US20170112199A1

US20170112199A1 - Breast wedge support apparatus and method

Info

Publication number: US20170112199A1
Application number: US15/332,459
Authority: US
Inventors: Amy D. SHAFF; Michael J. SHAFF
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-10-22
Filing date: 2016-10-24
Publication date: 2017-04-27

Abstract

A breast wedge support apparatus includes a top portion adapted to support an underside of a breast; a bottom portion adapted to rest on an upper abdomen underneath the breast; a curved front portion between the top portion and the bottom portion, wherein the curved front portion is curved in a similar manner as the breast; and a back portion between the top portion and the bottom portion and opposite from the curved front portion, wherein the back portion rests between the underside of the breast and the upper abdomen.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present patent/application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/495,424, filed Sep. 14, 2016, and entitled “Wedge Up,” and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/285,177, filed Oct. 22, 2015, and entitled “Wedge Up,” the contents of each is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to body support systems and methods. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a breast wedge support apparatus and method providing female breast support with or without a corresponding brassiere (“bra”).

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

There are bras and other support techniques known in the art for female breast support. However, large breasts are difficult to support. Bras and other clothing supports tend to add significant tension and stress to the back and shoulders. The lack of effective support for large breasted woman causes significant problems—physical pains, inability to wear certain clothing, inability to partake in certain activities such as athletics, etc. There is a need for better support for female breasts.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In an exemplary embodiment, a breast wedge support apparatus includes a top portion adapted to support an underside of a breast; a bottom portion adapted to rest on an upper abdomen underneath the breast; a curved front portion between the top portion and the bottom portion, wherein the curved front portion is curved in a similar manner as the breast; and a back portion between the top portion and the bottom portion and opposite from the curved front portion, wherein the back portion rests between the underside of the breast and the upper abdomen. The breast wedge support is formed from a foam like material. The breast wedge support apparatus can further include a removable cover which covers the breast wedge support apparatus. The removable cover can include an envelope cover. The removable cover can include one of a plurality of colors chosen to accessorize the breast wedge support with other clothing. The removable cover can include a material capable of wicking moisture. The breast wedge support apparatus can be worn without a corresponding brassiere. The breast wedge support apparatus can be selectively inserted into a corresponding brassiere. The breast wedge support apparatus can be held in place between the breast and the upper abdomen based on downward pressure exerted by the breast. The top portion and the bottom portion can be at an angle to one another to provide support of the breast. The breast wedge support can be formed from a cooling material.
In another exemplary embodiment, a breast wedge support method includes providing a top portion adapted to support an underside of a breast; providing a bottom portion adapted to rest on an upper abdomen underneath the breast; providing a curved front portion between the top portion and the bottom portion, wherein the curved front portion is curved in a similar manner as the breast; and providing a back portion between the top portion and the bottom portion and opposite from the curved front portion, wherein the back portion rests between the underside of the breast and the upper abdomen. The breast wedge support is formed from a foam like material. The breast wedge support method can further include providing a removable cover which covers the breast wedge support apparatus. The removable cover can include an envelope cover. The removable cover can include one of a plurality of colors chosen to accessorize the breast wedge support with other clothing. The removable cover can include a material capable of wicking moisture. The breast wedge support apparatus can be worn without a corresponding brassiere. The breast wedge support apparatus can be selectively inserted into a corresponding brassiere. The breast wedge support apparatus is held in place between the breast and the upper abdomen based on downward pressure exerted by the breast. The top portion and the bottom portion can be at an angle to one another to provide support of the breast.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is illustrated and described herein with reference to the various drawings, in which like reference numbers are used to denote like system components/method steps, as appropriate, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective diagram of a breast wedge support for a single breast;

FIG. 2 is a side diagram of the breast wedge support of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective diagram of placement of the breast wedge support underneath a breast for support thereof;

FIG. 4 is a perspective diagram of a female using the breast wedge supports for both breasts illustrating the breast wedge supports and their position under the breasts;

FIG. 5 is a perspective diagram of the female of FIG. 4 illustrating the breast wedge supports;

FIG. 6 is a perspective diagram of a cover for the breast wedge support;

FIG. 7 is a perspective diagram of a female with a brassiere incorporating the breast wedge support;

FIG. 8 is a perspective diagram of the brassiere of FIG. 7 with the breast wedge support incorporated therein;

