HK40007903B - Backless support bra - Google Patents

Description

Bra with back support

Application of reference priority

This application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application US62/372282 filed on 8/2016.

Background of the invention

1. Field of the invention

The present invention relates generally to undergarments, and more particularly to a brassiere that provides chest support and unobstructed viewing of the wearer's back.

2. Description of the related Art

Conventional feminine undergarments, i.e., brassieres, as shown in fig. 36, typically have a front main portion containing two cups, wings extending from the front portion around the wearer's chest, a hook and loop closure for connecting the two wings, and two shoulder straps. Conventional brassieres are practically suitable for everyday wear, such as T-shirts, sweaters and the like. However, these conventional brassieres are not suitable for all purposes. For example, conventional brassieres are not suitable for wearing with open back garments, such as formal dresses.

One fashion or fashion design that has become popular and still popular among many women is a back-exposed garment, such as a low-chest or back-exposed garment. For example, evening dresses, dance dresses, cocktail dresses, and such dresses with low chest or open back on the back are considered elegant by many men and women. The appearance of low chest and open back also penetrates into other types of garments, such as open back cross tops, which are considered in some fashion programs.

One way in which basic bra designs have been developed is to eliminate the need for shoulder straps, such as shown in fig. 37. Therefore, both cup design and back straps are necessary to achieve full support of the wearer's breasts. This type of brassiere is commonly referred to as a strapless brassiere, which may be worn with a garment that exposes the shoulders of the wearer. However, if worn with low chest or open back garments, the back straps of the strapless bra are still exposed.

Another solution is a strapless and backless bra as disclosed in US patent US 6397391. No wings of the bra are exposed to the back-exposed garment. However, this configuration provides little support to the breast resulting in an undesirable appearance. In fact, in the event that the strap falls on the wearer's arms or neck, the bottom of the bra cup may be displaced from the wearer's torso, with the result that the base of the breast may even slide under the cup.

Various other non-ideal solutions are currently available, including silicone cups with adhesive, strapless close-fitting bras that are back-exposed and boneless along the sides. The silicone cups with adhesive options allow any type of open-back garment to be worn. However, these cups, which are supported only by adhesive or bonded wings, do not provide sufficient support or lift for wearers with larger breasts. Silicone cups held using adhesives (e.g., glues) are generally considered inferior because the strength of the adhesive deteriorates over time, particularly when the wearer sweats. In addition, garments and other products that adhere to human skin are generally undesirable because their removal is painful, irritates the wearer's skin, or both. Regardless of the size of the wearer or the size of the wearer's cups, it is not generally possible to purchase or use garments (including undergarments) that adhere to the wearer's skin that have such problems.

As shown in fig. 38, a back-exposed close-fitting brassiere typically causes an undesirable and unsightly lifting effect in the back area (the area where many wearers carry too much skin and fat). Since these close fitting brassieres are strapless, they need to be secured very tightly around the torso to provide support and held firmly in place. But since they must be tightly fixed, the doming effect is accentuated.

Accordingly, there is a desire and long felt need for a brassiere that can be properly worn with low-chest or open-back garments and that provides support to the wearer's breasts in the same or similar manner as a conventional or basic brassiere. The present invention relates to such a brassiere.

Objects and summary of the invention

In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide a backless support bra which overcomes one, some or all of the problems associated with the prior art, such as discussed briefly above.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a backless support brassiere that provides an unobstructed field of view of the wearer's back while providing adequate support to the wearer's breasts. It is another object of the present invention to provide an open back support bra that can be properly mated with open back or open back dresses and other types of garments where it is desirable to see the back of the wearer unimpeded by straps and other components of the bra.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an open back support bra that is easy to wear, easy to adjust, and designed to be properly positioned on the wearer.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a variation of the backless support bra that enables the wearer to wear garments having a low or extremely low/deep open neckline.

It is yet an additional object of the present invention to provide an undergarment that is easy to put on and take off and that provides the wearer with one or more of the advantages described herein.

To achieve one or more of the foregoing and other objects, in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the invention is a backless support bra comprising: a first cup and a second cup, wherein each of the cups is configured to support a respective breast of a wearer when the backless support bra is worn; at least one upper band having first and second ends for supporting the first and second cups upwardly; a first lower strap and a second lower strap, wherein each of the first lower strap and the second lower strap has a first end and a second end for supporting the first cup and the second cup downward, the first lower strap configured to extend through a pelvic region of the wearer and around one leg of the wearer, the second lower strap configured to extend through the pelvic region of the wearer and around the other leg of the wearer.

As an aspect of the present invention, the first cup and the second cup are not directly connected to each other.

As a particular aspect, the first end of the first lower band is connected to the first cup, the second end of the first lower band is connected to the second cup, and the first end of the second lower band is connected to the second cup, the second end of the second lower band is connected to the first cup.

As another aspect, the first lower band and the second lower band are disposed substantially entirely along the front of the wearer when worn such that substantially all of the wearer's back is unobstructed by the first lower band, the second lower band, and the at least one upper band.

As yet another aspect, the band is permanently affixed to the cup.

As yet another aspect, at least one of the straps is removably connected to one of the cups.

As a further additional aspect, the at least one upper band is comprised of a first upper band including a first end and a second end both connected to the first breast cup and a second upper band including a first end and a second end both connected to the second breast cup.

As a feature of this aspect, each of the first and second upper straps is configured to be worn about a respective shoulder of the wearer of the back support bra.

As another aspect, the at least one upper band consists of only one upper band, the one upper band including a first end connected to the first cup and a second end connected to the second cup.

As a feature of this aspect, the upper band is configured to be worn around the neck of the wearer of the back support bra.

As a further aspect of the invention, the back support bra further comprises: a front panty flap secured to and extending between first portions of the first and second lower straps near the wearer's front pelvic region; a rear panty flap secured to and extending between second portions of the first and second lower straps near a hip region of the wearer, wherein the front panty flap is configured to cover at least a portion of the anterior pelvic region of the wearer when worn and the rear panty flap is configured to cover at least a portion of the hip region of the wearer when worn.

As a feature of this aspect, the front and rear pant flaps are configured as t-shaped pants.

As a further feature, the front and rear pant flaps are configured as a full coverage pant that covers at least a substantial portion of the wearer's buttocks when worn.

As yet another feature, the front and rear pant flaps are permanently fixed to the first and second lower belts.

As yet a further feature, the front and rear pant flaps are configured as a single piece that is removably attached to the first and second lower belts.

As yet another aspect of the present invention, the first end of the first lower band is connected to the first cup and the second end of the first lower band is connected to a middle portion of the first lower band; and the first end of the second lower band is connected to the second cup, and the second end of the second lower band is connected to a middle portion of the second lower band.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, a backless support bra comprises: a first cup and a second cup that are not directly connected to each other, wherein each of the first cup and the second cup is configured to support a respective breast of a wearer when the back support bra is worn; at least one upper band having a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end configured to support the first cup and the second cup upward when worn; first and second lower straps configured to support the first and second cups downwardly when worn, the first and second lower straps configured to extend downwardly from respective ones of the first and second cups to a pelvic region of the wearer, extend through a hip of the wearer, and extend around respective legs of the wearer.

In accordance with an aspect of this particular embodiment, a first end of the first lower band is connected to the first cup and a second end of the first lower band is connected to the second cup; and the first end of the second lower band is connected with the second cup, and the second end of the second lower band is connected with the first cup.

In accordance with another aspect of this particular embodiment, the at least one upper band is comprised of a first upper band and a second upper band, the first upper band including a first end and a second end both connected to the first cup and configured to be worn around a first shoulder of the wearer, the second upper band including a first end and a second end both connected to the second cup and configured to be worn around a second shoulder of the wearer.

