US20190116891A1

US20190116891A1 - Bra with independently adjustable cup size

Info

Publication number: US20190116891A1
Application number: US16/151,414
Authority: US
Inventors: Jamie Wisniewski
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Wisniewski Jamie
Priority date: 2017-10-20
Filing date: 2018-10-04
Publication date: 2019-04-25

Abstract

Disclosed embodiments provide a bra, comprising, a first cup and a second cup. The first cup comprises a first cup size adjustment mechanism. The second cup comprises a second cup size adjustment mechanism. The first cup size adjustment mechanism is adjustable independently of the second cup size adjustment mechanism.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This United States non-provisional application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/575,368, filed Oct. 20, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The field of embodiments of this invention relates generally to bras, and in particular, to bras with independently adjustable cup size.

BACKGROUND OF THE EMBODIMENTS

It is important that women of all breast sizes are wearing appropriate and correctly-fitted breast support. Many women use bras with incorrect sizing. This can cause undesirable effects, such as a situation in which the breasts are supported by the shoulder straps. This can induce additional pressure on the shoulders, potentially causing issues such as neck pain and/or headaches. Additionally, circulation problems and skin problems can also be related to incorrectly fitted bras.
With a properly fitted bra, the breasts are supported from underneath and not from the shoulder straps. This alleviates pressure on the shoulders. Despite the importance of correct bra fit, studies have shown that over 70 percent of women wear the wrong size bra.
In addition to the aforementioned health problems, an improperly sized bra can also affect appearance. Poorly fitted bras can make the torso appear bulky. Conversely, a properly sized bra can make one appear slimmer, and also make the wearer's clothes look better on her.
Since a properly sized bra can alleviate a variety of the aforementioned symptoms, allowing women to exercise in greater comfort and possibly removing the need for breast reduction surgery, it is important for well-being to have a properly sized bra.

SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In one aspect, there is provided a bra, comprising: a first cup; a second cup; wherein the first cup comprises a first cup circumference adjustment mechanism; and wherein the second cup comprises a second cup circumference adjustment mechanism.
In another aspect, there is provided a bra wherein the first cup circumference adjustment mechanism comprises: a first adjustment cord; a second adjustment cord; wherein the first adjustment cord is affixed to the bra in a proximal location to a circumference boundary of the first cup on a first side, and wherein the second adjustment cord is affixed to the circumference boundary of the first cup on a second side.
In another aspect, the bra further comprises a first access slot; a second access slot; wherein the first adjustment cord is affixed to an interior portion of the first cup, and wherein the first adjustment cord traverses the first access slot to an exterior surface of the bra; and wherein the second adjustment cord is affixed to an interior portion of the first cup, and wherein the second adjustment cord traverses the second access slot to an exterior surface of the bra.
In another aspect, the bra further comprises a first access slot; a second access slot; and wherein the first adjustment cord is affixed to an interior portion of the first cup, and wherein the first adjustment cord traverses the first access slot to an exterior surface of the bra; and wherein the second adjustment cord is affixed to an interior portion of the first cup, and wherein the second adjustment cord traverses the second access slot to an exterior surface of the bra.
In another aspect, the bra further comprises a first shoulder strap attached to the first cup; a second shoulder strap attached to the second cup; a first fastening mechanism attached to the first shoulder strap; a second fastening mechanism attached to the second shoulder strap; and wherein the first adjustment cord is attachable to the fastening mechanism of the first shoulder strap; and wherein the second adjustment cord is attachable to the fastening mechanism of the first shoulder strap.
In another aspect, there is provided a bra wherein the first fastening mechanism and second fastening mechanism comprise an elastic band.
In another aspect, there is provided a bra wherein the first adjustment cord and second adjustment cord are terminated at a pull-tab.
In another aspect, there is provided a bra wherein the first cup comprises a first underwire support disposed along a lower portion of the first cup, and wherein the second cup comprises a second underwire support disposed along a lower portion of the second cup.
In another aspect, there is provided a bra wherein the first cup circumference adjustment mechanism comprises: a first adjustment ribbon; a second adjustment ribbon; wherein the first adjustment ribbon is affixed to the bra in a proximal location to a circumference boundary on an interior surface of the first cup on a first side, and wherein the second adjustment ribbon is affixed to the bra in a proximal location to a circumference boundary on an interior surface of the first cup on a second side.
In another aspect, the bra further comprises a first fastening mechanism and a second fastening mechanism, wherein the first fastening mechanism is configured and disposed to secure the first adjustment ribbon, and wherein the second fastening mechanism is configured and disposed to secure the second adjustment ribbon.
In another aspect, there is provided a bra wherein the first fastening mechanism comprises a first elastic band, and wherein the second fastening mechanism comprises a second elastic band.
In another aspect, there is provided a bra wherein the first adjustment ribbon and the second adjustment ribbon are secured together at a distal end of each adjustment ribbon.
In another aspect, there is provided a bra comprising a first cup; a second cup; wherein the first cup comprises a first cup circumference adjustment mechanism; and wherein the second cup comprises a second cup circumference adjustment mechanism.
In another aspect, there is provided a bra wherein the first cup circumference adjustment mechanism comprises: a first adjustment cord; a second adjustment cord; wherein the first adjustment cord is affixed to the bra in a proximal location to a circumference boundary of the first cup on a first side, and wherein the second adjustment cord is affixed to the circumference boundary of the first cup on a second side.
In another aspect, there is provided a bra comprising a first access slot formed in the first cup; a second access slot formed in the first cup; and wherein the first adjustment cord is affixed to an interior portion of the first cup, and wherein the first adjustment cord traverses the first access slot to an exterior surface of the bra; and wherein second adjustment cord is affixed to an interior portion of the first cup, and wherein the second adjustment cord traverses the first access slot to an exterior surface of the bra.
In another aspect, there is provided a bra further comprising: a first fastening mechanism affixed to an exterior surface of the first cup; a second fastening mechanism affixed to an exterior surface of the first cup; and wherein the first adjustment cord is attachable to the first fastening mechanism; and wherein the second adjustment cord is attachable to the second fastening mechanism.
In another aspect, there is provided a bra wherein the first fastening mechanism and second fastening mechanism each comprise an elastic band.
In another aspect, there is provided a bra wherein the first cup comprises a first underwire support disposed along a lower portion of the first cup, and wherein the second cup comprises a second underwire support disposed along a lower portion of the second cup.
In another aspect, there is provided a bra comprising: a first cup; a second cup; wherein the first cup comprises a first cup size adjustment mechanism; and wherein the second cup comprises a second cup size adjustment mechanism, and wherein the first cup size adjustment mechanism is independent of the second cup size adjustment mechanism.
In another aspect, there is provided a bra wherein the first cup size adjustment mechanism is located on an interior side of the first cup, and wherein the second cup size adjustment mechanism is located on an interior side of the second cup.
In another aspect, there is provided a bra further comprising: a first shoulder strap; a second shoulder strap; and wherein the first cup size adjustment mechanism is attachable to the first shoulder strap, and wherein the second cup size adjustment mechanism is attachable to the second shoulder strap.
In another aspect, there is provided a bra further comprising an adjustable back section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The structure, operation, and advantages of disclosed embodiments will become further apparent upon consideration of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures (FIGs.). The figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Certain elements in some of the figures may be omitted, or illustrated not-to-scale, for illustrative clarity.

FIG. 1A shows a front view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B shows a rear view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an additional embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows an interior cup view of yet another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5A shows a perspective front view of a strapless embodiment.

