Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
  • A47F7/00—Show stands, hangers, or shelves, adapted for particular articles or materials
  • A47F7/19—Show stands, hangers, or shelves, adapted for particular articles or materials for garments

Definitions

• the present invention relates to women's undergarments and more specifically to the storage of brassieres to ensure the protection of the structural integrity of the brassiere.
• the invention further relates to a brassier support assembly which allows bra storage in a manner which prevents damage to bra cups.
• the invention further relates to an assembly having adjustable and selectively detachable elements which receive and retain thereon individual brassieres so that a plurality of brassieres can be stored in a generally stacked arrangement in a box, drawer or the like.
• Brassiere cups are usually made from soft pliable material with an elastic o memory but bra cups are not rigid enough to withstand light point loads tending to distort the cup contour. If a point load is applied in a particular location on a cup plastic deformation can result which effectively renders the bra un wearable as the deformed region cannot be restored by elastic memory or by application ⁇ of a load in the opposite direction to the cup distortion. If a distortion takes place the bra is unwearable as the defective cup contour shows through garments and therefore gives an unsightly appearance. .
• Japanese JP 8332123 discloses a case for storing an object to be stored without deforming it by partitioning a space for storing the object to be stored into two storage spaces with an expanded member having an expanded part and supporting the object to be stored at the expanded part .
• the storage case is provided with first and second main bodies having erected walls.
• the second main body of the " case to be functioned as a lid pair is fitted freely attachably and detachably to the first main body of the case.
• An expanded wall expanded in the form of a turned- down cup is formed on the inner wall of the first erected wall.
• a gap between the erected walls and the expanded wall is defined as a first storage space
• the outer surface side of the expanded wall is defined as a second storage space .
• the brassiere storage container comprises an approximately rectangular base, and is equipped with creases at borders between peripheral and bottom walls at four corners.
• a pair of semispherical cup holding projections are provided on the bottom wall.
• the peripheral walls are folded onto a rear of the bottom wall and also folded into a plane, providing a mount- formed showcase.
• the peripheral walls are folded onto a front from the folded state to stand from a periphery of the bottom wall, providing a brassiere storage box with an upper surface opened.
• Another assembly is disclosed in Japanese patent application JP 2004269037 which provides a brassiere storage case, which prevents loss of shape of the brassiere and saves a space for storage to store the brassiere elegantly and neatly, to allow convenient storage and carrying the brassiere.
• United States patent US 2005020182 discloses a receptacle for protectively storing at least one brassiere and includes a garment support deck and a pair of brassiere cup support members. Each of the support members is rotatable with respect to the support deck and is coupled to the support deck during storage of at least one brassiere. The support members are rotatable relative to the support deck so that non-concentrically positioned domed-shaped contacting surfaces of the support members can be moved toward and away from each other to correspond to the natural distance between the cups of the brassiere(s).
• US Patent 2006086740 discloses a brassiere travel and storage system and method to facilitate storing a plurality of padded brassieres such that the cups of the brassieres do not degenerate and/ or become crushed during storage, such as when a person travels.
• a container is provided that is capable of situating and positioning the one or a plurality of brassieres in a predetermined position, such as an angled position, so that the brassieres or at least a portion of them can be viewed for identification and selection by a user.
• the storage system and method described is adapted to be received in a suitcase an is capable of protecting a plurality of brassieres stored therein so that they do not become crushed or deformed from storage.
• United States patent US 2007123144 discloses a frame for maintaining the shape of a brassiere during drying and storage.
• the frame includes one or more hemispherically-shaped shells having a plurality of apertures formed therethrough.
• the shells may be formed from a first polymeric material and may further include a second polymeric material disposed on an outer surface thereof, to frictionally retain a cup of the brassiere.
• first and second shells are joined by an interconnection extending therebetween. The interconnection may maintain the shells in a tandem arrangement, or may permit the shells to be positioned such that their respective peripheral edges confront one another.
• US patent No. 2008099518 discloses a container for supporting a brassiere or a similar garment for cleaning and storage.
• the container includes opposed flat plate members connected by a hinge, and opposed container cup members connected to the respective plate members at hinge connections for folding the container cup members over the plate members and for folding the plate members with respect to each other to form a closed container for supporting a brassiere.
• the plate members include hinged support members, each having an arcuate cross shape, for supporting brassiere cups between the plate members and the container cup members. Spaced apart clips secure the brassiere straps to the plate members. Spaced apart latches releasably secure the cup members to the plate members and the plate members to each other for placing the container in a compact folded position.
• This device is unnecessarily complicated to use and manufacture and does not provide the simplicity which is ultimately required to address the problem of the invention.
• the present invention seeks to ameliorate the problem of brassiere storage to preserve the integrity of the brassiere by providing a brassier support assembly which allows bra storage in a manner which prevents damage to bra cups.
• the invention further provides an assembly having adjustable and selectively . detachable elements which receive and retain thereon individual brassieres so that a plurality of brassieres can be stored in a generally stacked arrangement in a box, drawer or the like.
• the present invention comprises: a brassiere support assembly comprising: a base including a bearing surface; at least one brassiere support member supported by the base and capable of movement along the base; formations on the support member each contoured to conform generally to the shape of a brassiere cup thereby allowing the at least one brassiere to be supported by the support member.
• the present invention comprises: a brassiere support assembly comprising a base including an upper region and a lower region which engages a support surface; at least one brassiere support member extending from the base and including first and second formations each having a surface contoured to conform to the shape of a brassiere cup received thereon to allow support of the cups by the formations, the upper region including a connection which enables releasable connection of the brassiere support member to the base; wherein the formations prevent deformation of the brassiere cups when the ' brassiere is mounted on the support member.
• the present invention comprises: a container for retaining at least one brassiere support assembly each said assemblies comprising; a base including an upper region and a lower region which engages a support surface; at least one brassiere support member extending from the base and including first and second formations each having a surface contoured to conform to the shape of a brassiere cup received thereon to allow support of the cups by the formations, the upper region including a connection which enables releasable connection of the brassiere support member to the base; wherein the formations prevent deformation of the brassiere cups when the brassiere is mounted on the support member.
• the present invention comprises: a drawer mountable brassiere support assembly comprising a base including an upper region and a lower region which engages a support surface; at least one brassiere support member extending from the base and including first and second formations each having a surface contoured to conform to the shape of a brassiere cup received thereon to allow support of the cups by the ⁇ formations, the upper region including a connection which enables releasable connection of the brassiere support member to the base; wherein the formations prevent deformation of the brassiere cups when the brassiere is mounted on the support member.
