US20150181949A1

US20150181949A1 - Brassiere

Info

Publication number: US20150181949A1
Application number: US14/465,555
Authority: US
Inventors: Nicole Linkon
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-01-24
Filing date: 2014-08-21
Publication date: 2015-07-02
Also published as: WO2008091959A3; US20080176485A1; WO2008091959A2; US8840442B2

Abstract

An apparatus to be used as a woman's undergarment is provided. The apparatus is a bra having a strap that fastens to the cups of the bra that protect and hold the breast of the user. The apparatus has a cup having at least a first layer which contacts the individual's skin. The apparatus further has a second layer which is directly opposed to the first layer and may contact the outer clothing of the individual. Moreover, the device has a third layer which is positioned between the first layer and the second layer and further wherein the third layer may provide an extra zone of thickness for the breast nipple and thereby may enable concealment of an erect breast nipple. The third layer may be of varying thickness and in an embodiment may be thicker than the first and second layer and may be removable from the undergarment if desired.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This document is a continuation application which claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/626,796, filed on Jan. 24, 2007, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of women's undergarments. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for women with surgically altered breasts for support and cosmetic purposes.

BACKGROUND

The brassiere or “bra” has been around for centuries in different forms. The brassiere is commonly referred to as a bra. A bra is a piece of clothing that typically supports, covers, and may elevate the breasts of the user wearing the piece of clothing. The brassiere is typically an undergarment. The bra may also be utilized as a fashion statement as well as a support structure for enhancement, support, and/or alteration of a body profile.
The bra was originally developed about two centuries ago and has evolved from the corset. Bras are different than their predecessor garments in that they contain cups to support and cover the breast and also typically have shoulder straps to elevate and lift the breast to a desire height. Additionally, bras may have a variety of different colors, designs, fabrics, and cup sizes to fit users with larger and/or smaller breast sizes.
The evolution of the bra is typically tied to the socio-economic status of women throughout history. For instance, as women achieved higher and higher status in society, both in new occupations and activities, the outwear and the underwear evolved with these new social status and activities. At various points, women have used these garments and devices to cover, restrain or elevate their breasts.
Early in the development of the modem bra, the most common type of undergarment for the breast was the corset, which was used predominately by wealthier women and women of status. The corset pushed the breast upwards which gave the impression of larger, fuller, breasts and helped support larger breasts. Later, many clothing designers that worked on women's clothes experimented with corset design by splitting the corset into multiple parts, including support structures where the corset included shoulder straps or neck straps.
Soon thereafter, the modern bra became a reality, although the modern bra was not common place for the common woman until almost the first half of the 20^thcentury. Since that time, the bra has become a very common garment used my most post-puberty women. The bra serves multiple purposes, including the functionalities of support, lift, and body sculpting. Additionally, the bra also serves to provide a fashion statement, e.g., via visual enhancement and, sometimes, as a stand-alone fashion characteristic.
The common bra typically consists of cups for the breasts, a center panel, a band running around the torso under the breast, and a shoulder strap for each side. Bras typically are made of some fabric, usually cotton or polyester. However, bras can be constructed from spandex, lace, and a plurality of different materials, depending on the taste and feel of the user. The cups of the bra are usually reinforced by underwire made of metal and/or plastic. Additionally, the bra is usually fastened with a hook fastener on the band, typically at the back. However, sometimes the fastener may be located on the front portion or even side portion of the bra, depending on style, taste, and fashion.
Many bras are fashioned with significant padding that functions to increase comfort and to make the breasts look bigger. Other types of bras, such as the push-up bras, are fashioned to enhance the cleavage, and use padding to achieve this effect. However, in the early 1960's a new problem came into play with the advent of breast augmentation. With breast augmentation, round or shaped breast implants are inserted either on top of or below the pectoral muscle, which is the large chest muscle on which the breast lies. The implants can be inserted through the armpits, via the nipples, from below the breast, or even from the umbilicus through very small incisions, which leave minimal scarring of the breast tissue. An advantage of the procedure of having breast augmentation is the breasts' ability to be supported by the implant. Women having received breast augmentations typically do not need as much support and/or lift that a bra provides; therefore, many women with breast augmentation do not wear bras.