FIG. 9 is a perspective diagram of a pair of breast wedge supports with a support strap; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective diagram of another exemplary embodiment of a breast wedge support with a smaller profile.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Again, in various exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a breast wedge support apparatus and method providing female breast support with or without a corresponding brassiere (“bra”). The breast wedge support includes a foam wedge construction that is placed underneath each breast to provide a wedge between the underside of the breast and the upper abdomen region. The breast wedge support provides frontal support overcoming the aforementioned limitations of shoulder or back support. Furthermore, the breast wedge support is substantially hidden, can include removable covers with can be different colors for accessorizing, can wick moisture, and is relatively inexpensive. The breast wedge support can be used with or without a bra. In some exemplary embodiments, the breast wedge support can be integrated into a bra. In other exemplary embodiments, the breast wedge support can be a single wedge which is placed underneath the breast independent of a bra.
In an exemplary embodiment, a breast wedge support apparatus includes a top portion adapted to support an underside of a breast; a bottom portion adapted to rest on an upper abdomen underneath the breast; a curved front portion between the top portion and the bottom portion, wherein the curved front portion is curved in a similar manner as the breast; and a back portion between the top portion and the bottom portion and opposite from the curved front portion, wherein the back portion rests between the underside of the breast and the upper abdomen. The breast wedge support is formed from a foam like material. The breast wedge support apparatus can further include a removable cover which covers the breast wedge support apparatus. The removable cover can include an envelope cover. The removable cover can include one of a plurality of colors chosen to accessorize the breast wedge support with other clothing. The removable cover can include a material capable of wicking moisture. The breast wedge support apparatus can be worn without a corresponding brassiere. The breast wedge support apparatus can be selectively inserted into a corresponding brassiere. The breast wedge support apparatus can be held in place between the breast and the upper abdomen based on downward pressure exerted by the breast. The top portion and the bottom portion can be at an angle to one another to provide support of the breast.
In another exemplary embodiment, a breast wedge support method includes providing a top portion adapted to support an underside of a breast; providing a bottom portion adapted to rest on an upper abdomen underneath the breast; providing a curved front portion between the top portion and the bottom portion, wherein the curved front portion is curved in a similar manner as the breast; and providing a back portion between the top portion and the bottom portion and opposite from the curved front portion, wherein the back portion rests between the underside of the breast and the upper abdomen. The breast wedge support is formed from a foam like material. The breast wedge support method can further include providing a removable cover which covers the breast wedge support apparatus. The removable cover can include an envelope cover. The removable cover can include one of a plurality of colors chosen to accessorize the breast wedge support with other clothing. The removable cover can include a material capable of wicking moisture. The breast wedge support apparatus can be worn without a corresponding brassiere. The breast wedge support apparatus can be selectively inserted into a corresponding brassiere. The breast wedge support apparatus is held in place between the breast and the upper abdomen based on downward pressure exerted by the breast. The top portion and the bottom portion can be at an angle to one another to provide support of the breast.
Referring now to FIGS. 1-9, in various exemplary embodiments, various diagrams illustrate a breast wedge support 10. FIG. 1 is a perspective diagram of a breast wedge support 10 for a single breast, and FIG. 2 is a side diagram of the breast wedge support 10. FIG. 3 is a perspective diagram of the placement of the breast wedge support 10 underneath a breast 12 on a female 14 for support thereof. FIG. 4 is a perspective diagram of a female 14 using the breast wedge supports 10 for both breasts 12 illustrating the breast wedge supports 10 and their position under the breasts 12. FIG. 5 is a perspective diagram of the female 14 illustrating the breast wedge supports 10. FIG. 6 is a perspective diagram of a cover 16 for the breast wedge support 10. FIG. 7 is a perspective diagram of a female with a brassiere 18 incorporating the breast wedge support 10. FIG. 8 is a perspective diagram of the brassiere 18 with the breast wedge support 10 incorporated therein. FIG. 9 is a perspective diagram of a pair of breast wedge support 10 with a support strap 20. FIG. 10 is a perspective diagram of another exemplary embodiment of a breast wedge support 10 a with a smaller profile.
In FIG. 1, the breast wedge support 10 is illustrated in a front perspective view and in a side view in FIG. 2. The breast wedge support 10 includes a top portion 22, a bottom portion 24, a front portion 26, and a back portion 28. The top portion 22 supports the underside of the breast 12 while the bottom portion 24 rests upon the upper abdomen thereby providing frontal foundation support of the breast 12. The top portion 22 and the bottom portion 24 meet at the back portion 28 which is substantially smaller than the front portion 26. The top portion 22 and the bottom portion 24 are at angles to one another with the top portion 22 angled to support the breast 12 and the bottom portion 24 angled to rest on the upper abdomen. The breast wedge support 10 stays in place under the breast 12 and on the upper abdomen based on the vertical pressure exerted by the breast 12.
The angles between the top portion 22 and the bottom portion 24 can be different based on the size of the breast 12, based on the size of the female 14, and based on the use of the breast support wedge 10. For example, the angle difference can be larger when the breast support wedge 10 is used for push-up functions to augment and accentuate the breasts 12. Alternatively, the angles can be less when used for athletic support. Also, the breast wedge support 10 can support various sizes based on the female 14, the breast size, etc.
The front portion 26 is curved. The top portion 22 and the bottom portion 24 have a small curve 30 in a rear portion which rests underneath the breast 12. The top portion 22 and the bottom portion 24 have a large curve 32 in a front portion; the large curve 32 is much greater than the small curve 30. The large curve 32 substantially matches the curvature of the breast 12.
In an exemplary embodiment, the breast wedge support 10 can be a foam like material. Advantageously, foam is lightweight, breathable, flexible, but provides support. In an exemplary embodiment, the breast wedge support 10 can be formed from a cooling material. In another exemplary embodiment, the breast wedge support 10 can be formed from a non-cooling material, which is typically more cost effective than the cooling material.
FIG. 3 illustrates placement of the breast wedge support 10 under the breast 12 of the female 14. Again, the breast wedge support 10 is advantageous for large breasted women to alleviate support issues, back pain, etc. The breast wedge support 10 is placed underneath the breast 12 and remains in place based on the pressure exerted downward by the breast 12, i.e., there are no requirements to lock or hold the breast wedge support 10 in place.
FIG. 4 illustrates the breast wedge supports 10 under each breast 12. Note, FIG. 4 illustrates the breast wedge supports 10 with dashed lines showing how they sit underneath the breast 12. FIG. 5 illustrates the breast wedge supports 10 under the breast 12 showing how they sit between the breasts 12 and the upper abdomen.
FIG. 6 illustrates the cover 16 placed over the breast wedge support 10. The cover 16 can be any material which can wick moisture, such as synthetic fabric, merino wool or silk. The cover 16 can be removable and machine washable. In an exemplary embodiment, the cover 16 can be different colors, patterns, etc. and chosen to accessorize with a bra, lingerie, a shirt, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the cover 16 can include an envelope closure to avoid any protruding objects such as a zipper, etc. for comfort.
FIG. 7 illustrates the breast wedge support 10 incorporated into a strapless brassiere 18. Of course, the breast wedge support 10 could also be incorporated into a brassiere with straps. Here, the breast wedge support 10 can provide frontal foundation support alleviating pressure off of the brassiere 18. Of course, the breast wedge support 10 provides the same frontal foundation support without the brassiere 18.
In FIG. 8, the internal cups 40 can include fabric inserts 42 for inserting the breast wedge support 10 therein. The breast wedge supports 10 can be removed and used in a standalone application or inserted in the fabric inserts 42 and used with the brassiere 18.
In FIG. 9, the breast wedge support 10 include the support strap 20 which can wrap around the female 14 in a similar manner as a strapless brassiere to provide positioning support of the breast wedge supports 10. The support strap 20 can be used with a brassiere or connected to a brassiere.
In FIG. 10, the breast wedge support 10 a includes a smaller profile on the top portion 22 and a smaller front portion 26. Specifically, for females with breast augmentation, there is less free space between the undersigned of the breast 12 and the upper abdomen. As such, the smaller profile in the breast wedge support 10 a provides a better fit for augmented breasts.
Although the present disclosure has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, are contemplated thereby, and are intended to be covered by the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A breast wedge support apparatus, comprising:

a top portion adapted to support an underside of a breast;

a bottom portion adapted to rest on an upper abdomen underneath the breast;

a curved front portion between the top portion and the bottom portion, wherein the curved front portion is curved in a similar manner as the breast; and

a back portion between the top portion and the bottom portion and opposite from the curved front portion, wherein the back portion rests between the underside of the breast and the upper abdomen.

2. The breast wedge support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the breast wedge support is formed from a foam like material.

3. The breast wedge support apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a removable cover which covers the breast wedge support apparatus.

4. The breast wedge support apparatus of claim 3, wherein the removable cover comprises an envelope cover.

5. The breast wedge support apparatus of claim 3, wherein the removable cover comprises one of a plurality of colors chosen to accessorize the breast wedge support with other clothing.

6. The breast wedge support apparatus of claim 3, wherein the removable cover comprises a material capable of wicking moisture.

7. The breast wedge support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the breast wedge support apparatus is worn without a corresponding brassiere.

8. The breast wedge support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the breast wedge support apparatus is selectively inserted into a corresponding brassiere.

9. The breast wedge support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the breast wedge support apparatus is held in place between the breast and the upper abdomen based on downward pressure exerted by the breast.

10. The breast wedge support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top portion and the bottom portion are at an angle to one another to provide support of the breast.

11. The breast wedge support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the breast wedge support is formed from a cooling material.

12. A breast wedge support method, comprising:

providing a top portion adapted to support an underside of a breast;

providing a bottom portion adapted to rest on an upper abdomen underneath the breast;

providing a curved front portion between the top portion and the bottom portion, wherein the curved front portion is curved in a similar manner as the breast; and

providing a back portion between the top portion and the bottom portion and opposite from the curved front portion, wherein the back portion rests between the underside of the breast and the upper abdomen.

13. The breast wedge support method of claim 12, wherein the breast wedge support is formed from a foam like material.

14. The breast wedge support method of claim 12, further comprising:

providing a removable cover which covers the breast wedge support apparatus.

15. The breast wedge support method of claim 14, wherein the removable cover comprises an envelope cover.

16. The breast wedge support method of claim 14, wherein the removable cover comprises one of a plurality of colors chosen to accessorize the breast wedge support with other clothing.

17. The breast wedge support method of claim 14, wherein the removable cover comprises a material capable of wicking moisture.

18. The breast wedge support method of claim 12, wherein the breast wedge support apparatus is worn without a corresponding brassiere.

19. The breast wedge support method of claim 12, wherein the breast wedge support apparatus is selectively inserted into a corresponding brassiere.

20. The breast wedge support method of claim 12, wherein the breast wedge support apparatus is held in place between the breast and the upper abdomen based on downward pressure exerted by the breast.