WO2016175803A1

WO2016175803A1 - Bra and clasping mechanisms therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2016175803A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/028378
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jimena Vergara SANZ; Sharon Joines
Original assignee: North Carolina State University
Current assignee: North Carolina State University
Priority date: 2015-04-29
Filing date: 2015-04-29
Publication date: 2016-11-03
Anticipated expiration: 2017-10-29

Abstract

A bra includes a first bra cup and a second bra cup selectively attachable to the first bra cup, a stepped protrusion attached to the first bra cup, the stepped protrusion including a first cross-sectional area and a second cross-sectional area smaller than the first cross- sectional area, and a keyhole aperture located on or adjacent the second bra cup, the keyhole aperture including a first portion with a size greater than the first-cross-sectional area, and a second portion with a size greater than the second cross-sectional area but less than the first cross sectional area. The first cross-sectional area of the protrusion is operable to pass through the first portion of the aperture. The second cross-sectional area of the protrusion is retained within the second portion of the aperture for securing the first bra cup relative to the second bra cup.

Description

BRA AND CLASPING MECHANISMS THEREFOR

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to bras, and more particularly to clasping mechanisms for bras.

BACKGROUND OF THE FNVENTION

[0002] Most bras today are sold by band and cup size. It is cost prohibitive to

manufacture every combination of band and cup size, so manufacturers and retailers offer only a limited selection of combinations, i.e., typically 34A-C, 36B-D, 38C-DD, 40 D-F. However, this limited size selection makes it difficult for women with different body types that do not fit this size selection to find a bra that fits comfortably. Moreover, this limited size selection does not take into account the body fluctuations of an individual woman that may result from day to day dieting and weight gain, cold and hot climates, and pregnancy and nursing. Many women wear the wrong bra size for their bodies, and this is likely a result of the lack of size combinations available and/or the limited flexibility within each bra to accommodate body changes or adjust to fabric changes after multiple uses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention provides, in one aspect, a bra including a first bra cup and a second bra cup selectively attachable to the first bra cup, a stepped protrusion attached to the first bra cup, the stepped protrusion including a first cross-sectional area and a second cross-sectional area smaller than the first cross-sectional area, and a keyhole aperture located on or adjacent the second bra cup, the keyhole aperture including a first portion with a size greater than the first-cross-sectional area, and a second portion with a size greater than the second cross- sectional area but less than the first cross sectional area. The first cross-sectional area of the protrusion is operable to pass through the first portion of the aperture. The second cross- sectional area of the protrusion is retained within the second portion of the aperture for securing the first bra cup relative to the second bra cup.

[0004] The invention provides, in another aspect, a bra including a first bra cup and a second bra cup selectively attachable to the first bra cup, a first strap connected to the first bra cup and including a plurality of slots, and a second strap connected to the second bra cup and including a slot. The slot of the second strap is fitted within one of the plurality of slots of the first strap to determine an effective length of the first and second straps.

[0005] The invention provides, in yet another aspect, a bra including a first bra cup and a second bra cup selectively attachable to the first bra cup, a first magnet coupled to the first bra cup, and a second magnet coupled to the second bra cup. The first magnet is latchable with the second magnet for securing the first bra cup relative to the second bra cup.

[0006] Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a front view of a clasping mechanism for a bra.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bra utilizing the clasping mechanism of FIG.

1.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a bra utilizing a clasping member of an alternative design.

[0010] FIGS. 4A-4E show various perspective and top views of a clasping mechanism for a bra

[0011] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a bra with a magnetic clasping member.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the clasping member of FIG. 5.

[0013] FIGS. 7-19 show various other embodiments of the invention.

[0014] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The bras 10 (i.e., brassieres) as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5 include a first bra cup 14, 214 and a second bra cup 18, 218. Although the bras 10, 210 shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5 illustrate the leftmost (as shown on the page) bra cup as the first bra cup 14, 214 and the rightmost (as shown on the page) bra cup as the second bra cup 18, 218, it will be understood that these may be switched within the bounds of the invention. The two cups 14, 18 are connected to one another via two front band elements 22, selectively connected to one another via a clasping member or mechanism 26. The front band elements 22 may be integral with the cups 14, 18, or the band element 22 may be attached to the cups by a known method (e.g. sewn on to the cups 14, 18).