• the present invention comprises: a brassiere support assembly kit comprising a plurality of mounted support members mounted on a spine including an upper region and a lower region which engages a support surface; each said plurality of brassiere support members including means to allow movement between a first state in which the support members are detached from or folded against the spine and a second state in which the support members are attached to the spine or unfolded; each said support members extending from the spine and including first and second formations each having a surface contoured to conform to the shape of a brassiere cup received thereon to allow support of the cups by the formations, the upper region including a connection which enables releasable connection of the brassiere support member to the spine; wherein the formations prevent deformation of the brassiere cups when the brassiere is mounted on the support member and wherein the spacing of the support members is adjustable along the spine.
• the base comprises a spine which receives and retains thereon a plurality of like support members.
• each support member is moveable relative to the base to enable rotation of one support member relative to another support member so as to create a gap between support members.
• each support member is attached via hinge to the spine and is adjustable therealong.
• the first and second formations are capable of displacement relative to each other.
• the connection is a hinge which allows the formations to rotate through an arc along the longitudinal axis.
• the formations are spaced part along the spine to allow a plurality of formations to be mounted on the spine to enable support and storage of a plurality of brassieres.
• the formations are convex outward to receive opposing concave breast cups mounted thereon.
• the formations are capable of displacement to enable placement of a brassiere cup and then replacement to an original position
• the formations have multiple degrees of freedom and are capable of movement relative to an adjacent formation or relative to the spine to facilitate ease of placement and removal of a brassiere for storage of same. Movement of the formations relative to the spine may be effected by pivotal or other form of mutual engagement.
• the formations are removable from the spine and may be moved along the spine.
• Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a simple form of brassiere support assembly with one brassiere support element according to one embodiment.
• Figure 2 shows a front elevation view of the assembly of figure 1 with brassiere support fully assembled.
• Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a brassiere assembly with a plurality of bra support elements fitted to a support runner.
• Figure 4 shows a top rear perspective view of the assembly of figure 3.
• Figure 5 shows a side elevation view of the brassiere assembly of figure 4.
• Figure 6 shows a long sectional view of the assembly of figure 5.
• Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a brassiere support assembly inserted in a container.
• FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a simple form of brassiere support assembly 1 with one brassiere support member 2 according to one embodiment.
• Brassiere storage assembly 1 includes a base structure 3 which incudes ground engaging member 4 having a lower surface 5 and upper surface 6 which is connectable to a ground surface, such as a drawer base, with fasteners (not shown) via openings 7, 8 and 9 in member 4.
• Base 3 further comprises frame 10 comprising web 11 and depending therefrom flanges 12 and 13 which together with web 11 and member 4 define channels 14 and 15. channels 14 and 15 are closed by end capping 16.
• Brassiere support member 2 comprises body 17 including convex formations 18 and 19 which in use receive and support brassiere cups so that the convex formations generally retain the optimal shape of a brassiere cup during storage on the assembly. Formations 18 and 19 are preferably contoured to conform to the shape of a brassiere cup received thereon to allow support of and protection for the shape of the cups.
• Body 17 of support member 2 includes retaining eyelets 20 and 21 which receive and retain bra straps to secure the brassiere.
• Reinforcing frame 22 provides a central rigidity to member 2 at a region of load transfer when member 2 is mounted on base 3.
• Body 17 further comprises opening 23 in which there is disposed wheel 24 mounted on axle 25 and wheel 26 mounted on axle 27.
• wheel 24 travels in channel 14 and wheel 25 travels in channel 15.
• wheel 25 travels in channel 15.
• Wheels 24 and 25 allow support member 2 to be rotated through an arc of travel up to 180 degrees relative to base assembly 3. . This allows displacement and more space for the purposes of mounting a brassiere on the support assembly particularly when a plurality of support members are mounted on base assembly 3.
• formations 18 and 19 may be arranged for separate rotation such that one formation may be displaced to receive a first brassiere cup and the other may be displaced to receive a second brassiere cup. In this case, formations 18 and 19 are restored to their original position once the brassiere is mounted.
• Figure 2 shows with corresponding numbering for corresponding parts, a front elevation view of the assembly 1 of figure 1 with brassiere support member 2 fully assembled on base assembly 3.
• Base 3 is shown in cross section so that it can be seen that wheel 24 travels in channel 14 and wheel 25 travels in channel 15. This arrangement allows releasable connection of member 2 to base 3 and in the same manner a plurality of like brassiere support members.
• Figure 3 shows with corresponding numbering for corresponding parts perspective view of the brassiere assembly 1 with support member 2 and a plurality of bra support members 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 and 36.
• Support member 2 is shown advanced along base assembly 3 and rotated in a direction of arrow 37 to form an increased space 38 which allows clearance to enable a user to mount a brassiere on formations 39 and 40 of support member 30.
• each support member may be advanced along and /or rotated relative to base 3.
• Figure 4 shows with corresponding numbering a top rear perspective view of the assembly of figure 3.
• Figure 5 shows with corresponding numbering a side elevation view of the brassiere assembly of figure 3.
• Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a brassiere support assembly 50 associated with a container 51 which may be a box, drawer, case or the like for use when a user requires storage of a variety of brassieres.
• container 51 as a storage box comprising walls 52 defining internal space 53 which receives and retains therein assembly 50.
• Support assembly 50 comprises base 54 which forms a spine which may be secured to the bottom of a support surface in container 51 and brassiere support member 55. Rotation allows more space for the purposes of mounting a brassiere on the support assembly without interference from an adjacent support member.
• brassieres may be 'sandwiched' between adjacent support members so that convex outer surfaces presents to a concave inner surface of an adjacent support member. Once a brassiere is mounted, the support assembly may be returned back to its original upright position by contra rotation.
• each of support members 21 - 30 are moveable relative to the spine 31 such that the spacing between adjacent formations can be altered according to individual spacing requirements.
• This arrangement may, according to one embodiment, be effected by sliding engagement.
• the support members may be advanced by using a ratchet mechanism.
• Various other forms of releasable engagement between support members and the base may be used such as snap fit adjustment.
• the base and support members are manufactured from separate plastics moulds with size variable according to requirements.
• the support assembly is adapted for inclusion in a storage box to prolong the life of brassiere stored in the box.
• the box may typically include a storage location for bra accessories other than the cup.
• the assembly is locatable in a drawer such that brassieres which would otherwise be randomly thrown in a drawer can be carefully protected from unwanted damage.
• the underside of the assembly may be adapted with adhesive means such as peel and stick elements or tapes to secure the assembly via its base to a drawer base.