In accordance with another aspect of this particular embodiment, the at least one upper band is a neckband having a first end connected to the first cup and a second end connected to the second cup, the neckband configured to be worn about the neck of the wearer.

According to other embodiments of the invention, there are included methods of securing an open back support bra having the features described herein to a wearer of the open back support bra.

These and other embodiments, aspects, and features of the present invention are described in the following detailed description. Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the invention.

Brief description of the drawings

The following detailed description, given by way of example and not intended to limit the present invention solely thereto, will best be understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and parts, in which:

fig. 1-7 are schematic views of a backless support brassiere according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which fig. 1 is a front perspective view, fig. 2 is a front view, fig. 3 is a rear view, fig. 4 is a left side view, fig. 5 is a right side view, fig. 6 is a top view, and fig. 7 is a bottom view;

FIGS. 8 and 9 are schematic front and rear views, respectively, of a backless support bra in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 10-14 are schematic views of a backless support bra having T-shaped underpants according to a third embodiment of the invention, in which FIG. 10 is a front perspective view; fig. 11 is a front view, fig. 12 is a rear view, fig. 13 is a left side view, and fig. 14 is a right side view;

15-21 are schematic views of a backless support brassiere with full coverage underpants according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, in which FIG. 15 is a front perspective view, FIG. 16 is a front view, FIG. 17 is a rear view, FIG. 18 is a left side view, FIG. 19 is a right side view, FIG. 20 is a top view of a wearer, and FIG. 21 is a bottom view of the wearer;

fig. 22-28 are schematic views of a backless support bra with separated cups according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, wherein fig. 22 is a front perspective view, fig. 23 is a front view, fig. 24 is a rear view, fig. 25 is a left side view, fig. 26 is a right side view, fig. 27 is a top view, and fig. 28 is a bottom view;

fig. 29-35 are schematic views of a back support brassiere with separated cups and neck straps in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention, in which fig. 29 is a front perspective view, fig. 30 is a front view, fig. 31 is a rear view, fig. 32 is a left side view, fig. 33 is a right side view, fig. 34 is a top view, and fig. 35 is a bottom view;

FIG. 36 is a schematic view of a conventional prior art brassiere;

FIG. 37 is a schematic view of another prior art brassiere; and

fig. 38 is a schematic view of another prior art back-bared bra.

Detailed description of the invention

Various embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the detailed description, descriptions of related functions and configurations known in the art are omitted for clarity of understanding of the concepts of the present invention and to avoid using unnecessary detail to obscure the present invention. Additionally, it should be apparent from the discussion herein that: there are many variations and modifications which will be apparent to those skilled in the art and which are intended to fall within the scope of the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

In addition, certain terms, such as "cup," "strap," "flap," and the like, are used throughout the discussion, each provided with an appropriate frame of reference with respect to the inventive concepts herein and to assist the reader in understanding the invention. However, unless specifically indicated, these terms are not intended to be unduly limiting.

As discussed or otherwise understood from the discussion herein, the present invention in its various forms relates to an open back support bra that provides the wearer with an unobstructed view of the wearer's back and other advantages described herein. In some embodiments, the bra also provides an unobstructed view of the central chest region for the wearer. With these embodiments of the invention, the wearer of the brassiere of the invention (in its various forms) is able to wear an open back garment without any portion of the brassiere being visible from the back. Thus, when the brassiere of the present invention is worn, it not only provides sufficient support for the wearer's breasts, but also allows the wearing of so-called "backless" dresses and other backless garments. Furthermore, with certain embodiments described herein, the wearer of the bra can also wear a garment with a low (or extra low/deep opening) neck opening without seeing any portion of the bra from the front.

The first embodiment: bra with back support

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to fig. 1-7, a backless support bra 100 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. As shown in these figures, a backless support brassiere 100 (sometimes referred to herein as brassiere 100 for convenience) is shown as being worn by a wearer (i.e., a person) having a body 10, left and right arms 12a, 12b, left and right legs 14a, 14b, and a back 16 (the back 16 is best shown in the rear view of fig. 3).

Referring to fig. 1 (and also shown in one or more of the various other fig. 2-7 of this embodiment), a backless support bra 100 includes a front main wing panel 110 and a set of straps. The front main wing 110 includes a left cup 112a and a right cup 112 b. When worn, the left cup 112a supports the left breast of the wearer, and the right cup 112b supports the right breast of the wearer. The left cup 112a has an upper edge 114a and a lower edge 116 a. Similarly, the right cup 112b has an upper edge 114b and a lower edge 116 b.

Referring to fig. 2 (and also shown in other figures of this embodiment), the backless support bra 100 includes a pair of upper shoulder straps and a pair of lower straps. Specifically, brassiere 100 includes a left upper shoulder strap 120a and a right upper shoulder strap 120b (also referred to as "upper straps"). The lower band is discussed further below. Each upper shoulder strap is connected to a respective one of the breast cups, and each strap is configured to pass over a wearer's shoulders when worn. Specifically, the left cup 112a is supported on the wearer's body by the left upper shoulder strap 120a, and the right cup 112b is supported on the wearer's body in the same manner by the right upper shoulder strap 120 b.

The left upper shoulder strap 120a has a first end 122a and a second end 124a, and both ends are directly connected to the left cup 112a of the front main wing 110. This is best shown in fig. 1, but can also be seen in fig. 2. Similarly, the right upper strap 120b has a first end 122b and a second end 124b, and both ends are directly connected to the right cup 112b of the front major flap 110, as best shown in fig. 2 (end 124 is hidden in fig. 1).

As shown in the side view of fig. 4, the upper left shoulder strap 120a forms a first shoulder loop. As shown in the other side view of fig. 5, the upper right shoulder strap 120b forms a second shoulder loop.

Referring again to fig. 1, the left upper strap 120a is connected to the upper edge 114a of the left cup 112a (at end 122 a) and also to a slightly lower point of the left cup 112a (at end 124 a). This is also shown in fig. 2. Similarly, and as shown in fig. 2, right upper strap 120b is connected to upper edge 114b of right cup 112b (at end 122 b), and is also connected to right cup 112b (at end 124 b). In the variants described herein, the left and right upper straps may be connected to the left and right cups, respectively, at different locations than shown in the figures. In a variant, the two ends of each upper band are connected to the same position of each corresponding cup. In another variant, the two ends of each upper band are connected to each respective cup, but farther from each other than shown in the figures.

As described above, the brassiere according to the first embodiment of the present invention further includes a pair of lower bands. As further described herein, each lower band includes two ends (i.e., a first end and a second end), and each end of each lower band is connected to a lower edge of a cup of a front main wing of the bra.

Each lower band forms a "leg loop" in which each band (when worn by the user) extends down the front of the wearer's body (at the torso region of the wearer), through the pelvic region of the wearer, then extends up the hip region of the wearer, and is ultimately connected to the front main panel of the bra. Referring to the drawings, the lower straps are shown extending across the front of the torso of the wearer as shown in fig. 2, particularly through the pelvic region as shown in the bottom view of fig. 7, rising back around the hip region of the wearer as shown in fig. 3, and then returning to the main wing of the bra as shown in fig. 4, 5 and 1. It should be noted that other figures may also show these positions.

As shown in fig. 2, the lower left band 140a has a first end 142a and a second end 144 a. These ends are directly connected to (or near) the lower edge 116a of the left cup 112a of the bra. Similarly, the right lower band 140b has a first end 142b and a second end 144b, and these ends are directly connected to (or near) the lower edge 116b of the right cup 112b of the bra.