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, (and as applied to the bras of FIGS. 2-3), the two cups 14,

18 are connected to one another in front of the user with clasping mechanism 26. The clasping mechanism 26 comprises a keyhole slot 30 attached to one of the front band elements 22. The keyhole slot or keyhole aperture 30 is configured to mate with a stepped protrusion 34, which is attached to the other of the front band elements 22.

[0017] The stepped protrusion 34 is fixed to and extends from one of the front band elements 22. A first area 38 of the protrusion is physically fixed to the element 22. A second area 42, with a cross-sectional area greater than the cross-sectional area of the first area 38 is fixed to the first area 38.

[0018] The keyhole slot 30 is provided with two portions or two apertures, which intersect one another. The first portion 46 is slightly larger than the cross-sectional area of the second area 42. The second portion 50 is connected to the first portion 46 and has a cross-sectional area slightly larger than the cross-sectional area of the first area 38, but less than that of the second area 42. The second portion 50 may be a circular aperture directly connected to the first portion 46, or may be connected to the first portion 46 via a rectangular track with a similar cross-sectional width to the second portion 50.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the clasping mechanism 26 shown in FIG. 1 is applied to a bra. FIG. 2 shows a slot 30 and protrusion 34 design similar to FIG. 1, however, FIG. 3 shows a different design with rectangular cross-sections as opposed to the circular cross- sections of FIGS. 1-2. [0020] As shown in FIGS. 4A-4E, the clasping mechanism 126 may be formed integrally with the front band elements 122. As shown in FIG. 4A, one of the front band elements or straps 122 includes a single slot 154. As shown in FIG. 4B, the other of the band elements or straps 122 includes multiple slots 158. FIG. 4C shows the slot 154 and one of the multiple slots 158 aligned with one another to hold the straps 122 in place relative to one another, secure a first bra cup (not shown) relative to a second bra cup (not shown), and determine an effective length of the straps 122. The user is able to select which of the multiple slots 158 to pair with the single slot 154 in order to achieve a desired fit. To provide further holding power, the straps 122 may be made of a directional textile (e.g. fabric) material, as shown in FIGS. 4D-4E. With a directional material, the direction of the fibers provides additional high friction when pulled taut, effectively adhering the straps 122 to each other.

[0021] FIGS. 5-6 show a clasping mechanism 226 to connect two front band elements

222 of a bra. The mechanism 226 includes two magnetic components 262, 266. As shown, the two magnetic components 262, 266 are identical. When the two components 262, 266 contact one another, the first bra cup 214 is secured relative to the second bra cup 218. As shown in FIG. 6, the magnetic components 262, 266 may be provided with protrusions 270 and recesses 274 to improve alignment and latching power of the mechanism 226. The protrusions 270 and recesses 274 may be magnetic, or may just provide alignment sites. Although both components 262, 266 are shown to include one each of the protrusions 270 and the recesses 274, the mechanism 262 may only contain one of a protrusion 270 and a recess 274, and the other mechanism 266 may contain the other. The mechanism 226 can be undone or released by rotating or pivoting one of the components 262, 266 relative to the other. At least the magnetic element of the components 262, 266 is heat treated to protect the magnetic element in cleaning situations, such as placing the bra 210 in a dryer.

[0022] While the inventions shown in the Figures are shown with respect to a front clasping mechanism between the two cups it should be understood that the invention could equally apply to clasps located in other locations of the bra including but not limited to a clasp located along the back of a user to secure the bra, or above the cups to connect the cups to a strap.