However, many users with breast augmentations may want to wear a bra for support, fashion, and style. But these users do not need the formal structure of the bra, including the straps, underwire, and other support means, because, typically, the after-effects of breast augmentation allows for a woman to function without the need for a bra. Another potential problem for women that have undergone breast augmentation is the sensitivity of the breast nipples. Changes in sensitivity of the breast nipple may occur after breast augmentation, whereby some users suffer from a loss of sensitivity. However, a large number of women suffer from the opposite problem. Many women, after breast augmentation, are prone to breast nipple sensitivity, wherein the breast nipple remains in a prolonged erect state. While a woman with breast augmentation may not need a bra to support or lift her breasts, she may prefer to wear a bra to conceal the erect nipple from showing through the clothing.
Accordingly, a need still exists for an apparatus that may be utilized by women with breast augmentation that is aesthetically pleasing, yet functional. Moreover, a need exists for an improved bra for women with breast augmentations, wherein the bra provides very little support for the surgically enhanced breast, but allows for concealment of erect nipples in an aesthetically pleasing fashion.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus that may be used as an undergarment, e.g., a woman's undergarment. Additionally, the present disclosure may be utilized in other women's garments, including dresses and swim wear. The apparatus may be a bra having a strap that fastens to each of the cups of the bra to protect and hold the breast of the user. The apparatus has a cup having a first layer which contacts the user's skin. The apparatus further has a second layer which is directly opposed to the first layer and may contact the outer clothing of the user. Moreover, the apparatus has a third layer and/or insert which is positioned between the first layer and the second layer, wherein the third layer may provide an extra zone of thickness for the breast nipple, and thereby enable concealment of an erect breast nipple.
In an exemplary embodiment the present disclosure, a women's undergarment is provided. The undergarment has a first and second shoulder strap having a front end and a back end adapted to extend over the shoulder of an user. Additionally, the undergarment has a back strap whereby the first and second shoulder strap extend over the shoulder and are connected to the back strap by a fastening means. Moreover, the undergarment has a first cup and second cup attached to the first and second shoulder straps, the first and second cup adapted to support the breast and at least one insert whereby the insert is positioned directly in front of the nipple of an user to conceal the nipple from showing through clothing.
In an exemplary embodiment, the undergarment comprises a first cup and second cup having a plurality of layers.
In an exemplary embodiment, the undergarment comprises a first cup and second cup having a first layer and a second layer, whereby the first layer and second layer are separated from each other, wherein the first layer is adapted to be in contact with the breast of the user, and wherein the second layer is adapted to be in proximity to the outer garment of the user.
In an exemplary embodiment, the undergarment comprises a first cup and second cup having a first layer and a second layer, wherein the insert fits between the first layer and the second layer.
In an exemplary embodiment, the undergarment comprises a first cup and second cup that has a first layer and second layer wherein the insert is affixed to the first layer.
In an exemplary embodiment, the undergarment comprises a first cup and second cup having a first layer and a second layer, wherein the insert is placed between the first and second layer, wherein the insert is proportioned smaller than the total space utilized by the first and second layers, and wherein the insert is removably affixed to either of the first and second layers by an attachment means.
In an exemplary embodiment, the undergarment comprises an insert that is of greater thickness than either of the first and second layers of the undergarment.
In an exemplary embodiment, the undergarment comprises a first cup and second cup having a first layer and second layer, wherein the first and second layer are constructed of a similar material.
In an exemplary embodiment, the undergarment comprises a first cup and the second cup having a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first and second layers are constructed of different materials.
In an exemplary embodiment, the undergarment comprises an insert dimensioned for coverage of the nipple of the user, wherein the insert is thickest at a position where the nipple contacts the insert.
In an exemplary embodiment, the undergarment comprises a first and second cup having a first layer and a second layer which are removably attached from one another by a fastener, whereby the fastener allows for an opening between the first layer and the second layer.
In an exemplary embodiment, the undergarment comprises a fastener which is a hook and loop system.
In an exemplary embodiment, the undergarment comprises an insert which is constructed into a cosmetic and aesthetic fashion and placed within the first cup and second cup of the undergarment.
To this end, in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for using a women's undergarment is provided. The method comprises: providing a first and second shoulder strap having a front end and a back end adapted to extend over the shoulder of an user; providing a back strap whereby the first and second shoulder strap extend over the shoulder and are connected to the back strap by a fastener; providing a first cup and second cup attached to the first and second shoulder straps, the first and second cup adapted to support the breast; and inserting an insert into the first and second cup, whereby the insert is positioned directly in front of the nipple of an user to conceal the nipple from showing through clothing.
