Seamless bra

Abstract

The present invention provides a bra that is preferably formed of seamless construction and that includes structural components that allow for accommodating changes and variations in bust size. In particular, the inventive bra can be used during times of maternity when breast volume is known to increase over a short time. The bra comprises expansible cups with interchangeable, formed support and shape elements that can be placed into pockets formed in the expansible cups. In certain embodiments, the invention also provides a bra for use when breast feeding, the bra comprising a drop-down panel.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention is directed to a woman's foundation garment, and more particularly a bra. The inventive bra specifically provides an expansible cup to accommodate changes in bust dimensions, such as during pregnancy.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]A brassiere, commonly known as a bra, is well recognized as an article of clothing, particularly an undergarment, used to cover, support, and elevate the breasts. The roles of bras can vary from mere style to more practical uses, as noted above.[0003]A bra usually consists of two cups for breasts, a centre panel (known as a gore), a band running around the torso under the bust, and a shoulder strap for each side. Brassieres are typically made of a fabric, such as cotton or polyester, although other materials, such as spandex and lace may be used for various parts of the bra. The cups for the breasts may be reinforced by underwires made of metal sometimes coated in plastic. The bra is usually fastened with...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0016]Positioned at the terminal ends of each backwing may be closure means for attaching the two ends of the backwings and thus secure the bra to the user. For example, the bra may comprise a series of eyelets at an end of one backwing and a series of hooks at an end of the other backwing. In specific embodiments, the bra can also comprise a separable eye and hook extension piece that effectively expands the overall circumference of the bra.

[0018]In particular embodiments, the bra may be particularly designed to provide access to an underlying breast for breast feeding a baby. For example, in one embodiment, the pocket formed in the cup by the inner and outer cup layers is a drop-down pocket. More specifically, at least one cup may be formed of an outer material layer and an inner material layer, each layer comprising a top portion that is independently attached to a connecting piece. The connecting piece can particularly connect the outer material layer and the inner material to an over-shoulder strap. In specific embodiments, the inner material layer can be permanently attached to the connecting piece and the outer material layer can be releasably attached to the connecting piece. Thus, upon release of the connection of the outer layer to the connecting piece, the outer layer can drop down to reveal the underlying inner cup layer and / or the underlying breast. In some embodiments, the inner material layer and the outer material layer can be aligned in a sufficiently offset manner such that release of the connection of the outer material layer allows the outer material layer to drop down and expose the underlying breast of a user. Alternately, if the underlying inner layer covers the breast, it can be easily moved aside to facilitate breast feeding.

[0020]In another aspect, the present invention also comprises a bra kit. In specific embodiments, a bra kit according to the invention provides a bra that is adaptable to a variety of breast sizes. In particular, the bra kit may include a bra that comprises expansible cups, each cup having an open access pocket. The kit may further include a plurality of pairs of support and shape elements designed for insertion into the open access pocket, each pair of support and shape elements being formed to substantially correspond to different particular bra cup sizes. Of course, a variety of types, shapes, sizes, and styles of support and shape elements could be included in the kit covering a range of bra cup sizes. In further embodiments, the bra kit may further comprise a separable eye and hook extension piece that effectively expands the overall circumference of the bra.

Problems solved by technology

There are several methods which may be used to provide an approximate size by taking measurements; however, bra sizing systems differ widely between countries, between manufacturers, and between brands and designs, which can create many problems.

Although bra sizing uses the circumference to estimate the volume, this has been shown to be highly unreliable.

While most people recognize that bra sizes are typically described by a numbering and lettering system, few people realize the intricacies in achieving an appropriate bra fit.

Times of rapid breast size changes can be quite costly, and purchasing a sufficient number of bras in a new size can cost several hundred dollars.

Moreover, body circumference can change significantly, which also rapidly alters the bra size, as described above.

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