In a variation of the first embodiment of the invention, the upper and lower straps 120a, 120b, 140a, 140b are permanently secured to the front main wing panel 110 of the brassiere 100. In another variant, all the straps are detachable from the front main panel of the brassiere. The type of connection from each end of the shoulder straps and each end of the lower strap to the front main wing panel may be any type of connection technique suitable for use on a brassiere.

In variations where all of the straps are permanently secured to the main flap, this permanent securement may be by sewing or knitting all ends of the straps to the front main flap 110. Other permanent fastening means may be used. In this variation, the wearer "steps" into the leg loops formed by the lower straps 140a, 140b and then lifts the upper shoulder straps 120a, 120b until they are disposed on the shoulders of the wearer in order to wear the brassiere of the present invention.

For variations of the invention in which the straps are not permanently affixed to the main wing, one exemplary variation is that each strap may be connected to the main wing of the bra by a conventional suspension link connector. In this modification, the upper and lower straps 120a, 120b, 140a, 140b are detachably connected to the front main wing 110 at a loop portion provided on the inner side of the front main wing 110. The loop portions are disposed on the inner side of the front main wing panel 110 and along the edges of the front main wing panel 110 to allow all the hooks disposed on the first and second ends of all the upper bands and the first and second ends of all the lower bands to be connected at different positions along the upper and lower edges of the two cups.

In other variations, one or more of all of the straps are permanently secured to the main panel of the bra, and one or more of the other straps are configured to be attachable to and detachable (i.e., detachably attachable) from the main panel of the bra. In one such variation, the brassiere of the present invention includes a pair of upper straps (as described herein) that are permanently secured to the main panels of the brassiere, and includes a pair of lower straps (as described herein) that are removably secured to the main panels of the brassiere. In yet another variation, the brassiere of the present invention includes a pair of upper straps (as described herein) that are removably secured to the main wings of the brassiere, and a pair of lower straps (as described herein) that are permanently secured to the main wings of the brassiere.

As described and illustrated herein, when the wearer wears the brassiere 100 of the present invention, the left lower band 140a is configured to extend from the lower edge 116a of the left cup 112a, through the pelvic region of the wearer, between the hips of the wearer, and then reconnect at the lower edge 116a of the left cup 112 a. Similarly, the right lower band 140b is configured to extend from the lower edge 116b of the right cup 112b and through the pelvic region of the wearer, between the hips of the wearer, and then reconnect at the lower edge 116b of the right cup 112 b.

The invention includes other configurations than those specifically illustrated in the figures. For example, the first and second ends of each upper strap may be secured at the same location or at different locations on each cup. For example, a first end of each upper shoulder strap is secured to an upper edge of each cup, and a second end of each upper shoulder strap is secured to a substantially lower or vertical edge of each cup.

Variations in the location of the first and second ends secured to the cups may also be taken into account in the shape of the cups. Thus, in this variation, each upper shoulder strap is configured to be connected to a respective cup such that it properly positions primary front flap 110 on the wearer.

The figures illustrate the particular size and shape of the various bands of the brassiere of this invention. However, the size and/or shape of the bands may be different than shown. In one variation, the upper and lower straps may be wider or narrower than the upper and lower straps shown in the figures. Moreover, the belt may have a different shape, such as curved, wavy, or other suitable shape. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the band may be made of a variety of materials and in a variety of colors. The tape may be translucent or transparent as desired.

In various variations of the brassiere of the present invention described herein, either band may be elastic and/or may be adjustable in length by a suitable length adjustment mechanism. For example, fig. 2 and 3 illustrate a slider 146 for allowing the wearer to properly adjust the length of the strap. Such sliders are well known in the art and therefore a discussion of their structure and method of use is omitted herein. Other suitable length adjustment mechanisms may be employed. In addition, brassiere 100 may include more or fewer (including 0) length adjustment mechanisms on each band of the brassiere.

The left and right cups 112a, 112b of the brassiere 100 may be padded, filled, or otherwise reinforced to provide additional support and/or reinforcement. As understood by those skilled in the art, the neckline created by the cups 112a, 112b of the front main flap 110 may be of various shapes. The size of the cup may be, for example, from a to N, or other standard and non-standard sizes.

The brassiere of the first embodiment (and optionally other embodiments) includes left and right cups that are of unitary, one-piece construction, such as a seamless molded brassiere. However, in a variant, the brassiere may comprise separate cups joined together. Techniques for joining the cups include, for example, knit stitching or wherein each end of a cup is stitched to or integrally formed with a respective cup. As another example, a clasp or other suitable connector is included and used to connect and disconnect the cup. The cups shown in the figures of the first embodiment (and optionally other embodiments) are integral and therefore permanently fixed together. However, in other variants, the cups can be connected and disconnected from each other. In other variations, the cups cannot be connected to each other and are designed to be worn in this unconnected state, such as the fifth and sixth embodiments described herein (i.e., the two embodiments discussed with reference to fig. 22-35).

The neckline of the first embodiment described herein is shown as contoured or molded, but the front main wing panel 110 and the cups 112a, 112b of the brassiere 100 can be modified to provide any of the following styles: deep open, full cup, half cup, push up, flat, rack, and other styles known in the art. The cups may be made of a variety of materials and have different sizes and colors, as is well known in the art.

In a different variation, the front major flap 110 may include a channel with a structural support line (commonly referred to as a "underwire") received in the lower edges 116a, 116b of the two cups to provide additional support and lift to the wearer's breasts. In particular, each bra cup may have a underwire that extends around the bottom (including the sides) of the cup. Typically, underwires are provided within the cups or encased in a filling or cushioning material that is sewn to the inner surface of the cups, as is conventional in underwire bras. In either case, the underwire itself is concealed, and at least slightly filled to minimize discomfort to the wearer thereby.

In any of the variations described herein, brassiere 100 can be made from natural or synthetic materials, and non-limiting examples include cotton, leather, satin, silk, nylon, elastane, polyester, and other known materials, as well as any combination of the above.

The silicone insert or silicone strip may be included (in any of the variations described herein) to the inner side of the left and right cups to help allow the bra to adhere to the wearer's skin and minimize slippage and/or for other desired purposes.

Having described the backless support brassieres and their various modifications according to the first embodiment of the invention, it will be appreciated that the brassieres provide a substantially unobstructed view of the wearer's back. This in turn allows the open back support bra of the present invention to be worn with an open back, V back or partial back revealed dress or other suitable dress, and with other types of garments in which the bra of the present invention is not visible along any portion of the wearer's back, such as shown in the back view of fig. 3. As shown in fig. 3, the upper band of the bra appears to be proximate the upper portion of the wearer's arms and near the wearer's shoulders, but at a location relatively far from the wearer's neck. Accordingly, the entire upper back of the wearer is not obstructed by the brassiere according to this embodiment (and all other embodiments described herein). As also shown in fig. 3, the lower band is provided near the buttocks of the wearer, and therefore the entire lower back of the wearer is not obstructed by the brassiere of the present invention.

Second embodiment: backdrop with self-reattaching lower strapSupport bra

Figures 8 and 9 of the accompanying drawings show a backless support bra in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

The backless support bra 200 according to this second embodiment includes the structures and features that exist and have been described in connection with the first embodiment previously described. The same and different points between the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be described herein. The significant difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that the second embodiment brassiere 200 includes a pair of lower straps that are reattached to themselves. The following describes the lower belt reconnecting itself.