Landscapes

• Packaging Of Annular Or Rod-Shaped Articles, Wearing Apparel, Cassettes, Or The Like (AREA)
• Packages (AREA)
• Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)
• Container, Conveyance, Adherence, Positioning, Of Wafer (AREA)
• Corsets Or Brassieres (AREA)

Priority Applications (10)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=41376494

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (10)

Cited By (2)

Families Citing this family (1)

Citations (3)

Family Cites Families (8)

• 2009
  • 2009-05-29 EP EP09753351A patent/EP2296512A4/en not_active Withdrawn
  • 2009-05-29 CN CN2009801273022A patent/CN102098948A/zh active Pending
  • 2009-05-29 AU AU2009253754A patent/AU2009253754A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2009-05-29 JP JP2011510785A patent/JP5431459B2/ja not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2009-05-29 CA CA2726318A patent/CA2726318A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2009-05-29 MX MX2010013116A patent/MX2010013116A/es not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2009-05-29 RU RU2010152950/12A patent/RU2499538C2/ru not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2009-05-29 WO PCT/AU2009/000683 patent/WO2009143587A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2009-05-29 BR BRPI0913092A patent/BRPI0913092A2/pt not_active IP Right Cessation
• 2010
  • 2010-12-24 ZA ZA2010/09239A patent/ZA201009239B/en unknown

Patent Citations (3)

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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