FIG. 5B shows a rear view of a strapless embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed embodiments provide a bra with independently adjustable cup sizes. For each cup, a first adjustment cord is affixed to a first side of the cup, and a second adjustment cord is affixed to a second side of the cup. The cords are affixed along the circumference of the cup. The cords are configured and disposed such that, when pulled, the cords function to reduce the cup size. In use, a wearer can pull the cords to customize the cup size for each breast. Thus, disclosed embodiments allow women who may have a breast size that is in between two sizes to quickly make a custom fit. Furthermore, some women may have slightly differently sized breasts. That is, the right breast and left breast of a woman may be of slightly different sizes. Disclosed embodiments enable the wearer to customize each cup independently, such that these conditions can be accommodated. Furthermore, a woman's breasts may change slightly in size over the course of a monthly cycle. With disclosed embodiments, the cups may be adjusted differently each time the bra is worn, accommodating these variations. The result is a bra with cups that maintain a proper fit for the aforementioned situations.
FIG. 1A shows a front view of an embodiment of the present invention. Bra 100 includes a first cup 104A and a second cup 104B. Bra 100 includes a first cup circumference adjustment mechanism 102A for cup 104A. Similarly, bra 100 includes a second cup circumference adjustment mechanism 102B for cup 104B.
Cup circumference adjustment mechanism 102A includes a first adjustment cord 106A and a second adjustment cord 108A. The outer circumference area of the cup is referred to as a circumference boundary. Adjustment cord 106A is affixed to the circumference boundary of the cup 104A at fastening point 110A. Adjustment cord 108A is affixed to the circumference boundary of the cup 104A at fastening point 112A. Fastening point 110A and fastening point 112A may be implemented via stitching to sew the cords (106A and 108A) to their respective fastening points. Thus, in embodiments, the first adjustment cord is affixed to the bra in a proximal location to a circumference boundary of the first cup on a first side, and the second adjustment cord is affixed to the circumference boundary of the first cup on a second side.
Cup 104A further includes a first access slot 114A and a second access slot 116A. The first access slot 114A and the second access slot 116A provide an access from an interior side of the cup to an exterior surface of the bra. The interior side of the cup is the side of the cup that touches the breasts while the bra is being worn.
In embodiments, the first adjustment cord 106A is affixed to an interior portion of the first cup, and the first adjustment cord traverses the first access slot 114A to an exterior surface of the bra, and the second adjustment cord 108A is affixed to an interior portion of the first cup, and the second adjustment cord 108A traverses the second access slot 116A to an exterior surface of the bra.
Bra 100 comprises a shoulder strap 118A. In embodiments, a fastening mechanism is attached to the shoulder strap 118A. In embodiments, the fastening mechanism comprises an elastic band 120A. In embodiments, the first adjustment cord 106A and the second adjustment cord 108A are terminated at a pull-tab 122A. To adjust the cup circumference of cup 104A, a wearer pulls on pull tab 122A through elastic band 120A that is affixed to the shoulder strap 118A. While wearing the bra, the user pulls the pull-tab 122A until the cup 104A reaches the appropriate cup circumference. The tension of the elastic band 120 holds the first adjustment cord 106A and the second adjustment cord 108A in place.
Similarly, cup circumference adjustment mechanism 102B includes a first adjustment cord 106B and a second adjustment cord 108B. The outer circumference area of the cup is referred to as a circumference boundary. Adjustment cord 106B is affixed to the circumference boundary of the cup 104B at fastening point 110B. Adjustment cord 108B is affixed to the circumference boundary of the cup 104B at fastening point 112B. Fastening point 110B and fastening point 112B may be implemented via stitching to sew the cords (106B and 108B) to their respective fastening points.
Cup 104B further includes a first access slot 114B and a second access slot 116B. The first access slot 114B and the second access slot 116B provide an access from an interior side of the cup to an exterior surface of the bra. The interior side of the cup is the side of the cup that touches the breasts while the bra is being worn.
In embodiments, the first adjustment cord 106B is affixed to an interior portion of the first cup, and wherein the first adjustment cord traverses the first access slot 114B to an exterior surface of the bra, and the second adjustment cord 108B is affixed to an interior portion of the first cup, and the second adjustment cord 108B traverses the second access slot 116B to an exterior surface of the bra.
Bra 100 comprises a shoulder strap 118B. In embodiments, a fastening mechanism is attached to the shoulder strap 118B. In embodiments, the fastening mechanism comprises an elastic band 120B. In embodiments, the first adjustment cord 106B and the second adjustment cord 108B are terminated at a pull-tab 122B. To adjust the cup circumference of cup 104B, a wearer pulls on pull tab 122B through elastic band 120B that is affixed to the shoulder strap 118B. While wearing the bra, the user pulls the pull-tab 122B until the cup 104B reaches the appropriate cup circumference. The tension of the elastic band 120 holds the first adjustment cord 106B and the second adjustment cord 108B in place. Thus, cup 104A and cup 104B may be adjusted independently.