Referring to fig. 8, which is a front view of a backless support bra according to a second embodiment of the present invention, it is shown that the bra 200 includes a front major wing 210 and upper shoulder straps 220a, 220b, the front major wing 210 including a left cup 212a and a right cup 212 b. These components of the brassiere 200 have the same structure and function as the corresponding components of the brassiere 100 of the first embodiment, i.e., the same structure and function as the front main wing panel 110 (the front main wing panel 110 includes the left cup 112a and the right cup 112b) and the upper shoulder straps 120a, 120b of the brassiere 100. Therefore, a description of these components of the second embodiment is not provided except where necessary to understand the present invention. Fig. 8 includes various indicia for these components, including first 222a and second 224a ends of the left shoulder straps 220a, first 222b and second 224b ends of the right shoulder straps 220b, the upper edges 214a and 214b of the left and right cups 212a and 212b, and the lower edges 216a and 216b of the left and right cups 212a and 212 b. The function of these ends and edges is apparent in view of the description herein.

The brassiere 200 of the second embodiment includes a pair of lower bands 240a, 240b that differ from the lower bands 140a, 140b of the brassiere 100 of the first embodiment. As shown in fig. 8, the left and right lower bands 240a, 240b of the brassiere 200 have a cross-type configuration in which: when worn by a wearer, the bands cross each other at or near the center of the stomach area of the wearer. As described in more detail below, as shown in fig. 8, each of the left and right lower straps 240a, 240b extends downwardly from the front main flap 210 toward the wearer's opposing legs, around the wearer's legs (near the top region of each leg, at the hips), around the lower portion of the wearer's hips (see back view of fig. 9), extends through the wearer's pelvic region (see fig. 9) (from the wearer's back through the pelvic region to the wearer's front), then extends upwardly along the wearer's upper legs (front) and connects to the middle portion of the same lower strap. The pelvic region herein is the lower part of the human torso between the abdomen and the thighs (sometimes also referred to as the pelvic region of the torso). As shown in fig. 8 and 9, the left lower band 240a and the right lower band 240b are not connected or connected to each other.

A more detailed discussion of the left and right lower bands 240a, 240b of the brassiere 200 now appears. It should be noted that for convenience, the terms "left" and "right" are provided in connection with the lower straps 240a, 240b, wherein the left lower strap 240a is configured to surround the left leg of the wearer and the right lower strap 240b is configured to surround the right leg of the wearer. However, as the lower band crosses around the stomach area of the wearer, the left lower band 240a is connected to the right cup 212b, and the right lower band 240b is connected to the left cup 212 a.

The left lower band 240a includes a first end 242a, the first end 242a being connected to the right cup 212b at the lower edge 216b of the cup. The lower left strap 240a extends downward toward the opposite leg. That is, the left lower band 240a extends from the right cup 212b toward the left leg of the wearer, which right cup 212b supports the right breast of the wearer when worn. Thus, when worn, the lower left band extends through the stomach area of the wearer. As shown in fig. 8, the lower left strap 240a extends to the upper portion of the left leg of the wearer and then extends around the outside of that leg toward the back area of the wearer. As shown in fig. 9, the lower left strap 240a extends around the rear of the left leg toward the pelvic region of the wearer, then passes through the pelvic region, returning to the front of the wearer. Returning to fig. 8, it is shown that the lower left strap continues to extend upwardly from the pelvic region to the terminal end 244 a. As shown in fig. 8, the end 244a of the lower left strap is connected to the middle portion of the lower left strap.

The end 244a of the lower left strap is also referred to herein as the second end of the strap. The second end 244a of the lower left strap includes an attachment mechanism to enable it to be attached to a portion of the lower left strap at the position shown in FIG. 8. The attachment mechanism may be a hook or other suitable device. Thus, when properly worn, the left lower band extends from the right cup 212b down through the stomach and then around the left leg of the wearer. Encircling legs are sometimes referred to herein as leg loops.

The right lower band 240b has the same structure as the left lower band 240a, but in a mirror image, where the first end 242b of the right lower band is connected to the left cup 212a of the bra at the location shown in fig. 8. When worn, the lower right strap 240b extends downward and through the stomach of the wearer toward the right leg of the wearer, and then extends around the outside of the right leg toward the back area of the wearer. As shown in fig. 9, the lower right strap 240b extends around the rear of the right leg toward the pelvic region of the wearer, then passes through the pelvic region, and returns to the front of the wearer. Returning again to fig. 8, it is shown that the lower right strap continues to extend upwardly from the pelvic region to the terminal end 244 b. As shown in fig. 8, the end 244b (also referred to as the second end 244b) of the right lower strap is connected to the middle portion of the right lower strap. Similar to the left lower strap, the right lower strap 240b includes an attachment mechanism, such as a hook, at its second end 244b to enable it to be attached to a middle portion of the right lower strap.

As shown in fig. 8 and 9 of the second embodiment of the present invention, when the brassiere is worn, each of the left and right lower straps 240a and 240b extends downward from the front main wing panel 210, around the corresponding leg, across the wearer's pelvic region (from the back to the front of the wearer), and then extends upward and connects (or reconnects) to the middle portion of the same lower strap. That is, the lower right strap is reconnected to itself, and likewise, the lower left strap is reconnected to itself.

In one variation, when worn, each of the left and right lower straps extend down from the respective cup of the bra to the pelvic region and through the pelvic region of the wearer (from the front to the back of the wearer), then around the back of the leg (at or near the hip region), then connect to the respective strap.

Thus, as shown in fig. 8, when a wearer wears the brassiere 200 of the present invention, the lower band of the brassiere 200 can be attached in two different ways. In one approach, the wearer may first extend each lower strap around the legs (from outer to inner) and across the pelvic region (from back to front) and then connect each lower strap at terminal ends 244a and 244 b. Alternatively, in another manner/technique/variation described herein, the wearer may first extend each lower strap through the pelvic region (from front to back) and then around the legs (from inner to outer legs), and then connect the lower straps at the terminal ends 244a and 244 b.

As shown in fig. 8, the brassiere 200 of the second embodiment further includes a set of sliders 246, the set of sliders 246 being disposed along the lower bands 240a, 240b to allow the wearer to adjust the length of different portions of the lower bands. The slide 246 is a well known length adjustment mechanism. Other suitable length adjustment mechanisms may be employed. Further, in the variation shown in fig. 8, the brassiere 200 may include more or fewer length adjustment mechanisms, and such length adjustment mechanisms may also be included in the upper shoulder straps 220a, 220 b. Accordingly, the brassiere 200 of the second embodiment (and the brassieres of all other embodiments described herein) can include any number of length adjustment mechanisms (including no length adjustment mechanisms) within any of the bands described. As is known in the art, such mechanisms allow for comfort, adaptation to different body sizes/shapes), and other known advantages.

With respect to all advantages of the brassiere 200 of the second embodiment of the present invention, all advantages described herein with respect to the brassiere 100 of the first embodiment also apply to the second embodiment.

As described herein, due to the cross-configuration of brassiere 200, brassiere 200 also achieves the desired displacement of the wearer's breasts toward the center of the chest, which highlights the cleavage.

Also, as shown in the rear view of the second embodiment shown in fig. 9, as compared to fig. 3 (which shows the rear view of the brassiere 100 of the first embodiment), the brassiere 200 provides the wearer with a completely unobstructed view of the entire lower back region of the wearer as well as the wearer's upper mid hip region. As described herein, the lower bands 240a, 240b of the bra 200 extend around the legs of the wearer and through the pelvic region, as shown in fig. 8 and 9. With this construction, the brassiere 200 is supported at its lower end, that is, the front main wing 210 of the brassiere 200 is fully undersupported in a manner in which the only portion of the brassiere visible from the back of the wearer is that shown in fig. 9. Thus, if desired, the wearer can wear any garment adapted to provide a completely unobstructed field of view of the wearer's back, upper hip region, and middle hip region. Other advantages and features are similar to those described with respect to the various embodiments described herein.

