WO2015095698A2

WO2015095698A2 - A strapless bra that molds to a portion of the female torso so that it remains in place during use

Info

Publication number: WO2015095698A2
Application number: PCT/US2014/071476
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bridget BARROW
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-12-19
Filing date: 2014-12-19
Publication date: 2015-06-25
Anticipated expiration: 2016-06-19
Also published as: WO2015095698A3

Abstract

The present invention provides an efficient strapless bra that utilizes neoprene to hold the device securely on the body. The bra includes an adjustable band, extension pieces, and removable straps for a customizable fit. These features are designed to ensure a flattering fit that does not create visible under garment lines, and also eliminates the need to constantly adjust a strapless bra during use.

Description

A STRAPLESS BRA THAT MOLDS TO A PORTION OF THE FEMALE

TORSO SO THAT IT REMAINS IN PLACE DURING USE

Related U.S. Application Data

U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 /918,069, filed on December 19, 2013, is a related application and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Field of the Invention

Background

Many women's garments are strapless or sleeveless. Wearing a bra with straps under such a garment can make an outfit look sloppy. However, most strapless bras move around on a woman's body during use. The wearer may constantly have to readjust the bra, which can be frustrating and embarrassing. If the bra is not regularly adjusted, it may create unflattering lines and fail to provide sufficient support.

Devices are known in the prior art that relate to strapless bras. One prior art device provides a bra with a front closure and an adjustable back section. Another device provides a front closing bra with detachable back pieces. These devices, however, do not disclose slits on either side of the rear portion of the bra. Additionally, these devices do not disclose extension pieces that are fed through the slits and are secured in position with a hook and loop fastener that closes around the slits.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks and disadvantages associated with strapless bras through the discovery of a novel strapless bra that is uniquely designed to adhere to a female's torso when worn, without the need to resort to adhesive use, so that it remains in place without movement, does not provide unflattering lines and provides sufficient breast support when worn by a female.

Generally speaking, the advantages of the novel strapless bra of the present invention are numerous and include, but are not limited to:

• neoprene or other suitable material used to mold the strapless bra to the female body providing support

• neoprene material is soft and comfortable

• neoprene materiel is machine washable and durable

• front closure for easier adjustment

• doesn't matter the size of the female or her breast

• adjustable hook and eye closures for various back sizes

• adjustable extension pieces for wider or smaller back width

regardless of cup size essentially eliminating the need to choose a bra back size

• removable straps for conversion to a shoulder strap bra if wanted

• flattering fit that does not create visible lines under garments

• eliminates the need to constantly adjust and pull up a strapless bra during use

• ideal for large breast sizes

• when the body temperature rises it helps the garment mold to the body

• can come in various colors and patterns

• can be used with most types of bras, such as full cup, half cup, balconette, classic, compression, convertible, demi, padded, pushup, underwire bras

More specifically, the present invention is directed to, inter alia:

(1 ) A strapless bra that stays in place when worn by a female without use of an adhesive, said strapless bra comprising: (a) two cups to hold the female's breasts, each said cup for receiving or encapsulating and supporting one breast of the female and having an outer base; and

(b) a wing that wraps around the female's torso for holding said strapless bra in place when worn by the female, wherein said side wing extends from the outer base of one said cup and around the female's side and back for connection to the other said side wing when worn by the female, wherein said wing is constructed with a suitable material that molds and attaches to the female's body to securely hold the bra in place when said strapless bra is worn by the female.

(2) A strapless bra according to claim 1 , wherein said material is a synthetic rubber.

(3) A strapless bra according to claim 2, wherein said synthetic rubber is neoprene or polychloroprene.

(4) A strapless bra according to claim 1 , wherein said material is Ariaprene™.

(5) A strapless bra according to claim 1 , wherein said material is Thermocline, supplied by Fourth Element.

(6) A strapless bra according to claim 1 , wherein said material is a plant- based material comprised of at least about 60 percent guayule supplied by Patagonia.

(7) A strapless bra according to claim 1 , wherein said material is Neogreene having a Shore A value (a hardness test method) similar to SBR, rubber, and neoprene foam.

(8) A strapless bra according to claim 1 , wherein said material is Lycra.

