Abstract:
A foundation garment enhances cleavage by positioning and supporting the breasts in a more inward position. The foundation garment permits a woman to selectively adjust and control the amount of inward movement of the breasts as desired.

Description:
Related Application  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/099,844, filed 6 Apr. 2005. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     This invention relates to foundation garments. In particular, the invention relates to adjustable brassieres. Women commonly wear a brassiere to support the breasts and to control excessive and/or undesired movement of the breasts. In addition to controlling movement of the breasts, many brassieres also provide an underwire or other means of lifting the breasts upward to provide a more cosmetically-appealing figure. The amount of upward lift is typically only minimally adjustable through the use of adjustable shoulder straps.  
         [0003]     Conventional brassieres do not provide the ability to move or hold the breasts in a more inward position. The positioning and holding of the breasts in a more inward position is desirable because it enhances cleavage. This is particularly desirable if the woman is wearing a low cut top or garment over the brassiere.  
         [0004]     The need remains for a brassiere that enhances cleavage by positioning and supporting the breasts in a more inward position. In particular, the need remains for a brassiere that permits a woman to selectively adjust and control the amount of inward movement of the breasts as desired, e.g., depending on whether she is wearing a low cut or higher cut garment over the brassiere.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     A foundation garment enhances cleavage by positioning and supporting the breasts in a more inward position. The foundation garment permits a woman to selectively adjust and control the amount of inward movement of the breasts as desired.  
         [0006]     According to one aspect of the invention, a foundation garment comprises left and right breast support regions comprising a material having a first elasticity. A left band extends in use along at least a portion of the left breast support region. The left band has a first end positionable at or near the lateral margin of the left breast and a second end positionable at or near the medial margin of the left breast and enables placement of the left band, at least in part, on at least a portion of the underside of the left breast. A right band extends in use along at least a portion of the right breast support region. The right band has a first end positionable at or near the lateral margin of the right breast and a second end positionable at or near the medial margin of the right breast and enables placement of the right band, at least in part, on at least a portion of the underside of the right breast. The left and right bands are of a second elasticity greater than the first elasticity. Means are provided for applying a pulling force to the second end of the left band to position the left breast in a more inward position. Means are also provided for applying a pulling force to the second end of the right band to position the right breast in a more inward position.  
         [0007]     In one embodiment, the left and right support regions comprise cups and the left and right bands extend along essentially the entire length of the left and right cups respectively.  
         [0008]     In one embodiment, the foundation garment is front-closing. In another embodiment, the foundation garment is back-closing. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a brassiere permitting adjustable inward movement of the breasts in an open or unlatched configuration.  
         [0010]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the brassiere shown in  FIG. 1  in a closed or latched configuration.  
         [0011]      FIG. 3  illustrates the coupling of a first strap to an interior surface of the brassiere.  
         [0012]      FIG. 4  illustrates the adjustment of the first strap to position the first breast in a more inward position.  
         [0013]      FIG. 5  illustrates the coupling of a second strap to an exterior surface of the brassiere.  
         [0014]      FIG. 6  illustrates the adjustment of the second strap to position the second breast in a more inward position.  
         [0015]      FIG. 7  illustrates the placement of the breasts with the first and second straps in a first position.  
         [0016]      FIG. 8  illustrates the adjustment of the first and second straps to a second position in which the breasts have been positioned further inward relative to the first position to enhance cleavage.  
         [0017]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0018]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a brassiere permitting adjustable inward movement of the breasts in an open or unlatched configuration.  
         [0019]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the brassiere shown in  FIG. 10  in a closed or latched configuration.  
         [0020]      FIG. 12  is an enlarged fragmentary view of the adjustable cup strap shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 .  
         [0021]      FIG. 13  illustrates the adjustment of the strap shown in  FIG. 12  to position the breasts in a more inward position.  
         [0022]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a brassiere permitting inward movement of the breast in an open or unlatched position.  
         [0023]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the brassiere shown in  FIG. 14  in a closed or latched configuration. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0024]      FIGS. 1-8  illustrate a foundation garment, i.e., a brassiere  10 , which permits selective adjustment to position the breasts in a more inward position. While the features will be described in accordance with a brassiere  10 , it is to be understood that features of the invention are also suitable for use in a variety of other breast support and foundation garments, including but not limited to bathing suit tops, halter tops, pajama or nightgown tops, and other types of lingerie.  