In an exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises positioning the insert between a first layer and a second layer of the first cup and the second cup of the undergarment.
In an exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises removably affixing the insert to the first and second cups of the undergarment utilizing an attachment means whereby the attachment means is a hook and loop system.
In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises providing a first cup and a second cup having a first layer and a second layer, wherein the insert is placed between the first layer and second layer at a position corresponding to the nipple of the breast of the user.
In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises providing a first cup and a second cup having a first layer and second layer, wherein the insert is placed between the first layer and the second layer, and whereby the insert has a thickness greater than the first layer and second layer.
In an exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises allowing an user to separate a first layer and a second layer of a first and second cup, whereby the user may introduce, adjust, or remove the insert from between the first layer and second layer of the first cup and second cup of the undergarment.
In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises allowing an user to separate a first layer and a second layer of a first and second cup by the use of a fastener, whereby the fastener may allow for manual manipulation of the first and second layers, whereby the user may insert, adjust, or remove the insert from between the first layer and second layer of the first cup and second cup of the undergarment. To this end, in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a convenient apparatus relating to a women's undergarment is provided.
In another exemplary embodiment, a women's undergarment is provided. The undergarment may be constructed for women who do not need as much structured support for the breasts.
Another exemplary embodiment is a women's undergarment that may have a plurality of layers therein, wherein the plurality of layers may increase the comfort of the undergarment.
Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women's undergarment, wherein the undergarment may be constructed for users that do not need the extra support of a conventional related art bra.
Still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women's undergarment, wherein the undergarment may be constructed for users having surgically enhanced breasts.
An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women's undergarment, wherein the undergarment may be constructed for users having just reached puberty, and wherein the user does not need extra support to lift and support the breast.
Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women's undergarment, wherein the undergarment may be constructed for users having surgically augmented breasts.
Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women's undergarment, wherein the undergarment may be constructed for users having surgically lifted breasts and/or breasts that are not prone to normal gravitational pulls.
Still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women's undergarment, wherein the undergarment may be constructed with a shoulder strap for comfort.
An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women's undergarment, wherein the undergarment may have a cup to hold and/or support the breast of the user utilizing the undergarment.
Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women's undergarment, wherein the undergarment may have a support structure such as an underwire if desired, but would preferably not have said support structure.
Still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women's undergarment, wherein the undergarment may have a plurality of layers, including a first layer, a second layer and a third layer.
Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women's undergarment, wherein the undergarment may have a plurality of layers, wherein the plurality may include at least two layers.
An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women's undergarment, wherein the undergarment may have a plurality of layers, and wherein the plurality of layers may be constructed of different materials.
Still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women's undergarment, wherein the undergarment may have a plurality of layers, and wherein the plurality of layers may be constructed of the same materials.
Still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women's undergarment, wherein the undergarment may have a plurality of layers, and wherein the plurality of layers may be constructed of the same materials.
Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women's undergarment, wherein the undergarment may be constructed with a plurality of layers, and wherein some of the layers may have similar materials while other layers have different materials.
Still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women's undergarment, wherein the undergarment may be constructed with a plurality of layers, wherein some of the layers may have similar materials while other layers have different materials, and wherein the differing materials may have different functions such as support, comfort, and/or concealment.
Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women's undergarment, wherein the undergarment may have a plurality of layers where at least one layer may be thicker at its midpoint.
Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women's undergarment, wherein the undergarment may have a plurality of layers where at least one layer may be thicker than other layers, and wherein the thicker layer may be thicker only a certain specified points such as the point that contacts the nipple of the breast of an user.
Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women's undergarment, wherein the undergarment may have a plurality of layers including a first layer, a second layer and a third layer, wherein the first layer and third layer may be of a uniform thickness, and wherein the second layer may be of a thickness greater than both the first and third layers.
Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women's garment for concealment of the erect nipple of an user, wherein the present disclosure may be utilized in a dress and additionally may be utilized in women's swim wear,
Additionally, in an exemplary embodiment, the device maybe utilized in women's dresses, tank tops, blouses, and/or any other garment that may conceal the erect nipple of the user.
Still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women's undergarment, wherein the undergarment may be constructed with a plurality of colors.
Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women's undergarment, wherein the undergarment may have a plurality of layers including a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer, wherein the first layer and third layer may completely surround and enclose the second layer.
In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women's undergarment, wherein the undergarment may have a plurality of layers, and wherein the at least one layer may be thicker than the other of the plurality of layers.
Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women's undergarment, wherein the undergarment may have a plurality of layers, and wherein one layer may not take up the entire volume of the other of the plurality of layers.
Still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women's undergarment, wherein the undergarment may have a plurality of layers, wherein a first layer and second layer may be adjacent, and a third layer may be in contact with the breast of the user, and wherein the third layer is of differing thickness to the first and second layer.
Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women's undergarment, wherein the undergarment may be machine and/or hand washable.
Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women's undergarment wherein the undergarment may have a plurality of layers, wherein a first layer and second layer may be adjacent, and a third layer may be in contact with the breast of the user, and wherein the third layer is of differing material than the first and second layers.
Still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women's undergarment, wherein the undergarment may have a plurality of layers, and wherein at least one layer may be removed from the undergarment if desired.
Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women's undergarment, wherein the undergarment may have a plurality of layers, and wherein at least one layer may be removed from the undergarment and replaced with another layer having either an increased or decreased thickness.
Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women's undergarment, wherein the undergarment may be constructed of cotton.
Still a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women's undergarment, wherein the undergarment may be constructed of polyester.
Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women's undergarment, wherein the undergarment may be constructed of lace.
In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women's undergarment, wherein the undergarment may be constructed of nylon.
Still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women's undergarment, wherein the undergarment may be constructed of any suitable material.
Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women's undergarment, wherein the undergarment may have a plurality of layers, and wherein the layers may be constructed of different materials including cotton, polyester, lace, nylon, and/or any other suitable material.
Still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women's undergarment, wherein the undergarment may have a plurality of layers, and wherein at least one layer provides the advantage of concealing the erect nipple of the breast of the user wearing the undergarment.
Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women's undergarment, wherein the undergarment allows for concealment of the erect nipple of the breast of the wearer.
Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the disclosure, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components.
Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure are described herein, and will be apparent from the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a front perspective view of a brassiere, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating another front perspective view of the brassiere, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a rear view of the brassiere, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional side view of the brassiere, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a front view of the brassiere, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional side view of a brassiere, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating another cross-sectional side view of a brassiere, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6C is another cross-sectional side view of a brassiere, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a front view of the brassiere, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to the drawings, wherein elements are identified by numbers and like elements are identified by like numbers throughout the several figures of the Drawing, the brassiere 1 is generally depicted in FIG. 1; and the brassiere or bra 1 may be utilized by an user 31 that may not need underwire support (not shown).