(9) A strapless bra according to claim 1 , wherein said strapless bra is a front- closure bra, wherein said front closure includes fastening means that is positioned between said cups for closing said strapless bra.

(10) A strapless bra according to claim 1 , wherein said strapless bra further includes a center bridge to which each said cup is attached.

(1 1 ) A strapless bra according to claim 1 , wherein said strapless bra further includes a center gore or fabric panel to which each said cup is attached.

(12) A strapless bra according to claim 1 , wherein said strapless bra is a back- closure bra, wherein said wing is discontinuous having first and second free ends, each free end having a fastening means for mating with one another to close said strapless bra on the female's back when said strapless bra is worn by the female.

(13) A strapless bra according to claim 1 1 , wherein said strapless bra further includes one or more extensions, each said extension being configured to mate with one said free end of said wing and with one another for fastening the back of the strapless bra for extending the strapless bra.

(14) A strapless bra according to claim 1 , wherein said strapless bra further includes removable straps for securing said strapless bra to the female when said strapless bra is worn by the female.

(15) A strapless bra according to claim 1 , wherein said wing is perforated for breathability.

Brief Description of Figures

The following Figs are illustrative of the present invention:

FIG. 1 displays a view of the present invention;

FIG. 2 displays a rear view of the present invention;

FIG. 3 displays a view of the wing element and additional strap of the present invention.

FIG. 4 displays the front closure of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 displays various additional features of the present invention;

Description of Invention

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is displayed a frontal view and a rear view of the present invention, whereby the present invention presents a strapless bra that is constructed to stay in place more efficiently than existing strapless bras. The device includes a front closing bra constructed of a stretchable rubber material, such as neoprene. The rear of the bra includes extension pieces; these extension pieces are secured in position with hook and eye fasteners , if necessary for longer "wings". Once properly adjusted, the front clasp is closed and the bra is held securely in position. The cups can be constructed from wire and a blend of nylon and spandex or other suitable materials. Referring now to FIG. 3, there is displayed a view of the wing element of the present invention. The device can comprise a strapless bra with specially designed side wings and removable extension pieces, made of neoprene material. The side wings of the design can be constructed from neoprene to hold the device securely in place on the wearer's body. One wing can have hook and loop fasteners at one end and one on the opposite wing to secure together. There can also be a small loop at the top of each wing and cup for the addition of removable, adjustable bra straps. The hook and loop fastener material can be used to adjust the sizing of the bra to fit a wearer's body precisely. There can also be extension pieces, made of neoprene, that attach to the bra and are secured in place using hook and eye closures. The neoprene wings and extension pieces can be perforated for breathability.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is displayed a view of the front closure of the present invention. The front closure may be covered with decorative beading or other embellishments, thereby facilitating the individual aesthetic needs of a user.

Additionally, the device may come in all bra sizes and can be made in a wide range of colors, patterns and styles.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is displayed the various additional features that may be accompanied on the strapless bra. The bra comprises a neoprene material in the wings and on the outer sides of the bra, thereby facilitating the attachment of the bra on the body of an individual. The bra also includes hook and loop fasteners on each side of the wings, and may also fasten in the front with a plastic closure that is sewn between the cups of the bra. If desired, straps may be securable onto the bra. In this way, the present invention provides an efficient strapless bra that utilizes neoprene to hold the device securely on the body.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

What is claimed is:

(1 ) A strapless bra that stays in place when worn by a female without use of an adhesive, said strapless bra comprising:

(a) two cups to hold the female's breasts, each said cup for receiving or encapsulating and supporting one breast of the female and having an outer base; and

(6) A strapless bra according to claim 1 , wherein said material is a plant-based material comprised of at least about 60 percent guayule supplied by Patagonia.

(8) A strapless bra according to claim 1 , wherein said material is Lycra.

(9) A strapless bra according to claim 1 , wherein said strapless bra is a front-closure bra, wherein said front closure includes fastening means that is positioned between said cups for closing said strapless bra.

(12) A strapless bra according to claim 1 , wherein said strapless bra is a back-closure bra, wherein said wing is discontinuous having first and second free ends, each free end having a fastening means for mating with one another to close said strapless bra on the female's back when said strapless bra is worn by the female.