Furthermore, the brassiere 200 of the second embodiment may include any of the variations previously described with respect to brassiere 100. These include, for example, different materials, shapes, other variations and features mentioned herein.

The third embodiment: back-exposed support bra with T-shaped underpants

Fig. 10-14 show a back-exposed support bra 300 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Brassiere 300 is highly similar to brassiere 100 of the first embodiment, but includes an integral underpants (underwear) 360. As shown in fig. 10-14, the brassiere 300 includes a panty 360, which will be described, itself includes a front panty flap 360A and a rear panty flap 360B.

Referring first to fig. 10, the brassiere 300 includes a front main wing 310 having a left cup 312a and a right cup 312 b. As shown in fig. 10, the brassiere 300 further includes a pair of upper shoulder straps 320a, 320b, which are connected to the upper edges 314a, 314b of the two cups 312a, 312 b. As also shown in fig. 10, brassiere 300 also includes a pair of lower straps 340a, 340b connected to lower edges 316a, 316b of the two cups 312a, 312 b.

The front main wing 310, the cups 312a, 312b, the upper shoulder straps 320a, 320b and the lower straps 316a, 316b of the brassiere 300 are identical in structure and function to the corresponding parts of the brassiere 100 of the first embodiment. Accordingly, the details of these elements/structures and their respective functions (and possible variations) are not repeated herein.

The brassiere 300 includes an integrated panty 360 having a front panty flap 360A and a rear panty flap 360B, wherein each of these panty flaps is interconnected and extends between the two lower bands 340A, 340B of the brassiere. As shown in fig. 10 and 11, when worn, the front pant tab 360A extends between the left and right lower bands 340A, 340b in the lower stomach/pelvis area of the wearer. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 12, when worn, the rear pant tab 360B extends between the left lower belt 340a and the right lower belt 340B in the hip area of the wearer.

The pant flaps 360A, 360B are configured to function as a t-shaped pant and the amount, size, dimension and stretch capability (if any) of the material is selected based on the intended wearer size/shape and other desired characteristics. For example, as a t-shaped undergarment, the undergarment wings 360A, 360B of the brassiere 300 are configured to extend between corresponding portions of the left and right lower bands 340A, 340B to avoid or at least minimize panty lines and provide other beneficial characteristics typical of t-shaped undergarments.

Fig. 10-12 particularly show the front and rear panty flaps 360A and 360B, but the invention includes variations of the panty flaps shown in these figures. In a variation, one or both of the pant flaps 360A, 360B extend further up the wearer when worn. Thus, in this variation, the anterior pelvic region of the wearer is more covered when worn than the anterior pelvic region shown in fig. 11. In another variation, the buttocks of the wearer are more covered when worn than the buttocks shown in fig. 12. In yet another variation, one or both of the panty flaps 360A, 360B cover less than the anterior pelvic region and/or buttocks shown in fig. 11 and 12. Thus, the present invention includes panty flaps that cover any amount of the wearer's pelvic region and any amount of the wearer's buttocks.

In any variation, the front and rear pant flaps 360A and 360B are joined/attached to the various portions of the lower belt by stitching or other suitable technique. Each pant flap may be of unitary, one-piece unitary construction or have portions that are sewn together (or otherwise suitably joined). As with the rest of the bra, the front and rear panty panels can be made of any natural or synthetic fiber. If desired, the panty flaps may be made of lace or lace-like material, or other material having a lace or lace-like covering. As is known with underpants, any number of materials or coverings may be used for various purposes, such as comfort and/or aesthetics.

As shown in fig. 10, the brassiere 300 of the third embodiment further includes a set of sliders 346, the set of sliders 346 being disposed along the lower bands 340a, 340b to allow the wearer to adjust the length of different portions of the lower bands.

In view of the structure of the brassiere 300, it can be appreciated that the brassiere 300 is easy to put on and take off. To put on, the wearer steps into the leg loop formed by the left and right lower straps 340a, 340b and lifts the two upper shoulder straps (320a, 320b) until they are disposed on the wearer's shoulders.

Preferably, the panty flaps, bra cups and upper shoulder straps are formed of an elastic material that provides a level of elasticity for convenience and comfort.

The brassiere 300 of the third embodiment of the present invention provides a substantially unobstructed view of the wearer's back, along with all of the other advantages and features already described in relation to the brassiere 100 of the first embodiment. Also, all the modifications described herein with respect to the first embodiment are equally applicable to this third embodiment. Additionally, with the one-piece thong underwear, brassiere 300 behaves as an one-piece undergarment that can be worn with numerous types of other garments, including any of the dresses described herein and any type of dress, skirt (e.g., a skirt with high sideslip (s)), pants, and so forth.

The fourth embodiment: back-exposed support bra with full-coverage underpants

Fig. 15-21 show a back support bra 400 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The brassiere 400 is highly similar to the brassiere 300 of the third embodiment, but the brassiere 400 does not have integral T-shaped wings, but instead comprises integral full coverage underpants.

As shown in fig. 15 and 16, the brassiere 400 has a front main wing 410 having a left cup 412a and a right cup 412 b. The bra 400 also includes a pair of upper straps 420a, 420b connected to the upper edges 414a, 414b of the two cups 412a, 412b and a pair of lower straps 440a, 440b connected to the lower edges 416a, 416b of the two cups 412a, 412 b.

The front main wing 410, cups 412a, 412b, upper shoulder straps 420a, 420b and lower straps 416a, 416b of the brassiere 400 are identical in structure and function to the corresponding parts of both the brassiere 100 of the first embodiment and the brassiere 300 of the third embodiment. Details of these components have been described at least in connection with the brassiere 100 of the first embodiment. Accordingly, the details of these components/structures and their respective functions (and possible variations) are not repeated herein.

The bra 400 includes full coverage underpants 460. The pant 460 includes a front pant flap 460A and a rear pant flap 460B. The front panty flap 460A is identical to the front panty flap 360A of the brassiere 300 of the third embodiment, and therefore a detailed discussion of the front panty flap 460A is omitted. However, as with the front pant flap 360A, the front pant flap 460A may extend upwardly above or below the front pant flap shown in fig. 15 and 16.

Fig. 17 shows the rear pant flap 460B, and fig. 18 and the side view of fig. 19 partially show the rear pant flap 460B. When worn, the rear pant flap 460B extends between a portion of the left lower belt 440a and a portion of the right lower belt 440B in the hip area of the wearer. As shown, the rear pant panel 460B is fully covered and provides the features and advantages of a typical fully covered pant.

Fig. 17-19 particularly show the rear pant flaps 460B, but the present invention includes variations of the rear pant flaps shown in these figures. In a variation, the rear pant flaps 460B extend further up the wearer when worn. Thus, in this variation, more of the wearer's hip area is covered when worn than shown in fig. 17. In another variation, less of the hip area is covered than shown in fig. 17. As already discussed with respect to the brassiere 300, the size/shape of the front pant flaps 460A may also be different from the size/shape shown in the figures.

The underpants of the brassiere 400 may also be configured to provide different types based on criteria such as the amount of back cover, width at the side edges, and height of wear, and may also be leg pant types. The underpants 460 may also be made of various materials and fabrics including satin, silk, PVC, cotton, nylon, mesh, lace, rawhide, leather, latex, lycra^TMPolyester, other materials mentioned herein, or other suitable known materials.

As with other embodiments already described, a slider 446 is provided to enable the wearer to adjust the length of the various straps. Fewer or more sliders may be provided as desired.

