to those having ordinary skill in the art may be adopted, including, but not limited to, captive fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, quick connect fasteners, retaining rings, snap rings, snap fasteners, threaded assemblies, zippers, catches, compression latches, draw latches, spring latches, and hinges.
A difference between the fourth exemplary embodiment and the first three exemplary embodiments is the orientation of the shoulder straps 405, 406. The fourth exemplary embodiment may allow the shoulder straps 405, 406 to be removably attached to the top side 401C, 402C of the cups 401, 402 to allow the shoulder straps 405, 406 to be adjustably oriented between the fourth exemplary embodiment and the third exemplary embodiment. The removability of the shoulder straps 405, 406 may be achieved by making the rigid hoops 434, 436 attach to the top side 401C, 402C of the cups 401, 402 with a hook and eye fastener. As an example, the rigid hoops 434, 436 may include an open, flat hook and the top side 401C, 402C of the cups 401, 402 may have a fabric loop for receiving the open, flat hook. Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize other mechanical means of accomplishing this task exist and all such mechanical means are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method 600 of using the brassiere of FIG. 1, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the invention. It should be noted that any process descriptions or blocks in flow charts should be understood as representing modules, segments, portions of code, or steps that include one or more instructions for implementing specific logical functions in the process, and alternate implementations are included within the scope of the present invention in which functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the present invention.
As is shown by block 502, a first adjustment clip connected to a first shoulder strap is adjusted, the first shoulder strap connected to a top side of the left cup and the right shoulder blade portion while traversing the first sleeve. Adjusting the first adjustment clip adjusts a first length of the first shoulder strap between the top side of the left cup and the first sleeve and a second length of the first shoulder strap between the right shoulder blade portion and the first sleeve (block 504).
Additionally, according to the method described in FIG. 5, the brassiere may be pulled over a users head. When the bra has been set to a user's size requirements, the brassiere can easily be placed over the head of a user without needing further size adjustments. The brassiere may also have attachment clips at the proximate sides of the cups that allow a wearer to separate the cups, put their arms through openings between the shoulder straps and the shoulder blade portions, then fasten the cups together.
It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present invention, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments of the invention without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the invention. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present invention and protected by the following claims.

Claims

1. A brassiere, comprising:

a left cup having a proximate side, a distal side, and a top side;

a right cup having a proximate side, a distal side, and a top side, wherein the proximate side of the left cup is attached to the proximate side of the right cup;

a left shoulder blade portion attached to the distal side of the left cup;

a right shoulder blade portion attached to the distal side of the right cup;

a first sleeve formed in the left shoulder blade portion;

a second sleeve formed in the right shoulder blade portion;

a first shoulder strap connected to the right shoulder blade portion and traversing the first sleeve and connected to one of the top side of the left cup and the top side of the right cup; and

a second shoulder strap connected to the left shoulder blade portion and traversing the second sleeve and connected to one of the top side of the left cup and the top side of the right cup.

2. The brassiere of claim 1 wherein the proximate side of the left cup and the proximate side of the right cup have mateable engaging clip portions.

3. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein the first shoulder strap is connected to the top side of the left cup and the second shoulder strap connected to the top side of the right cup.

4. The brassiere of claim 3, further comprising a first rigid hoop attached to the top side of the left cup, wherein the first shoulder strap is looped through the first rigid hoop and an end of the first shoulder strap is connected to a middle portion of the first shoulder strap by an adjustment clip.

5. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein the first shoulder strap is connected to the top side of the right cup and the second shoulder strap connected to the top side of the left cup.

6. The brassiere of claim 5, further comprising a first rigid hoop attached to the top side of the right cup, wherein the first shoulder strap is looped through the first rigid hoop and an end of the first shoulder strap is connected to a middle portion of the first shoulder strap by an adjustment clip.

7. The brassiere of claim 5, wherein the first shoulder strap is removably connected to the top side of the right cup and the second shoulder strap is removably connected to the top side of the left cup.

8. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein the first shoulder strap is stitched to the right shoulder blade portion within the first sleeve and the second shoulder strap is stitched to the left shoulder blade portion within the second sleeve.

9. A method of adjusting a brassiere, the method comprising the steps of:

adjusting a first adjustment clip connected to a first shoulder strap, the first shoulder strap connected to a top side of the left cup and the right shoulder blade portion while traversing the first sleeve, wherein adjusting the first adjustment clip adjusts a first length of the first shoulder strap between the top side of the left cup and the first sleeve and a second length of the first shoulder strap between the right shoulder blade portion and the first sleeve.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of disconnecting the first shoulder strap from the top side of the left cup and attaching the first shoulder strap to a top side of the right cup.

11. A brassiere, comprising:

a left cup having a proximate side, a distal side, and a top side;

a left shoulder blade portion attached to the distal side of the left cup;

a right shoulder blade portion attached to the distal side of the right cup;

a first sleeve formed in the left shoulder blade portion;

a second sleeve formed in the right shoulder blade portion;

a first rigid hoop attached to the top side of the left cup;

a second rigid hoop attached to the top side of the right cup;

a first shoulder strap connected to the right shoulder blade portion, traversing the first sleeve, looped through the first rigid hoop, and connected to a middle portion of the first shoulder strap by a first adjustment clip; and

a second shoulder strap connected to the left shoulder blade portion, traversing the second sleeve, looped through the second rigid hoop, and connected to a middle portion of the second shoulder strap by a second adjustment clip.

12. The brassiere of claim 11 wherein the proximate side of the left cup and the proximate side of the right cup have mateable engaging clip portions.

13. The brassiere of claim 11, wherein the shoulder straps are removable from the top sides of the cups.

14. The brassiere of claim 11, wherein the first rigid hoop is removably attached to the top side of the left cup.

15. The brassiere of claim 11, wherein the first shoulder strap is stitched to the right shoulder blade portion within the second sleeve and the second shoulder strap is stitched to the left shoulder blade portion within the first sleeve.

16. A brassiere, comprising:

a left cup having a proximate side, a distal side, and a top side;

a left shoulder blade portion attached to the distal side of the left cup;

a right shoulder blade portion attached to the distal side of the right cup;

a first sleeve formed in the left shoulder blade portion;

a second sleeve formed in the right shoulder blade portion;

a first shoulder strap connected to the top side of the left cup, traversing the first sleeve and the second sleeve, and connected to the top side of the right cup.

17. The brassiere of claim 16 wherein the proximate side of the left cup and the proximate side of the right cup have mateable engaging clip portions.

18. The brassiere of claim 16, further comprising:

a first rigid hoop attached to the top side of the left cup;

a second rigid hoop attached to the top side of the second cup;

wherein the first shoulder strap is looped through the first rigid hoop and an end of the first shoulder strap is connected to a middle portion of the first shoulder strap by a first adjustment clip; and

wherein the first shoulder strap is looped through the second rigid hoop and a second end of the first shoulder strap is connected to a middle portion of the first shoulder strap by a second adjustment clip.