         [0025]     It is also to be understood that while the features are illustrated in accordance with a conventional style of brassiere  10 , the specific style of brassiere  10  may be varied, e.g., strapless, halter-style, athletic brassiere, etc.  
         [0026]     As best shown in  FIG. 1 , the brassiere  10  is a front-closing brassiere having a pair of conventional right and left cups,  12 R and  12 L respectively, available in standard cup sizes (e.g., A, B, C, etc.). Shoulder straps  14 R and  14 L are adjustable respectively by conventional adjustment members, e.g., sliding rings  16 R and  16 L. A first adjustable strap  18 R is attached to the first or right cup  12 R by a first tab  20 R. A second adjustable strap  18 L is similarly attached to the second or left cup  12 L by a second tab  20 L. Straps  18 R and  18 L may be attached to tabs  20 R and  20 L by any suitable attachment means. In the illustrated embodiment, the straps  18 R and  18 L are attached by use of rings  22 R and  22 L respectively. In a preferred embodiment, straps  18 R and  18 L are formed of an elastic material and are desirably of a greater elasticity than the material forming cups  12 R and  12 L.  
         [0027]     Strap  18 R includes a fixation member, e.g., hook  24 R, which couples with a complementary fixation member, e.g., eyelet  26 L, on the inner surface  28  of the opposing side of the brassiere  10  in an area beyond left cup  12 L. Coupling of fixation members  24 R and  26 L positions and extends the strap  18 R, in use, along the left cup  12 L, as best shown in  FIG. 2 . Similarly, strap  18 L includes a fixation member, e.g., hook  24 L, which couples with a complementary fixation member, e.g., eyelet  26 R, on the outer surface  30  of the opposing side of the brassiere  10  in an area beyond right cup  12 R (see  FIG. 5 ). Coupling of fixation members  24 L and  26 R positions and extends the strap  18 L, in use, along the right cup  12 R, as also best shown in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0028]     It will be apparent to one of skill in the art that the position of eyelets  26 R and  26 L relative to cups  12 R and  12 L may vary as desired. For example, eyelets  26 R and  26 L may be positioned on or along the respective cup  12 R and  12 L or at any point beyond the respective cup  12 R and  12 L. In addition, the height of the eyelets  26 R and  26 L along the brassiere  10  may be varied as desired. Raising the vertical height of placement of the eyelets  26 R and  26 L will serve to provide additional uplift to the breasts RB and LB.  
         [0029]     It will also be apparent to one of skill in the art that a variety of other types fixation members may be used, including, by way of example and not limitation, snaps, buttons, Velcro™, etc. Straps  18 R and  18 L desirably include conventional adjustment members, e.g., sliding rings  32 R and  32 L. Each strap  18 R and  18 L is attached to its respective ring  32 R or  32 L at one end (end opposite fixation member  24 R or  24 L) to permit sliding of the ring  32 R or  32 L as is well-known in the art to permit selective adjustment (i.e., tightening and loosening) of the straps  18 R and  18 L.  
         [0030]     In use, the wearer first secures the right strap  18 R in place by coupling fixation elements  24 R and  26 L, as shown in  FIG. 3 . Strap  18 R extends from at or near the lateral margin  34 L of the left breast LB to at or near the medial margin  36 L of the left breast LB along the underside  38 L of the left breast LB (see  FIGS. 7 and 8 ). As  FIG. 4  illustrates, the wearer then adjusts the adjustment member  32 R as desired. As strap  18 R is shortened, pressure is increased on cup  12 R to move the right breast (RB) inward.  
         [0031]     The wearer then secures the left strap  18 L in place by coupling fixation elements  24 L and  26 R, as seen in  FIG. 5 . Strap  18 L extends from at or near the lateral margin  34 R of the right breast RB to at or near the medial margin  36 R of the right breast RB along the underside  38 R of the right breast RB (see  FIGS. 7 and 8 ). The wearer then adjusts the adjustment member  32 L as desired, as  FIG. 6  illustrates. As strap  18 L is shortened, pressure is increased on cup  12 L to move the left breast (LB) inward.  
         [0032]     The wearer is thereby able to selectively adjust both straps  18 R and  18 L as desired. In this manner, the adjustability of the straps  18 R and  18 L permits the wearer to selectively adjust between a first position, shown in  FIG. 7 , and a second position, shown in  FIG. 8 , in which the breasts RB and LB are supported in a more inward position relative to  FIG. 7 , thereby enhancing cleavage (C). Independent adjustment of straps  18 R and  18 L also permits the wearer to adjust for comfort and according to ribcage size.  