Referring to FIG. 1, this diagram illustrates, in a front perspective view, a brassiere 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The brassiere 1 (hereinafter referred to as a “bra”) may have a plurality of different configurations, but for illustrative purposes is shown in conventional common use form. The bra 1 may have shoulder straps 5, 17 and first and second cups 13, 15 that may be used to hold and/or support the breast 9 of an user 31. The bra 1 may have a clasp 11 between the first cup 13 and a second cup 15 of the bra 1. The bra 1 may have a contoured shape in an exemplary embodiment, whereby the cups 13, 37 are shaped to hold and/or support the breast 9 of the user. In an exemplary embodiment, the bra 1 is produced for those users who do not require the structural element of an underwire (not shown) and/or push up facilities.
Still referring to FIG. 1, the bra 1 comprises a first cup 13 and a second cup 15 and may be generally contoured to fit the breast 9 of an user 31. A first shoulder strap 5 and a second shoulder strap 17 may be respectively attached to the first cup 13 and the second cup 15 for securing the bra 1 around the chest cavity 18 the user 31 (also FIG. 2). Understood is that the bra 1 may be constructed in a plurality of differing shapes and forms for cosmetic and aesthetic bras and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure.
Still referring to FIG. 1, each of the first cup 13 and the second cup 15 respectively accommodate interchangeable inserts, such as a first insert 21 and a second insert 23. The first insert 21 and the second insert 23 may be placed within the first cup 13 and the second cup 15 respectively. The inserts 21, 23 are comprise a thickness greater than a thickness of any other portion of the bra 1. Further the inserts 21, 23 are configured to be positioned at the contact point of the nipple of the breast 9 and would thereby conceal the erect nipple of the user utilizing the bra 1. The inserts 21, 23 may be either permanently affixed to the bra 1 and/or, in an exemplary embodiment, may be insertable and/or removed from the bra 1 if desired. Additionally, the ability to insert and/or remove the inserts 21, 23 may also give the user the ability to manipulate and move the inserts 21, 23 into the desire position within the bra 1. For example, many women have nipples that may not be at the midpoint of the breast 9. This is sometimes the result of augmented breasts and/or other breast surgeries. Often times, the nipple is not centralized on the breast tissue. The present disclosure may allow for manipulation of the inserts 21, 23 into a position that results in correct alignment of the inserts 21, 23 about the nipple of the user 31.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, these diagrams respectively illustrate, in a front perspective view and a rear view, a bra 1 comprising shoulder straps 5, 17 attached to the first and second cups 13, 15, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Also illustrated, within the cups 13, 15 are the removable inserts 21, 23 disposable at different positions within the bra 1 as needed to conceal the erect nipple of the user 31. In an exemplary embodiment, the inserts 21, 23 may have an adhesive 35 to attach to the outside layer 37 of the bra 1 (shown in FIG. 4). In another exemplary embodiment, the inserts 21, 23 may utilize a hook and fastener 25 to facilitate attachment to the outside layer 37 of the bra 1, whereby the user 31 may detach the inserts 21, 23 from the bra 1 completely when desired, or, in the alternative, may utilize the fastener 39 to alter the position of the inserts 21, 23 to properly conceal the erect nipple of the user 31. In another exemplary embodiment, the inserts 21, 23 may have an adhesive 35 to facilitate attachment to the outside layer 37 of the bra 1 (shown in FIG. 4). In another exemplary embodiment, the inserts 21, 23 may utilize a hook and fastener 39 to facilitate attachment to the outside layer 37 of the bra 1, whereby the user 31 may detach the inserts 21, 23 from the bra 1 completely when desired, or in the alternative, may utilize the fastener 39 to alter the position of the inserts 21, 23 to properly conceal the erect nipple of the user 31. In another exemplary embodiment, a shelf or pocket (not shown) may be utilized to allow for positioning of the inserts 21, 23 in the cup 13, 15 of the bra 1. The shelf and/or pocket maybe constructed into the bra 1 and may allow for proper placement of the inserts 21, 23 and allow for easy removal and placement within the cups 13, 15.
Referring to FIG. 3, this diagram illustrates, in a rear view, the back portion 37 of the bra 1. In an exemplary embodiment, the shoulder straps 5, 17 may be connected at the back portion 37 by a locking member 41. The locking member 41 may be a latch 45 whereby the latch 45 may be a clasp 47 for attaching the shoulder straps 5, 17 to a first back strap 49 and a second back strap 51.