FIG. 1B shows a rear view of an embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen in this view, bra 100 includes adjustment ring 132A to adjust the length of shoulder strap 118A. Similarly, bra 100 includes adjustment ring 132B to adjust the length of shoulder strap 118B. Bra 100 further includes backstrap 130 having clasp 134. In embodiments, clasp 134 may be a hook fastener comprising multiple hook positions to provide an adjustable setting for the backstrap. Thus, in embodiments, the bra further comprises an adjustable back section.
FIG. 2 shows an additional embodiment of the present invention. Bra 200 is similar to bra 100 shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, with the key difference being the addition of underwire supports. Underwire support 238A is integrated into cup 204A. Similarly, underwire support 238B is integrated into cup 204B. Thus, disclosed embodiments can be used in bras with and/or without underwire support.
FIG. 3 shows an interior cup view of yet another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows a portion of a bra to show additional detail. The interior side shown is in contact with the breasts while the bra is being worn. In this embodiment, the cup circumference adjustment mechanism is concealed on the interior surface of the cup.
FIG. 4 shows a front view of an embodiment that includes the cup circumference adjustment mechanism shown in FIG. 3. Bra 400 includes cup 404A and cup 404B. Cup 404A includes cup circumference adjustment mechanism 402A that is concealed on the interior surface of cup 404A, and thus not visible when the bra 400 is worn. Similarly, cup 404B includes cup circumference adjustment mechanism 402B that is concealed on the interior surface of cup 404B, and thus not visible when the bra 400 is worn. Cup 404A may be adjusted independently of cup 404B.
FIG. 5A shows a perspective front view of a strapless embodiment. Bra 500 is strapless, referring to the style that does not use shoulder straps (compare with 118A and 118B of FIG. 1A). Such an embodiment may be well-suited for use with a strapless dress, gown, or other attire that warrants the use of a strapless bra. The bra 500 includes a first cup 504A and a second cup 504B affixed to, or formed within a torso portion 522. For the sake of clarity, reference numbers are shown only for the cup size adjustment mechanism for cup 504B. Cup 504A has a cup size adjustment mechanism similar to that of cup 504B.
The cup size adjustment mechanism includes a first adjustment cord 552 and a second adjustment cord 554. The first adjustment cord 552 is affixed to the bra in a proximal location to a circumference boundary of the cup 504B on a first side at fastening point 512. The second adjustment cord 554 is affixed to the circumference boundary of the cup 504B on a second side at fastening point 510. Fastening point 510 and fastening point 512 may be implemented via stitching to sew the cords (554 and 552) to their respective fastening points. The fastening points 510 and 512 are located on an interior surface of cup 504B.
Cup 504B includes a first access slot 546 and a second access slot 548. The first adjustment cord 552 traverses access slot 546. Similarly, the second adjustment cord 554 traverses access slot 548. A first fastening mechanism 542 is affixed to the exterior surface cup 504B. Similarly, a second fastening mechanism 544 is affixed to the exterior surface of cup 504B. In embodiments, the first fastening mechanism 542 and the second fastening mechanism 544 comprise elastic bands. During use, a user wears the bra, and then pulls each adjustment cord until the fit of cup 504B is as desired and tucks the cords underneath one or both of the fastening mechanisms to secure them in place. A similar mechanism and process is used for cup 504A. In this way, the advantages of the individually adjustable cup sizes are combined with a strapless bra.
FIG. 5B shows a rear view of a strapless embodiment. As can be seen in this view, bra 500 includes torso portion 522 having clasp 534. In embodiments, clasp 534 may be a hook fastener comprising multiple hook positions to provide an adjustable setting for the backstrap. Thus, the torso portion 522 goes around the torso of the wearer to hold the bra 500 in place without the use of shoulder straps.
In yet other embodiments, the bra may further include an adjustable back section. The adjustable back section may be adjusted using clasps, strings, buckles, hook-and-loop fasteners, and/or other suitable mechanisms. This can provide another degree of adjustability for enabling enhanced comfort of the wearer.
As can now be appreciated, disclosed embodiments provide a bra with independently adjustable cup sizes. Proper bra sizing is important for both health and aesthetics. The adjustable cups of disclosed embodiments allow the cups to change size each time the bra is worn, accommodating any differences over the course of a monthly cycle. Thus, disclosed embodiments enable a new level of comfort and convenience for the wearer.
When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. Similarly, the adjective “another,” when used to introduce an element, is intended to mean one or more elements. The terms “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive such that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.
Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A bra, comprising:

a first cup;

a second cup;

wherein the first cup comprises a first cup circumference adjustment mechanism; and

wherein the second cup comprises a second cup circumference adjustment mechanism.

2. The bra of claim 1, wherein the first cup circumference adjustment mechanism comprises:

a first adjustment cord;

a second adjustment cord;

wherein the first adjustment cord is affixed to the bra in a proximal location to a circumference boundary of the first cup on a first side, and wherein the second adjustment cord is affixed to the circumference boundary of the first cup on a second side.

3. The bra of claim 2, further comprising:

a first access slot;

a second access slot;

and wherein the first adjustment cord is affixed to an interior portion of the first cup;

wherein the first adjustment cord traverses the first access slot to an exterior surface of the bra;

wherein the second adjustment cord is affixed to an interior portion of the first cup; and

wherein the second adjustment cord traverses the second access slot to an exterior surface of the bra.

4. The bra of claim 3, further comprising:

a first shoulder strap attached to the first cup;

a second shoulder strap attached to the second cup;

a first fastening mechanism attached to the first shoulder strap;

a second fastening mechanism attached to the second shoulder strap;

wherein the first adjustment cord is attachable to the fastening mechanism of the first shoulder strap; and

wherein the second adjustment cord is attachable to the fastening mechanism of the first shoulder strap.

5. The bra of claim 4, wherein the first fastening mechanism and second fastening mechanism comprise an elastic band.

6. The bra of claim 5, wherein the first adjustment cord and second adjustment cord are terminated at a pull-tab.

7. The bra of claim 1, wherein the first cup comprises a first underwire support disposed along a lower portion of the first cup, and wherein the second cup comprises a second underwire support disposed along a lower portion of the second cup.

8. The bra of claim 1, wherein the first cup circumference adjustment mechanism comprises:

a first adjustment ribbon;

a second adjustment ribbon;

wherein the first adjustment ribbon is affixed to the bra in a proximal location to a circumference boundary on an interior surface of the first cup on a first side, and

wherein the second adjustment ribbon is affixed to the bra in a proximal location to a circumference boundary on an interior surface of the first cup on a second side.

9. The bra of claim 8, further comprising a first fastening mechanism and a second fastening mechanism, wherein the first fastening mechanism is configured and disposed to secure the first adjustment ribbon, and wherein the second fastening mechanism is configured and disposed to secure the second adjustment ribbon.

10. The bra of claim 9, wherein the first fastening mechanism comprises a first elastic band, and wherein the second fastening mechanism comprises a second elastic band.

11. The bra of claim 8, wherein the first adjustment ribbon and the second adjustment ribbon are secured together at a distal end of each adjustment ribbon.

12. A strapless bra, comprising:

a first cup;

a second cup;

13. The strapless bra of claim 12, wherein the first cup circumference adjustment mechanism comprises:

a first adjustment cord;

a second adjustment cord;

14. The strapless bra of claim 13, further comprising:

a first access slot formed in the first cup;

a second access slot formed in the first cup; and

wherein the first adjustment cord is affixed to an interior portion of the first cup;

wherein second adjustment cord is affixed to an interior portion of the first cup, and

wherein the second adjustment cord traverses the first access slot to an exterior surface of the bra.

15. The strapless bra of claim 14, further comprising:

a first fastening mechanism affixed to an exterior surface of the first cup;

a second fastening mechanism affixed to an exterior surface of the first cup;

and wherein the first adjustment cord is attachable to the first fastening mechanism; and

wherein the second adjustment cord is attachable to the second fastening mechanism.

16. The strapless bra of claim 15, wherein the first fastening mechanism and second fastening mechanism each comprise an elastic band.

17. The strapless bra of claim 12, wherein the first cup comprises a first underwire support disposed along a lower portion of the first cup, and wherein the second cup comprises a second underwire support disposed along a lower portion of the second cup.

18. A bra, comprising:

a first cup;

a second cup;

wherein the first cup comprises a first cup size adjustment mechanism;

wherein the second cup comprises a second cup size adjustment mechanism; and

wherein the first cup size adjustment mechanism is independent of the second cup size adjustment mechanism.

19. The bra of claim 18, wherein the first cup size adjustment mechanism is located on an interior side of the first cup, and wherein the second cup size adjustment mechanism is located on an interior side of the second cup.

20. The bra of claim 18, further comprising:

a first shoulder strap;

a second shoulder strap;

wherein the first cup size adjustment mechanism is attachable to the first shoulder strap, and

wherein the second cup size adjustment mechanism is attachable to the second shoulder strap.

21. The bra of claim 20, further comprising an adjustable back section.