         [0033]     The brassiere  10  allows the wearer the versatility of adjusting the brassiere  10  according to specific needs or specific clothing. For example, the brassiere  10  can be worn as shown in  FIG. 7  with a high cut top. The wearer can then adjust the brassiere  10  as shown in  FIG. 8  when changing to a lower cut top without the need to change into another brassiere, e.g, when changing from daytime or casual wear to evening or dress wear.  
         [0034]      FIG. 9  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the brassiere  10  shown in  FIGS. 1-8 . In this embodiment, eyelet  26 R is located on the inner surface  28  of the brassiere  10  in an area beyond right cup  12 R (rather than on the outer surface  30 ) . Eyelet  26 L is located on the outer surface  30  of the brassiere  10  in an area beyond left cup  12 L (rather than on the inner surface  28 ). In use, the wearer first secures the left strap  18 L in place by coupling fixation elements  24 L and  26 R. The adjustment member  32 L is then adjusted as previously described to position the left breast (LB) as desired. The wearer then secures the right strap  18 R in place by coupling fixation elements  24 R and  26 L. The adjustment member  32 R is then adjusted as also previously described to position the right breast (RB) as desired.  
         [0035]      FIGS. 10-13  illustrate another alternative embodiment of a foundation garment or brassiere  100  that permits selective adjustment to position the breasts in a more inward position. It is to be understood that features of the invention are also suitable for use in a variety of other breast support and foundation garments.  
         [0036]     It is also to be understood that while the features are illustrated in accordance with a conventional style of brassiere  100 , the specific style of brassiere  100  may be varied, e.g., strapless, halter-style, athletic brassiere, etc.  
         [0037]     The brassiere  100  is a back-closing brassiere having a pair of conventional cups  112 , available in standard cup sizes (e.g., A, B, C, etc.). Shoulder straps  114  are adjustable by conventional adjustment members, e.g., sliding rings  116 .  
         [0038]     An elastic member or band  134  extends along each cup  112 . The elastic band  134  is of greater elasticity than the material forming cups  112 . In the illustrated embodiment, the band  134  is positioned along the cup  112  on the inside surface  142  of the cup  112 . Alternatively, the band  134  may be positioned along the cup  112  on the outer surface  144  of the cup  112  (not shown). In yet another embodiment, the band  134  may be positioned between layers of fabric forming the cup  112  (not shown). Each band  134  desirably extends along at least a portion of its respective cup  112 , and more preferably along the entire length of cup  112 .  
         [0039]     The elastic bands  134  are attached to opposing ends of an adjustable member or strap  136 , e.g., by rings  138  or other suitable coupling means. A first end of strap  136  is attached to ring  140  and the opposing end of strap  136  is attached to coupling element  136  to permit sliding of the ring  140  as is well-known in the art to allow selective adjustment (i.e., tightening and loosening) of the strap  136 .  
         [0040]     In use, each band  134  is positioned to extend from at or near the lateral margin  34 L or  34 R of its respective breast LB or RB to at or near the medial margin  36 L or  34 R of the breast LB or RB along the underside  38 L or  38 R of the breast LB or RB (see  FIG. 13 )  
         [0041]     Tightening the strap  136  by pulling the ring  140  in a first direction places pressure on elastic bands  134  to place the breasts in a more inward position, thereby enhancing cleavage C. Conversely, loosening the strap  136  by pulling the ring  140  in a second or opposite direction releases pressure on the elastic bands  134 , thereby causing the breasts to move to a more relaxed and less inward position.  
         [0042]      FIGS. 14 and 15  show an additional alternative embodiment of a foundation garment that permits selective adjustment to position the breasts in a more inward position. The brassiere  210  is a back closing brassiere having a pair of conventional right and left cups  212 R and  212 L respectively, available in standard cup sizes (e.g. A, B, C, etc.). Shoulder straps  214 R and  214 L are adjustable by conventional adjustment members, e.g., sliding rings  216 R and  216 L. A first adjustable strap  218 R is attached to the first or right cup  212 R by a first tab  220 R. A second adjustable strap  218 L is attached to the second or left cup  212 L by a second tab  220 L. Straps  218 R and  218 L may be attached to tabs  220 R and  220 L by any suitable attachment means. In the illustrated embodiment, the straps  218 R and  218 L are attached by use of rings  222 R and  222 L respectively. However, it is contemplated that any conventional means of attachment could be utilized. In a preferred embodiment, straps  218 R and  218 L are formed of an elastic material and are desirable of a greater elasticity than the material forming cups  212 R and  212 L.  