Referring to FIG. 4, this diagram illustrates, in a cross-sectional view, a bra 1 being utilized by a user 31, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The breast 55 having a nipple 57 is shown, wherein the breast 55 may be covered by a cup, such as the first cup 13, of the bra 1. In an exemplary embodiment, the bra 1 may have a first layer 61 and a second layer 63. The first layer 61 may contact the breast 55 of the user 31 and may be constructed of any suitable material such as cotton, polyester, lace, nylon, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the first layer 61 is constructed of cotton for comfort. The second layer 63 is the outer most layer and may contact the clothes (not shown) of the user 31. The second layer 63 may be constructed of any suitable material such as cotton, polyester, lace, nylon, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the second layer 63 may be constructed of cotton for comfort. However, understood is that the first layer 61 and the second layer 63 may be constructed of different materials depending on comfort, aesthetic preferences and the like. The first layer 61 and the second layer 63 are preferably of equal thickness and attached to each other at a portion of the shoulder straps 5, 17 of the bra 1.
Still referring to FIG. 4, this diagram further illustrates a third layer 71. The third layer 71 may be the inserts 21, 23 mentioned above. The third layer 71 is of greater thickness than either of the first and second layers 61, 63. Additionally, the third layer 71 may not utilize the entire space from the top portion 75 of the cup 12 to the bottom portion 77 of the cup 13, whereby the third layer 71 may only occupy a smaller portion of the space between the first layer 61 and the second layer 63. The third layer inserts 21, 23 may have a tapered shape, wherein the midpoint 81 of the insert 21 is thicker than the top portion 83 and/or bottom portion 85 of the insert 21. The midpoint 81 has a thickness that helps to greatly reduce or completely eliminate the display of an erect nipple through the fabric of the bra 1. Additionally, the localized positioning of the insert 21 within the first and second layers 61, 63 may eliminate unwanted bulk and weight of the bra 1 for the user 31. The insert 21 is placed between the first layer 61 and the second layer 63.
Referring to FIG. 5, this diagram illustrates a front view of the brassiere 1, comprising an insert 21 being placed within a first cup 13, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, the first layer 61 and the second layer 63 may be separated by an opening 95, whereby the opening 95 may be positioned on an outside portion 97 of the first layer 61 and an outside portion 99 of the second layer 63. The first layer 61 and second layer 63 may have an opening 95, whereby the opening 95 allows for insertion of the insert 21 into a position 25 between the first layer 61 and the second layer 63. The opening 95 may have an attachment feature 103 for facilitating separating the first layer 61 from the second layer 63 as well as insertion and removal of the insert 21 from therebetween. The attachment means 103, in an exemplary embodiment, is a hook and fastener, whereby the first layer 61 and the second layer 63 may be easily separated from each other and reattached with little effort by the user 31 utilizing the bra 1. In an additional exemplary embodiment, the inserts 21, 23 maybe attached to the first and/or second layers 61, 63 by a pocket or shelf system (not shown), whereby a small pocket or shelf (not shown) is built into either of the first layer 61 and/or second layer 63, whereby the inserts 21, 23 may be inserted into the shelf or pocket thereby removing the need for an attachment feature 103. However, understood is that the attachment feature 103 may be any method or apparatus for attaching the first layer 61 to the second layer 63, such as a snap-on, clasp, zipper, button, shelf system, pocket, or the like.
Referring to FIG. 6A, this diagram illustrates, in a cross-sectional side view, of a brassiere 1, wherein the insert 21 may be placed in different positions within the layers 61, 63 and may be of varying sizes depending on the need of the user 31, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Contemplated is that the bra 1 of the present disclosure is utilized by women having breast augmentation and/or surgically enhanced breasts, but the bra 1 may be also utilized by teens or users that do not need additional lift and support for their breasts. The insert 21 is placed between the first layer 61 and the second layer 63.
Referring to FIG. 6B, this diagram illustrates, in another cross-sectional side view, a brassiere 1, wherein the insert 21 is positioned on the inside of the first layer 61, whereby the insert 21 may be attached to the first layer 61 and may directly contact the nipple 57 of the user 31, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The insert 21 may be fastened to the first layer 61 by a fastener 39, whereby the user 31 may shift or move the insert 21 as desired to place the insert 21 over the nipple 57. Additionally, if desired, the user 31 may completely remove the insert 21 from the bra 1.
Referring to FIG. 6C, this diagram illustrates, in another cross-sectional side view, a brassiere 1, wherein an insert 21 with a much thicker top portion 83 and bottom portion 85. whereby users 31 that wish for a more uniform breast look, or for the perception of larger breasts 55 may have the added padding of the insert 21 give that perception, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 7, this diagram illustrates, in a front view, the brassiere 1, wherein the inserts 21, 23 may be attached to the second layer 63 and/or may be seen through the second layer 63, whereby the inserts 21, 23 may depict a variety of different characters, emblems, or fashion features, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the bra 1 has an insert 21, whereby the insert 21 is fashioned in the form of a cherry 91; and the second insert 23 is fashioned in the form of a leaf 93, by example only.
Thus, specific embodiments and applications of the apparatus have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. The terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A vehicle convenience device, the device comprising:

a contoured vehicle space guard, said guard having a top portion, bottom portion, a first and second side portion and a front portion and rear portion;

at least one of said top portion, bottom portion, first and second portion and front and rear portion adapted for removable attachment to a seat of a vehicle; and

said space guard adapted for fitment into the space between a seat of a vehicle and a compartment in close proximity to the seat of the vehicle.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said compartment in close proximity to the seat of the vehicle is a center console.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the guard may be contoured to compliment the seating contour of the vehicle.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein the guard is constructed of foam.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the guard is constructed of plastic.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein the guard is comprised of wood, metal, alloy, polyurethane, and any semi-rigid material.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein the top portion of the device has a first surface and a second surface wherein the first surface and the second surface are in planar relationship with one another and further wherein the second surface is recessed from said first surface thereby allowing for vertical disengagement of an article from the second surface.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein the guard may be constructed of any compressible material whereby upon insertion into a space between the seat of a vehicle and the compartment of a vehicle, said guard will attempt to a natural extended state thereby providing a tight fitment between the seat of the vehicle and the compartment.

9. The device of claim 1 further comprising:

an attachment means to attach the device to the seat of a vehicle.

10. The device of claim 9 wherein said attachment means is a hook and fastener.

11. The device of claim 9 wherein the attachment means is an adhesive.

12. The device of claim 9 wherein the attachment means is any attachment whereby the guard may be detachable removed and affixed to the seat for proper spatial engagement between the seat and a compartment of the vehicle.

13. The device of claim 9 wherein the device is fire retardant.

14. A method for using a convenience vehicle device, said method comprising the steps of:

providing a contoured vehicle space guard, said guard having a top portion, bottom portion, a first and second side portion and a front portion and rear portion;

providing at least one of said top portion, bottom portion, first and second portion and front and rear portion adaptable for removably attaching to a seat of a vehicle; and

adapting the space guard for fitment into the space between a seat of a vehicle and a compartment in close proximity to the seat of the vehicle.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of:

inserting said device into a space between the seat of a vehicle and a compartment of a vehicle.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of:

mounting the device in horizontal alignment with the seat of a vehicle and a compartment of a vehicle.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of:

providing a first surface and a second surface wherein the first surface and the second surface are in planar relationship with one another and further wherein the second surface is recessed from said first surface thereby allowing for vertical disengagement of an article from the second surface.

18. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of:

providing an attachment means to attach the device to the seat of a vehicle.

19. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of:

allowing a user to remove the device from a vehicle when desired.

20. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of:

providing an attachment means whereby the attachment means allows for guard to move in relation to the seat whereby when a user desires to move the seat forward, the guard moves in unison with the seat thereby maintaining the desired protection from misplacement of loose articles.