The front pant flap 460A and the back pant flap 460B may be distinct components or may be a single unitary component and may be interconnected with the lower belt in any of the ways described herein. In another variation, the underpants 460 may be removable from the rest of the bra 400 and may be connected thereto by hook and fastener technology, snap-type fasteners, or other suitable temporary connection mechanisms. With the underpants separable, the brassiere 400 can be used with different types of underpants (or not) to provide advantages/features with different appearances, different styles, different comfort levels, and the ability to wash the components separately as desired.

As described above with respect to the brassiere 300 of the third embodiment, the brassiere 400 may include any of the variations previously described with respect to the brassiere 100 or the brassiere 300. These include, for example, the different materials, shapes and other variations and features mentioned herein.

Fifth embodiment: back support bra with separated cups

Fig. 22-28 show a back-exposed support bra 500 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in these figures, and as will be described in greater detail below, brassiere 500 includes unconnected cups to support the breasts of the wearer in a manner that provides an unobstructed view of the central thoracic region of the wearer. With such a brassiere, the wearer can wear a garment having a deep-cut or other low neck opening. As with the previously discussed embodiments, the brassiere is also "back exposed".

Referring to fig. 22-23, brassiere 500 includes a left cup 512a, a right cup 512b, a pair of shoulder straps 520a, 520b, and a pair of lower straps 540a, 540 b. The left cup 512a and the right cup 512b are not connected and are sometimes referred to herein as "split cups". Thus, the brassiere 500 of this fifth embodiment does not include a front main wing panel having two cups as in the previously described embodiments.

As shown in fig. 22-23, left and right upper shoulder straps 520a and 520b are connected to the left and right cups, respectively. Left shoulder strap 520a includes a first end 522a and a second end 524 a. Likewise, right shoulder strap 520b includes a first end 522b and a second end 524 b. Only end 524b of right shoulder strap 520b is shown in fig. 23. As in the previously described embodiment, the straps wrap around the shoulders of the wearer as shown in fig. 24. As shown in fig. 23, the first end of each shoulder strap is connected to the respective cup at its edge 514a, 514 b. As also shown in fig. 23, the second end of each shoulder strap is connected to the respective cup proximate the first connection point. However, the specific location of the connections may differ from those specifically shown in the figures.

The function, size, materials and other characteristics of the upper shoulder straps of brassiere 500 are as described in the previous embodiments. The upper shoulder straps 520a, 520b may be modified in any of the ways mentioned herein with respect to the various embodiments described.

Brassiere 500 includes two lower bands 540a, 540b, and for convenience is identified herein as a left lower band 540a and a right lower band 540 b. The lower left band 540a includes a first end 542a and a second end 544a, and the lower right band 540b includes a first end 542b and a second end 544 b. The structure of the lower bands 540a, 540b when the brassiere 500 is worn is shown in fig. 23 and 24, and in the side view of fig. 25 and 26, the top view of fig. 27, and the bottom view of fig. 28.

The first end 542a of the left lower band 540a is connected to the left cup 512a at the lower edge 516a of the left cup. The second end 544a of the left lower band 540a is connected to the right cup 512b at the lower edge 516b of the right cup. Similarly, the first end 542b of the right lower band 540b is connected to the right cup 512b at the lower edge 516b of the right cup. The second end 544b of the right lower band 540b is connected to the left cup 512a at the lower edge 516a of the left cup.

When brassiere 500 is worn, the left and right lower straps extend along the wearer as follows. Referring again to fig. 23, the lower left strap 540a extends from the left cup 512a down to and through the pelvic region of the wearer to the hip region of the wearer. Likewise, the right lower band 540b extends downwardly from the right cup 512b to the pelvic region of the wearer and through the pelvic region to the hip region of the wearer. Then, as shown in the back view of fig. 24, the left and right lower belts 540a and 540b extend upward through the wearer's buttocks and toward the front of the wearer around the wearer's waist region. As shown in FIG. 24, the left lower belt 540a extends upward and around the left-hand forward portion of the wearer's waist, and the right lower belt 540b extends upward and around the right-hand forward portion of the wearer's waist.

Referring again to fig. 23, the left lower band 540a (extending from the back to the front around the left side of the wearer's waist) extends through the stomach of the wearer (i.e., the middle portion of the waist) and connects to the right cup 512 b. Conversely, the right lower band 540b (extending around the right side of the wearer's waist from back to front) extends through the wearer's stomach (i.e., the middle portion of the waist) and connects to the left cup 512 a. As shown in FIG. 23, the lower left band 540a crosses itself at point "a", and the lower right band 540b crosses itself at point "b".

As shown and described herein, when brassiere 500 is worn, lower left band 540a extends around the uppermost portion of the wearer's left leg. Conversely, the right lower belt 540b extends around the uppermost portion of the right leg of the wearer. It should be noted that the terms "left" and "right" in the left and right lower straps 540a and 540b are provided for convenience, and it should be understood that the left lower strap connects to both the left and right cups of the bra 500. Likewise, the right lower band is also connected to both the left cup and the right cup.

Fig. 28 shows a bottom view of a brassiere 500 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, when worn by a wearer. As shown, the left lower band 540a and the right lower band 540b generally contact each other in the pelvic region of the wearer, although this may not be the case for a particular individual depending on size and other factors.

As with the other embodiments described, sliders 546 are provided to enable the wearer to adjust the length of the various bands. Fewer or more sliders may be provided as desired.

Other features and variations previously described with respect to other embodiments described herein may be applicable to brassiere 500 of this fifth embodiment. For example, the upper and/or lower straps may be permanently fixed or connected to the respective cups, or in a variant, one or more of these straps may be detachable. As another example, the left and right cups may be padded, filled, or otherwise reinforced to provide additional support and/or reinforcement. Silicone inserts or silicone strips may be included inside the left and right cups to minimize slippage of the cups from the wearer's breasts and/or to provide other advantages/functions. Other variations described herein may also be applicable to other embodiments.

In another variation, although generally not preferred, the left lower band is connected at both ends to the left cup of brassiere 500 and the right lower band is connected at both ends to the right cup of brassiere 500. The arrangement shown in fig. 23-27 is still applicable when worn, except that the two lower straps cross each other in the pelvic region of the wearer, with the left lower strap extending from the left side into the pelvic region at the front of the wearer and then exiting from the rear side over the right side of the hip region. Conversely, the lower right strap extends from the right side into the pelvic region at the front of the wearer and then feeds out from the rear side over the left side of the hip region. In this variant, the lower belt is reversed in the rear view of fig. 31.

As mentioned, the brassiere 500 of the present invention provides a wearer with various advantageous features, including: support is provided for the wearer's breasts in a manner that provides an unobstructed view of the wearer's back (as shown in fig. 24) while simultaneously providing an unobstructed view of the wearer's central chest region (as shown in fig. 22 and 23). With this construction and configuration of the brassiere, a wearer of brassiere 500 can wear a garment having a low or extremely low (e.g., deep opening) neck opening without seeing any portion of the brassiere. Also, the wearer is further provided with the ability to wear open-back garments without any portion of the bra being visible from the back. In addition, the wearer may wear a garment with a low (or extra low/deep opening) neck opening and with the back exposed, while no part of the bra is visible from the front or back. Accordingly, various types of garments may be worn with brassiere 500 of the present invention.

Sixth embodiment: back support brassiere with separated cups connected by neck straps

Fig. 29-35 show a back support bra 600 in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Brassiere 600 is highly similar to brassiere 500 described above, but brassiere 600 includes a single neck strap 620 instead of two shoulder straps.