[0023] The following additional description relates to the embodiments shown in

FIGS. 1-6, or other embodiments of the invention shown in FIGS. 7-19. [0024] Brassiere closures and strap adjusters present different design and usability problems. This research emphasized in viewing and understanding user's needs mainly through use observations, surveys and interviews. Data collection and conclusions lead to design specialized bra closures and strap adjuster for upper body limb limited users. The solution is a front magnetic closure that enables easy opening and closing. The magnet's inner subtle grooves and tabs enable to close and remain like this until the user twists one of the sides. In order to avoid demagnetizing in the laundry process, the magnet has a heat resistant coating around the core. Band adjustability happens through a non-elastic chord stitched away from the wire over the band. The chord enters the tubed wire and reaches a gate in the front. By pulling, the band size is reduced. To maintain the desired size, there are two clasping bottoms over the wire where the end of the chord can be attached. Strap adjustability happens through a front access semi-permanent adjuster: a permanent stitched elastic strap that meets a non-elastic, double layered fabric in the front, which is inserted in a ring in the upper cup of the bra and ends in a hook to be inserted in the double layer spaces. The double layer that has space dividers stitches perpendicular to the strap. The upper layer is offset from the bottom one and has a different color border. The hook where the strap ends have an 8mm flat body to easily be grabbed and its head has a thickness reduction to enable easier access to the adjustability dividers.

[0025] This product is specialized for women with limited upper body movement.

There is nothing in the market designed for this audience.

[0026] Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A bra comprising:

a first bra cup and a second bra cup selectively attachable to the first bra cup;

a stepped protrusion attached to the first bra cup, the stepped protrusion including a first cross-sectional area and a second cross-sectional area smaller than the first cross- sectional area; and

a keyhole aperture located on or adjacent the second bra cup, the keyhole aperture including a first portion with a size greater than the first-cross-sectional area, and a second portion with a size greater than the second cross-sectional area but less than the first cross sectional area,

wherein the first cross-sectional area of the protrusion is operable to pass through the first portion of the aperture, and

wherein the second cross-sectional area of the protrusion is retained within the second portion of the aperture for securing the first bra cup relative to the second bra cup.

2. The bra of claim 1, further comprising a first band element coupled to the first bra cup from which the stepped protrusion extends.

3. The bra of claim 2, further comprising a second band element coupled to the second bra cup in which the keyhole aperture is defined.

4. The bra of claim 3, wherein the first and second band elements are coupled to the first and second bra cups, respectively, using thread.

5. The bra of claim 1, wherein elasticity of the bra retains the second cross-sectional area of the protrusion retained within the second portion of the aperture.

6. A bra comprising:

a first strap connected to the first bra cup and including a plurality of slots, and a second strap connected to the second bra cup and including a slot;

wherein the slot of the second strap is fitted within one of the plurality of slots of the first strap to determine an effective length of the first and second straps.

7. The bra of claim 6, wherein the slots in the first strap are spaced at equal intervals.

8. The bra of claim 6, wherein each of the slots in the first strap includes an open end along a top edge of the first strap.

9. The bra of claim 8, wherein the slots in the second strap includes an open end along a bottom edge of the second strap.

10. The bra of claim 6, wherein the slot of the second strap is fitted within a first of the plurality of slots of the first strap to adjust the straps to a first effective length.

11. The bra of claim 10, wherein the slot of the second strap is fitted within a second of the plurality of slots of the first strap to adjust the straps to a second effective length different than the first effective length.

12. The bra of claim 11, wherein a distal end of the second strap overlaps the first strap by a first amount in the first effective length, and wherein the distal end of the second strap overlaps the first strap by a second amount in the second effective length.

13. The bra of claim 6, wherein a distal end of the second strap is adhered to the first strap when the slot of the second strap is fitted within one of the plurality of slots of the first strap.

14. A bra comprising:

a first magnet coupled to the first bra cup; and

a second magnet coupled to the second bra cup,

wherein the first magnet is latchable with the second magnet for securing the first bra cup relative to the second bra cup.

15. The bra of claim 14, wherein both the first magnet and the second magnet are coated with a heat resistant coating.

16. The bra of claim 14, further comprising:

a protrusion proximate the first magnet; and

a recess proximate the second magnet in which the protrusion is receivable to secure the first bra cup relative to the second bra cup.