         [0043]     The strap  218 R extends under the left cup  212 L and through a loop  250 L attached to outer lower portion of the left cup  212 L. The end of the strap  218 R is then attached to the side portion of the brassiere in an area  252 L beyond the left cup  212 L. Similarly, strap  218 L extends under the right cup  212 R and through a loop  250 R attached to the outer lower portion of the right cup  218 R. The end of the strap  218 L is then attached to the side portion of the brassiere in an area  252 R beyond the right cup  212 R.  
         [0044]     In the illustrated embodiment, strap  218 R is positioned between the layers of fabric forming the side portion  252 L of the brassiere. The illustrated embodiment is a conventional brassiere style wherein the side portion of the brassiere includes an elastic portion sewn to the inside surface of side portion  252 L of the brassiere. The strap  218 R is positioned between the elastic member and the fabric of the side portion  252 L. Alternatively the strap  218 R could be positioned on the outside surface of the fabric. In yet another embodiment, the strap  218 R could be positioned along the inside surface of the side  252 L of the brassiere. The strap  218 R is fixed in its position. In the preferred embodiment the strap  218 R is sewn in place, however any conventional method of fixing the strap  218 R in place may be used, including, by way of example and not limitation, snaps, buttons, Velcro™, etc.  
         [0045]     The other strap  218 L is positioned in the same manner as described for strap  218 R above. The strap  218 L is preferably positioned between the layers of fabric forming the side portion  252 R of the brassiere. The illustrated embodiment is a conventional brassiere style wherein the side portion of the brassiere includes an elastic portion sewn to the inside surface of side portion  252 R of the brassiere. The strap  218 L is positioned between the elastic member and the fabric of the side portion  252 R. Alternatively the strap  218 L could be positioned on the outside surface of the fabric. In yet another embodiment, the strap  218 L could be positioned along the inside surface of the side  252 R of the brassiere. The strap  218 L is fixed in its position. Again, in the preferred embodiment the strap  218 L is sewn in place, however any conventional method of fixing the strap  218 L in place may be used, including, by way of example and not limitation, snaps, buttons, Velcro™, etc.  
         [0046]     It will be apparent to one of skill in the art that the position of the end of the straps  218 R and  218 L relative to the cups  212 R and  212 L may vary as desired. For example, the straps  218 R and  218 L could be fixed at any point on or along the respective cups  212 R and  212 L or at any point beyond the respective cups  212 R and  212 L.  
         [0047]     Straps  218 R and  218 L preferable include conventional adjustment members, e.g., sliding rings  232 R and  232 L. Each strap  218 R and  218 L is attached to its respective ring  232 R and  232 L at one end to permit sliding of the ring  232 R or  232 L as is well known in the art to permit selective adjustment (i.e., tightening and loosening) of the straps  218 R and  218 L.  
         [0048]     In use, the wearer first secures the back clasp of the brassiere. The wearer is then able to selectively adjust both straps  218 R and  218 L as desired. Either strap can be adjusted first. For purposes of explanation, strap  218 R will be discussed first. Strap  218 R extends from at or near the medial margin of the right cup  212 R to at or near the lateral margin of the left cup  212 L along the underside of the left cup  212 L. The wearer then adjusts the adjustment member  232 R as desired. As strap  218 R is shortened, pressure is increased on right cup  212 R to move the right breast inward.  
         [0049]     Similarly, the left strap  218 L can be adjusted. Strap  218 L extends from at or near the medial margin of the left cup  212 L to at or near the lateral margin of the right cup  212 R along the underside of the right cup  212 R. The wearer then adjusts the adjustment member  232 L as desired. As strap  218 L is shortened, pressure is increased on cup  212 L to move the left breast inward.  
         [0050]     In this manner, the adjustability of the straps  218 R and  218 L allows the wearer to select between a first position and a second position in which the breasts are supported in a more inward position, thereby enhancing cleavage. The first and second positions are shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8  with regard to the previous embodiment, however the breast position would be the same with a brassiere according to the present embodiment.  
         [0051]     The brassiere  210  allows the wearer the versatility of adjusting the brassiere  210  according to specific needs or specific clothing without the need to changer into another brassiere.