As shown in fig. 29 and 30, brassiere 600 includes left and right cups 612a, 612b and a pair of lower straps 640a, 640 b. The left cup includes an upper edge 614a and a lower edge 616 a. The right cup 612b includes an upper edge 614b and a lower edge 616 b. The structure and function of the left cup 612a, right cup 612b and lower straps 640a, 640b are the same as the corresponding components of the brassiere 500 of the fifth embodiment. Accordingly, the details of these elements/structures and their corresponding functions (and variations) are not repeated herein.

The bra 600 includes a single neckstrap 620, the single neckstrap 620 being connected at both ends thereof to corresponding upper edges 614a, 614b of the left and right cups 612a, 612 b. Specifically, as shown in fig. 29, a first end 622a of the neckstrap 620 is connected to the left cup 612a and a second end 622b of the neckstrap 620 is connected to the right cup 612 b. When brassiere 600 is worn, neck strap 620 extends around the neck of the wearer. As with the other embodiments, neck strap 620 and lower straps 640a, 640b include sliders 646 to enable the wearer to adjust the length of the various straps. Fewer (including none) or more sliders may be provided as desired.

Other features and variations previously described with respect to other embodiments described herein may be applicable to brassiere 600 of this sixth embodiment. For example, the neck strap and/or the lower band may be permanently fixed or connected to the respective cup, or in a variant, one or more of these bands may be detachable. With particular regard to neck strap 620, the neck strap may be disconnected (e.g., not tied) behind the neck of the wearer. It may be untwisted or otherwise disconnected in any manner known in the art. In other variations, it may be disconnected from one or both of the cups of the bra in the manner previously described. In yet another variation, the neck strap is permanently secured to the cup. Other variations described herein (particularly with respect to brassiere 500 of the fifth embodiment) and other embodiments may also be applicable to this embodiment.

Similar to the brassiere 500 of the fifth embodiment, as shown in fig. 30 and 31, respectively, brassiere 600 provides unobstructed vision of the wearer's central chest region and the wearer's back. In addition, the neck strap 620 provides sufficient strength to support the weight of the breast, as well as sufficient flexibility to accommodate the movements of the wearer.

Several embodiments of the invention have been described. The invention also includes a method of securing any of the variations disclosed in the brassiere of the invention to a wearer of the brassiere.

Various methods may be employed to put on or take off each brassiere with respect to the wearer. For example, the wearer may "step" into the leg loops formed by the lower straps (which may be permanently or removably secured) and then lift the upper shoulder straps or neck straps until they are disposed on the wearer's shoulders or neck.

In another method, to don a brassiere of the present invention having a lower band that includes at least one of a first end and a second end that are removably attached, a wearer can first put an upper shoulder strap or a neck strap on the wearer's body. After the upper band(s) are provided, the wearer extends a first lower band of the bra through the pelvic region of the wearer and around one leg of the wearer and a second lower band through the pelvic region of the wearer and around the other leg of the wearer, and then connects the one or more first and second ends of the lower bands at different locations along the lower edges of the two cups using connectors (e.g., conventional hook and loop connectors) located at the one or more first and second ends.

After the upper and lower straps are provided, the wearer can adjust the length of the various straps by means of the sliders until the two cups are properly positioned.

It will be appreciated that variations of the brassiere of the present invention may have a number of ways to put on and take off. It will be appreciated that other methods suitable for each variation of the brassiere of this invention may be employed, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. It is therefore to be understood that other methods may be employed while remaining within the meaning, scope and spirit of the present invention.

Many functions and advantages have been discussed with respect to the various embodiments described herein. In addition, a number of variations have been discussed with respect to the various embodiments described herein. It should be understood that all or most of the variations discussed with respect to one embodiment apply to the other embodiments. Several examples are as follows.

A slider for enabling a wearer to adjust the length of a particular strap is shown and/or described herein. This is applicable to each embodiment. The number of sliders may differ from the mentioned number. Thus, each band may include zero, one, two or more such length adjustment mechanisms. Other length adjustment mechanisms may be employed, as is readily understood in the art.

The various straps in the various embodiments may be permanently secured to the cup or other component, or in other variations, may be attachable/detachable to/from the respective component. Attachment mechanisms such as hook and loop type connectors, buttons, hooks, snaps, zippers, fasteners, disc fastener fasteners, toggle fastener fasteners, other techniques mentioned herein, and other suitable types of attachment techniques may be employed. In variations described herein where the strap or other component is permanently secured to another component (e.g., a cup), the manner of permanent securement may be any suitable manner known in the art, including stitching together, gluing, or other permanent securing techniques.

The various components of the embodiments described herein, including the straps, cups, and other elements, may have sizes and/or shapes that differ from those shown in the figures. For example, the ribbons described herein can be narrower or wider, and can be linear, curved, nonlinear, wavy, or another shape and thickness. The various components described herein may be fabricated from any number of materials, including the materials mentioned herein and suitable materials not mentioned herein. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the elasticity (if any) and other properties of the materials employed may vary. The present invention is not limited to any particular color (or lack of any particular color) in its various embodiments.

The cups of the various embodiments described may have a different shape than that shown in the figures. For example, the cups may be full-coverage cups or partial-coverage cups. The cups may be circular in shape or have other shapes (e.g., triangular), have a novel design or other common or unusual shape. The cup may be solid (as shown in the figures) or partially solid. Accordingly, the term "cup" as used herein refers to a structure for supporting, in whole or in part, the breasts for one or more purposes typical of a brassiere, including but not limited to providing weight distribution of the breasts for comfort, health, or other purposes, to improve the appearance of a garment worn over the brassiere, or for other purposes.

Certain embodiments described herein incorporate underpants into a brassiere. The underpants, whether t-shaped or full-covered, may be incorporated into any of the embodiments described herein and variations thereof. The undergarment may be a t-shaped/full-covered combination, or may be of a type not previously described herein. In some variations, the underpants are secured to other components of the bra (e.g., the lower band). In other variations, the underpants are removably connected to other components of the bra. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the particular size, shape, and other characteristics of the various panty set components can vary. The amount of front and/or back coverage of each panty component can be modified as desired.

The brassiere 600 of the sixth embodiment includes a neck strap instead of two shoulder straps. Thus, each of the other embodiments described herein may employ a single neck strap rather than a shoulder strap. In such variations, the neckstrap is removably or permanently secured to the cups and/or main flaps of the various embodiments, and has other features and variations as described herein.

For ease of reference and explanation, specific terminology is used herein. However, the indicia used to designate the various elements and components of the inventive backless bra may be modified as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the terms first and second breast cups, first and second lower straps, and the like may be suitably employed rather than left and right breast cups, left and right lower straps, and the like. Other suitable terms may be used within the meaning, scope and spirit of the invention.

The other variations described above apply to each and every embodiment described. From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that, although the invention has been described with reference to specific schematic drawings and specification including modifications thereof, various other changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Such other variations may be made as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. It is therefore to be understood that other approaches/modifications may be resorted to while remaining within the meaning, scope and spirit of the invention.

Having described the invention, including various features and modifications thereof, it is intended that the appended claims be interpreted as including the embodiments described herein, the alternatives mentioned above, and all equivalents thereof.

Illustration of the drawings

Tables 1-7 are provided below, identifying in tabular form the various elements and components in the figures of the present application. Details of each element and component are as described herein.

Table 1 below lists the portions of the wearer schematically shown in each of the figures in each of the embodiments described herein.

TABLE 1

Numbering	Name (R)	Numbering	Name (R)
				10	Body of wearer	16	Back part
12a	Left arm	12b	Right arm
				14a	Left leg	14b	Right leg

Table 2 below lists portions of the back support brassieres according to the first embodiment shown in fig. 1-7.

TABLE 2

Table 3 below lists portions of the back support brassieres according to the second embodiment shown in fig. 8 and 9.

TABLE 3

Numbering	Name (R)	Numbering	Name (R)
				200	Bra	210	Front main wing
212a	Left cup	212b	Right cup
				214a	Upper edge of left cup	214b	Upper edge of right cup
216a	Lower edge of left cup	216b	Lower edge of right cup
				220a	Left shoulder belt	220b	Right shoulder belt
222a	First end of left shoulder strap	222b	First end of right shoulder belt
				224a	Second end of left shoulder strap	224b	Second end of right shoulder strap
240a	Left lower belt	240b	Lower right belt
				242a	First end of left lower belt	242b	First end of lower right belt
244a	Second end of left lower belt	244b	Second end of lower right belt
				246	Slider

Table 4 below lists portions of a back support bra according to a third embodiment shown in fig. 10-14.

TABLE 4

Numbering	Name (R)	Numbering	Name (R)
				300	Bra	310	Front main wing
312a	Left cup	312b	Right cup
				314a	Upper edge of left cup	314b	Upper edge of right cup
316a	Lower edge of left cup	316b	Lower edge of right cup
				320a	Left shoulder belt	320b	Right shoulder belt
322a	First end of left shoulder strap	322b	First end of right shoulder belt
				324a	Second end of left shoulder strap	324b	Second end of right shoulder strap
340a	Left lower belt	340b	Lower right belt
				342a	First end of left lower belt	342b	First end of lower right belt
344a	Second end of left lower belt	344b	Second end of lower right belt
				360A	Front underpants wing	360B	Rear underpants wing
346	Slider	360	Underpants

Table 5 below lists portions of a back support bra according to a fourth embodiment shown in fig. 15-21.

TABLE 5

Table 6 below lists portions of a back support bra according to a fifth embodiment shown in fig. 22-28.

TABLE 6

Numbering	Name (R)	Numbering	Name (R)
				500	Bra	546	Slider
512a	Left cup	512b	Right cup
				514a	Upper edge of left cup	514b	Upper edge of right cup
516a	Lower edge of left cup	516b	Lower edge of right cup
				520a	Left shoulder belt	520b	Right shoulder belt
522a	First end of left shoulder strap	522b	First end of right shoulder belt
				524a	Second end of left shoulder strap	524b	Second end of right shoulder strap
540a	Left lower belt	540b	Lower right belt
				542a	First end of left lower belt	542b	First end of lower right belt
544a	Second end of left lower belt	544b	Second end of lower right belt

Table 7 below lists portions of a back support bra according to a sixth embodiment shown in fig. 29-35.

TABLE 7

Claims (20)

1. A backless support bra, comprising:

a first cup and a second cup, each of the first cup and the second cup configured to support a respective breast of a wearer when the backless support bra is worn by the wearer;

at least one upper band having first and second ends for supporting the first and second cups upwardly, the first and second ends of the at least one upper band being attached to the first and second cups;

a first lower strap and a second lower strap, each of the first lower strap and the second lower strap having a first end and a second end for supporting the first cup and the second cup downward, the first lower strap configured to extend through a pelvic region of the wearer and around one leg of the wearer, the second lower strap configured to extend through the pelvic region of the wearer and around the other leg of the wearer;

wherein the first end of the first lower band is connected to a lower edge of the first cup and the second end of the first lower band is connected to a lower edge of the second cup; and wherein said first end of said second lower band is connected to a lower edge of said second breast cup and said second end of said second lower band is connected to a lower edge of said first breast cup.

2. The backless support bra of claim 1, wherein the first cup and the second cup are not directly connected to one another.

3. The backless support bra of claim 1, wherein the first lower band and the second lower band are disposed substantially entirely along the front of the wearer when the backless support bra is worn by the wearer such that substantially all of the wearer's back is unobstructed by the first lower band, the second lower band, and the at least one upper band.

4. The backless support bra of claim 1, wherein the at least one upper band, the first lower band, and the second lower band are permanently secured to at least one of the first cup and the second cup.

5. The backless support bra of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second lower straps is removably connected to at least one of the first and second cups.

6. The backless support bra of claim 1, wherein the at least one upper band is comprised of a first upper band and a second upper band, the first upper band including a first end and a second end both connected to the first cup, the second upper band including a first end and a second end both connected to the second cup.

7. The backless support bra of claim 6, wherein each of the first and second upper straps is configured to be worn about a respective shoulder of the wearer of the backless support bra.

8. The backless support bra of claim 1, wherein the at least one upper band consists of only one upper band, the one upper band including a first end connected to the first cup and a second end connected to the second cup.

9. The backless support bra of claim 8, wherein the one upper band is configured to be worn around the neck of the wearer of the backless support bra.

10. The backless support bra of claim 1, further comprising:

a front panty flap secured to a first portion of the first and second lower straps adjacent the front pelvic region of the wearer and extending between the first portion of the first and second lower straps; and

a rear pant flap secured to a second portion of the first and second lower straps adjacent the hip area of the wearer and extending between the second portions of the first and second lower straps;

wherein the front panty flap is configured to cover at least a portion of the front pelvic region of the wearer when worn and the rear panty flap is configured to cover at least a portion of the hip region of the wearer when worn.

11. The backless support bra of claim 10, wherein the front and rear panty flaps are configured as t-shaped underpants.

12. The backless support bra of claim 10, wherein the front and rear panty flaps are configured as full coverage underpants covering at least a substantial portion of the wearer's buttocks when worn.

13. The backless support bra of claim 10, wherein the front and rear pant flaps are permanently secured to the first and second lower bands.

14. The backless support bra of claim 10, wherein the front and rear pant flaps are configured as a single piece that is removably attached to the first and second lower straps.

15. The backless support bra of claim 1, wherein the first end of the first lower band is connected to the first cup and the second end of the first lower band is connected to a medial portion of the first lower band; and wherein the first end of the second lower band is connected to the second breast cup and the second end of the second lower band is connected to a middle portion of the second lower band.

16. The backless support bra of claim 1, wherein the first and second ends of the at least one upper band are attached to upper edges of the first and second cups.

17. A backless support bra, comprising:

a first cup and a second cup that are not directly connected to each other, each of the first cup and the second cup being configured to support a respective breast of a wearer when the backless support bra is worn by the wearer;

at least one upper band having a first end and a second end, and the first end and the second end of the at least one upper band being attached to the first cup and the second cup, the first end and the second end being configured to support the first cup and the second cup upward when worn; and

a first lower strap and a second lower strap configured to support the first cup and the second cup downward when worn, the first lower strap and the second lower strap configured to extend from respective ones of the first cup and the second cup downward to a pelvic region of the wearer, extend through a hip of the wearer, and extend around respective legs of the wearer;

wherein, first lower band includes all connect in first end and the second end of first cup lower limb, just second lower band includes all connect in first end and the second end of second cup lower limb.

18. The backless support bra of claim 17, wherein the at least one upper band is comprised of a first upper band and a second upper band, the first upper band including a first end and a second end both connected to the first cup and configured to be worn about a first shoulder of the wearer, the second upper band including a first end and a second end both connected to an upper edge of the second cup and configured to be worn about a second shoulder of the wearer.

19. The backless support bra of claim 17, wherein the at least one upper band is a neckband having a first end connected to the first cup and a second end connected to the second cup, the neckband configured to be worn around the neck of the wearer.

20. The backless support bra of claim 17, wherein the first and second ends of the at least one upper band are attached to upper edges of the first and second cups.